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Kansas Health Policy Analysis

Policy Analysis

KHI is committed to providing high-quality, nonpartisan and evidence-based policy analysis. This allows state and local policymakers, as well as other stakeholders, to make informed, data-driven decisions about issues impacting the health and well-being of Kansans. We identify and systematically compare potential policy options and collaborate with stakeholders to present and discuss the learnings.

Our Expertise

  • Identifying, developing and describing policy options

  • Assessing the impact of policies after implementation

  • Evaluating policy options and alternatives in terms of their potential health and economic impact

  • Preparing infographics, issue briefs, reports and other tools designed to disseminate information to a wide variety of audiences

Sample projects

Medicaid Expansion

What Kansas Can Learn from Medicaid Expansion in Other States

This issue brief examined different state approaches to Medicaid expansion, as well as enrollment and cost trends and the effects of expansion on health outcomes and state economies. It was published to inform the debate as the Legislature considered expanding Medicaid to low-income Kansans.

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Medical marijuana prescription

Analysis of State Medical Marijuana Laws

Recent blog posts examined medical marijuana programs across the nation and compared two bills considered in the Kansas Legislature. This edition of A Kansas Twist summarized and analyzed some of the key features of comprehensive medical marijuana laws in other states, including registration requirements, medical conditions, possession limits and cultivation regulations. These legislative provisions have been at the center of the medical marijuana policy debate in Kansas and were featured in a Health at the Capitol blog comparing two Kansas bills.

Smoking Youth

Youth Access to Tobacco: Tobacco 21 Enforcement Study and Tobacco Retail Outlet Density

This report, produced through a partnership with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, Public Health Department, looked at local enforcement of the Tobacco 21 initiative adopted by Kansas City, Kansas, in November 2015. The report found that new and current adopters of Tobacco 21 might consider including enforcement provisions and funding mechanisms in their ordinances.

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Why KHI?

Expertise

For more than 25 years, we have developed a deep understanding of Kansas policy issues, systems, opportunities and challenges. With this in mind, we’ve crafted our services to meet the needs of our local, county, state and national partners.

KHI Employees

Why KHI?

Objectivity

KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to be champions for a healthier Kansas.

KHI Employees

Why KHI?

Results

We provide actionable information for decision-makers working to improve the health of Kansans. We collaborate across sectors and jurisdictions to deliver services and products that support effective policymaking.

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Get Started Today

Experts at KHI can help you identify opportunities for achieving your policy and program goals.

To learn more about our Policy Analysis services, contact Linda J. Sheppard, J.D., Senior Analyst and Strategy Team Leader.

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As a policy maker and local government elected official, the KHI website is an invaluable resource. I can find both the current information and the background data that are critical for creating sound health policy and making good, informed decisions for the benefit of my community.

- Brian McKiernan, Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS

Over the last 15+ years, I’ve had the pleasure to work with the Kansas Health Institute (KHI) on a variety of projects and initiatives. I have found their services and, more importantly, their people, to be invaluable to advancing our shared goal of realizing a healthier Kansas. The technical assistance and policy analysis they have provided to the E-Cigarette/Vaping Task Force has been critical to the work of the task force, including the development of model comprehensive tobacco-free policies for Kansas schools. Their research & evaluation services are an integral part of the process of assessing the effectiveness of the first-ever ECHO project that is focusing on Vaping cessation. Whether it has been related to these two projects, the Kansas County Health Rankings development and dissemination, the School Health-Related Services project, their technical assistance is outstanding. Finally, I want to extend my appreciation for the use of their facilities for meetings of the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness, the Kansas Public Health Association board, and the BCBSKS Pathways planning committee. They are a true partner with both the exceptional services they offer, but also their high-quality staff.

- Dr. Mark Thompson, Education Program Consultant for Health & Physical Education, Kansas State Department of Education

In our service to county governments, the Kansas Association of Counties provides education, legislative representation, and technical assistance to local county government policymakers across the state. We’ve regularly referenced KHI’s research and policy analysis content when considering issues impacting the health of Kansas counties. During the pandemic, KAC collaborated with KHI when they were collecting and tracking the high volume of rapidly changing information concerning county-level reopening plans and COVID-19 mitigation measures. KAC appreciated being involved in this unique effort with KHI to conduct outreach with county elected officials and staff and to ultimately use their data analysis and blogs that resulted from this work.

- Kimberly Qualls, Education & Communications Director, Kansas Association of Counties

Work with KHI

If you would like to explore the possibility of working with KHI, please contact us! We would be happy to discuss possible approaches, timeline and cost.

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