Transforming Public Health for the 21st Century: Bridging Theory to Practice

A digital illustration features a blue, polygonal butterfly emerging from fragmented geometric shapes, symbolizing transformation. The background is dark with a faint dotted world map. Bold text in blue and white reads, "Transforming Public Health for the 21st Century" and "Bridging Theory to Practice." The Kansas Health Institute logo is displayed at the bottom right corner.

This blog series will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by the public health sector and will introduce innovative ideas and unique voices to support transformation.

 

 

Nov. 24, 2025

Growing Health: How Horticultural Therapy Is Changing Lives in Cowley County

By Amy Jo McWhirt

At Winfield Correctional Facility in Cowley County, Kansas, horticultural therapy builds job skills and fosters service through food pantry donations. As a KHI storytelling contest winner, this blog shows how public health can create spaces where physical, mental and social healing take root and flourish.

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Learn more about this blog series.

 

About the Author

Dr. Kevin A. Kovach is a passionate social epidemiologist and public health change agent with over 20 years of experience in the field. With a strong track record of leading strategic change initiatives, he has worked at the local, state, and national levels. Currently serving as a Senior Analyst at the Kansas Health Institute (KHI), Dr. Kovach focuses on promoting population health, upstream solutions, strategic change, and evidence-based practice. Prior to joining KHI, he led the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Population and Community Health Department and played a key role in launching their Center for Diversity and Health Equity. Dr. Kovach’s extensive background includes working in state and local health departments in Michigan, Missouri, and Kansas. Holding a master’s degree in Epidemiology and a Doctor of Public Health Degree in Leadership, he is uniquely equipped to bridge the gap between the evidence and practice for transformative public health change.

About this Blog Series

The blog series Transforming Public Health presents a compelling argument for the critical need for public health systems change in advancing our nation’s health. Its primary objective is to distill complex change management theories into actionable solutions tailored specifically for public health leaders and change agents. Through an extensive array of essays, insights, and diverse perspectives, Transforming Public Health showcases how leadership, strategy, and change management principles can be applied to public health issues. Our goal is to unleash the imagination of public health professionals and to inspire courageous action towards creating the public health system that we need in Kansas and beyond.

Transforming Public Health for the 21st Century is a monthly series about public health transformation. Sign up here to receive these summaries and more, and also follow KHI on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Previous editions of this blog can be found on our ARCHIVE PAGE.