KFMC Health Improvement Partners Presents Inaugural Award Recognizing Equity, Innovation
KFMC Health Improvement Partners (KFMC, Inc.) is pleased to present its first annual Health Equity Innovation Award at the second annual Health Equity Summit on October 27, 2023. The Summit, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and multiple state partners, brings together equity leaders and health champions from across Kansas to strengthen and accelerate the shared mission of fairness and optimal health outcomes for all people.
Seven Kansas healthcare organizations are nominated for the award:
- KAT Residency Program at Heartland Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, Salina, KS
- Holton Community Hospital, Holton, KS
- Labette Health Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic, Parsons, KS
- LMH Health, Lawrence, KS
- Phillips County Health Systems, Phillipsburg, KS
- Stormont-Vail Health, Topeka, KS
- Sunset Home Senior Living Community, Concordia, KS
“Each of these outstanding nominees champion important, meaningful work that creates equitable and just opportunities for better health for all people,” said Sarah Irsik-Good, MHA, President and Chief Executive Officer. “KFMC is proud to work alongside them to create healthcare initiatives that empower consumers to achieve better health and helps healthcare professionals provide optimal care and safer environments.”
According to Irsik-Good, the Health Equity Innovation Award will be presented annually to recognize organizations or individuals who have created and implemented new and inventive ways to reduce health disparities and promote health equity in their community. “We want to acknowledge the advancement of health equity in areas such as technology, workforce, culture, social determinants of health and community partnerships,” she explained. These innovations may include, but are not limited to:
- Technology-based solutions like mobile health apps, telemedicine and wearable devices that can improve access to healthcare services and information;
- Community Health Worker programs that train community members to serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and communities, including health education and advocacy;
- Culturally tailored interventions that consider cultural beliefs and values to improve health outcomes, including language services and diverse community representation;
- Social determinants of health interventions that address access to affordable housing, education and job training, and income support that improve health equity; and
- Collaborative partnerships that foster innovative approaches to address health disparities and leverage resources, expertise and collective action that tackle complex health equity challenges.
The winner of the Health Equity Innovation Award will be acknowledged at the event and in social media and marketing campaigns. Additionally, the winner will receive a cash award of $500. Nominees are evaluated by a panel of independent judges from various sectors that are affected by health disparities and inequities.
The award will be presented at the Kansas Health Equity Summit, October 27, 2023, at 11:15 am CDT in the Powerhouse Room, 2nd Floor of the Sunflower Foundation, 5820 SW 6th Ave, in Topeka, Kansas.
