Introducing Health Forward’s new funding approach

December 7, 2022
We have spent the last year implementing the foundation of our new purpose plan and sunsetting our previous funding areas — Healthy Communities, Mental Health, Safety Net, and applicant defined […]
How we will advance health equity in our communities

July 22, 2022
After announcing our new purpose and strategies earlier this year, we are excited to share the “how” of our new plan to advance health equity in our communities. Because this language can […]
Brighter together: Happy holidays from Health Forward

December 20, 2021
Our voices are brighter when we come together as a community. We want to thank all of you for your part in the work we did in the community this […]
A look back on 2020

January 20, 2021
2020 was a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic, glaring health injustices for people of color, the economic downturn, racial unrest, and political polarization have all challenged our health, […]
Zooming into the holidays

December 21, 2020
We are rapidly approaching the end of what has seemed like a 600-day year. We are ready to turn the page on 2020 and approach the coming year with hope. […]
Frequently asked questions (and answers!) about Health Forward’s refined focus

October 22, 2020
Editor’s note: On Sept. 30, Health Forward hosted a virtual celebration for our 15th anniversary. During the event, president/CEO Qiana Thomason inspired us with the announcement of Health Forward’s focus […]
Anniversary celebration recap

October 8, 2020
Thank you to everyone who attended our virtual celebration in honor of Health Forward’s 15 years! We were overwhelmed by the engaged audience comments during the event. If you were […]
Join us for our virtual anniversary celebration

September 25, 2020
Updated: Watch the event live. We invite you to download these pages and color while you watch. Be sure to share your masterpiece on social media with #HealthForward15 so we […]
Art for KC Voices collection shares the real story of food insecurity

September 15, 2020
In 2019, five local artists were commissioned to create works reflecting on racial and economic inequities associated with nutrition assistance programs and how food policy shapes access to healthy food. […]
We’re asking: How has the pandemic impacted your organization?

May 14, 2020
Sometimes the best response is silence. That’s the approach we have taken on our blog since the onset of the pandemic. In mid-March, we suspended posting anything not related to […]
A look back at 2019

January 2, 2020
As we all file back to work in the new decade, we pause to celebrate a time-honored tradition here at Health Forward by recapping highlights from the previous year. Here’s […]
Programs target critical early phases of child development

September 19, 2019
Circumstances beyond a child’s control can shape his or her destiny, for better or worse, far into the future. That’s why helping children avert a cascade of lifelong problems triggered […]
Comprehensive approach targets asthma in Kansas City

August 2, 2019
Combating an elusive, often-overlooked killer that preys on the youngest and most vulnerable among Kansas City’s African-American community is the objective behind Asthma Empowerment-Kansas City, a far-reaching program supported by […]
A look back at 2018

January 14, 2019
Before we are too solidly into 2019, we want to stop, catch our breath, and take a look back at what a big year 2018 was for our communities and […]
‘Tis the season to be grateful

December 19, 2018
Well, here it is, dear readers. The end of another busy year, with the biggest news being our new brand reveal. In the image above, you’ll see the roughly 170 […]
Group harvests cornucopia of fruits and vegetables for area at-risk populations

October 25, 2018
Fresh fruit and vegetables — and the health benefits that go with them — unfortunately remain out of reach for many with insufficient means. But thanks to a powerhouse Kansas […]
Introducing new way to access Health Forward applicant defined grant documents

August 1, 2018
We know applying for grants takes time and resources from each of our applicants. We respect that time and effort, so we’re continually seeking ways to reduce the burden of […]
Health and wellness conversations on the blog

July 5, 2018
Part of our work to ignite a culture of health in our region is advocating for health and wellness. One of our advocacy efforts is this blog. We love to […]
Double Up Food Bucks spurs produce purchasing, healthier diets

April 19, 2018
Government aid remains essential in the fight against hunger for the area’s most vulnerable populations. Yet there’s no guarantee those in need can or will use their benefits to support […]
Thriving urban orchards help improve diets, rejuvenate communities

February 22, 2018
A visionary idea that took root in the Kansas City area six years ago continues to flourish as it improves healthy eating for low-income families and nurtures a renewed sense […]
A year in review: Health Forward’s grantmaking in 2017

February 12, 2018
We often talk about our work to tackle the pressing health issues facing our community. Though the topics are always worthy of discussion and support, they can also be heavy and […]
May your days be merry and bright

December 19, 2017
Well, here it is, dear readers. The end of another year. And what an interesting year 2017 has been! As Americans, we persevered through a tumultuous year. As Missourians and […]
Radio program reaches out to at-risk Latino population

November 30, 2017
Isolated by language, culture and poverty, many Latino immigrants in Kansas City face chronic health risks often made worse by their limited knowledge of nutrition and inadequate access to healthy […]
Everything you need to know about our move

March 1, 2017
After a fun few weeks of packing, this week is moving week for Health Forward. Moving trucks are shuttling our work environments to the new office, and we have said goodbye […]
Farewell to 18th and Prospect

February 27, 2017
At the corner of 18th and Prospect sits a humble, unassuming building that has been the home of the Health Forward Foundation since our inception 14 years ago. In those […]
A year in review: Health Forward’s grantmaking in 2016

December 30, 2016
The coming of a new year marks a time of fresh beginnings and resolutions. December, then, becomes an important time to reflect on the accomplishments of the year and brings […]
Warmest holiday wishes from Health Forward

December 19, 2016
All of us at the Health Forward Foundation would like to wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. As we approach the new year, we thank you for all […]
A tried-and-true Thanksgiving recipe

November 21, 2016
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for family, friends, good health and great food. In addition to all the delicious calories, we recommend a walk after dinner, weather permitting, […]
~SPOOKY~ Health Forward associates treat KIPP neighbors to an early Halloween

October 31, 2016
On Friday afternoon, Health Forward associates visited our young neighbors at the KIPP Endeavor Academy for an early Halloween treat. Staff had a fun time dressing up and surprising the K-4th […]
Opioid discussion now online

October 12, 2016
Three weeks ago, Health Forward was proud to sponsor American Public Square’s Dinner at the Square event, The Painful Truth. People in attendance listened to a thoughtful, informed and respectful discussion […]
Neighborhood engagement key to healthy communities

May 6, 2016
Editor’s note: In our last feature on our 10-year report, we highlighted the efforts of municipalities that are working toward healthier communities. But neighborhood organizations are creating improvements as well, as […]
A Decade of Difference: city efforts encourage healthier communities

April 15, 2016
Since 2010, a dozen municipalities in the region have implemented complete streets resolutions. A “complete street” is a street that allows for multiple modes of transportation, such as walkers, bikers, […]
Tobacco 21|KC policies spreading in Kansas, Missouri

March 27, 2016
It’s been four months since Kansas City, Missouri, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, became the first cities in the metropolitan area to pass policies to increase […]
What were the 10 healthy improvements in our region?

March 2, 2016
A few years ago, we started looking ahead to our 10-year anniversary and how we could mark the occasion. Thus was born an ambitious project of mapping the health care landscape […]
Decade of Difference: Reaching out to at-risk populations

February 5, 2016
In addition to new general service clinics, the area also has benefited from an expansion in dental care access for special needs and elderly populations. Oral Health on Wheels, a […]
A Decade of Difference: Increasing tobacco taxes

January 27, 2016
Historically, one of the most effective strategies for reducing smoking has been to increase the cost of tobacco through higher taxes. According to the American Lung Association, a 10 percent […]
Happy holidays from Health Forward

December 23, 2015
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer! As we celebrate the holiday season, we asked Health Forward associates about their favorite holidays traditions. We hope you enjoy our latest infographic. We […]
Health insured

December 7, 2015
While many people in this region are uninsured and underserved, over the past decade, legislation like the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other health care transformations has […]
Thankful for 10 healthy years

November 25, 2015
In case you haven’t heard, during 2015, we have been celebrating Health Forward’s 10th anniversary of grantmaking. Whether a celebratory picnic in the park, a luncheon and report looking back […]
Understanding trauma

November 9, 2015
Over the past decade we’ve seen new approaches in the understanding and treatment of mental illness. Among the most effective of these is trauma-informed care. We’re proud to say that […]
Decade of Difference: expansion of oral health workforce

October 14, 2015
Ed. Note: This is a modified excerpt from our Decade of Difference report. Read more about the region’s health care workforce in our full report. Important developments throughout the dental workforce […]
Right people. Right places.

October 8, 2015
In 2015, Health Forward is celebrating 10 Years of Grantmaking. But we are nothing without the organizations that work every day on eliminating barriers to quality health in our community. […]
Decade of Difference: Oral health emerges as public health priority

October 6, 2015
Ed. Note: This is a modified excerpt from our Decade of Difference report. Read more about the region’s oral health evolution in our full report. Increased oral care capacity, improved […]
Smiles all around

September 10, 2015
In 2015, Health Forward is celebrating 10 Years of Grantmaking. But we are nothing without the organizations that work every day on eliminating barriers to quality health in our community. […]
Actively living

August 6, 2015
In 2015, Health Forward is celebrating 10 Years of Grantmaking. But we are nothing without the organizations that work every day on eliminating barriers to quality health in our community. […]
Care without limits

July 9, 2015
At its best, the quality of health care in our country and in our region is outstanding. We are at the forefront of developing and using state-of-the-art technologies and innovative […]
Nutrition nearby: A logical way to build healthier communities

June 4, 2015
To build healthier communities, a logical place to start is through improving nutrition. Ensuring that everyone has access to healthy foods has major implications for preventing chronic diseases and for […]
Raising healthier kids

May 12, 2015
We know how important early years are for getting children off to a healthy start. These years set the stage for healthy habits to last throughout one’s life. Raising healthy […]
Making communities safe from violence

April 13, 2015
If there is one thing that we’ve truly come to understand the past decade, it is that health is influenced by the places in which people live, learn, work, and […]
Breathe deeply: The air is clean

March 25, 2015
Just a decade ago, prohibiting smoking indoors wasn’t even on the table in most of the Kansas City metropolitan area. There was simply too much opposition on the part of […]
Introducing “A Healthy 10”

March 17, 2015
The year was 2005. There was little discussion and even less action surrounding the need to make public buildings smoke free. The same is true about improving food distribution in […]
Health Forward’s Year in Review Blog Series
December 22, 2014
Before we ring in the New Year, Health Forward associates blogged about events, projects and moments from 2014 that impacted the health care scene in our communities and our nation. […]
Local Health Buzz blog: Top 10 Posts of 2014
December 22, 2014
What a year 2014 has been. We really ramped up production on our blog, hearing more from guest bloggers on health and health care in our communities and nation. In […]
5 reasons to eat local for the holidays

November 26, 2014
Long gone are the dog days of summer. Winter, while not “officially” here, made its appearance early with bitter cold. Fortunately, with the decline in temperature, we also get to […]
Health Forward’s Grantmaking in 2014
January 22, 2014
At the end of each year, our Health Forward associates recounts health-related events from the year in our Year in Review blog series. This year was no different. In 2014, […]
Health Forward Grantmaking in 2013
December 31, 2013
This year was a groundbreaking year in health care. The passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act will afford many more Americans with the opportunity to access quality health […]
Happy Holidays from Health Forward
December 24, 2013
Happy holidays from all of us at Health Forward! We are thrilled to share with you our holiday greetings video. Please click on the image below to view our holiday […]
A Thanksgiving Wish from Health Forward
November 27, 2013
It is that time of year where we reflect on our blessings of the past year. As many of you know, 2013 has been an emotional year at the Health […]
And Your Health Madness Champion Is …

April 9, 2013
The championship round of Health Madness mirrored last night’s championship game between Louisville and Michigan — game full of excitement with two teams worthy of competing for the top spot. […]
Final Four: Health Madness Results
April 8, 2013
We said this at the beginning of Health Madness: we think every single one of the 64 prevention strategies (and, some that didn’t make the tournament, truth be told) is […]
Elite Eight: Health Madness Results

April 4, 2013
Healthy Eating/Active Living division Complete Streets and Physical Activity both raced to the finish, with Complete Streets snagging the champion spot by five votes. Complete streets would facilitate safer transportation […]
Round 1: Health Madness Results
March 25, 2013
The first round of Health Forward’s Health Madness ended at noon on Sunday, March 24, a precursor to a memorable afternoon of NCAA Tournament basketball, with teams punching their tickets […]
Health Madness: Our Prescription for Good Health
March 15, 2013
Voting is now closed. Read the final blog post to find out the champion of Health Madness. In Kansas City, it’s common to find a Wildcat, a Jayhawk and a […]
We Are Thankful
November 22, 2012
This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for our grantees — current and former — and all the dedicated work they do to improve our communities and provide health services to the […]
Where Are They Now: Q&A with Sister Therese Bangert
November 15, 2012
Where Are They Now is a new series that brings updates of former Health Forward Board and The Community Action Committee (CAC) members. Sister Therese Bangert was an inaugural member […]
Where Are They Now: Q&A with Bishop Steve Jones
September 27, 2012
Where Are They Now is a new series that brings updates of former Health Forward Board and Community Action Committee (CAC) members. Bishop Steve Jones was an inaugural board member […]
Where Are They Now: Brenda Pelofsky
August 16, 2012
Where Are They Now is a new series that brings updates of former Health Forward Board and Community Action Committee (CAC) members. Brenda Pelofsky was a founding board member and […]
Where Are They Now: Interview with Sister Rosemary Flanigan
August 9, 2012
Where Are They Now is a new series that brings updates of former board and Community Action Committee (CAC) members. Sr. Rosemary Flanigan was one of the original members of […]
Smoke-Free Kansas City
June 7, 2012
As a grantmaking organization, we provide financial support to agencies and organizations who are doing tremendous work in our communities. These organizations are working to improve health care access, campaigning […]
Knowing the Signs of Abuse Can Help Protect Children
April 26, 2012
As April winds down, so too does Child Abuse Prevention Month. But child abuse prevention is a continual, 12-month effort. In 2010, there were 56,897 reports of child abuse in […]
Kansas City Scores Touchdown with Free Health Screenings
April 4, 2012
Special thanks to Raquel Garcia of Truman Medical Centers for contributing information about Touchdown Family Fest. It’s hard to picture the iconic Arrowhead Stadium filled not with raucous fans and […]