Important COVID-19 update

As a foundation focused on those most need, we are deeply committed to ensuring our grantees, partners, and staff are equipped to stay healthy during the rapidly evolving public health threat caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In an effort to take every precaution, we have developed the following guidelines:

• Effective immediately, Health Forward employees will work remotely. Employees will still be available by email or phone during regular work hours. Visit our website for a listing of employee phone extensions. Please leave a message. Calls will be returned within 24 hours.
• Health Forward has discontinued all work-related travel.
• Until further notice, all meetings and site visits will be conducted by phone, video conference, or will be rescheduled until Kansas City, Missouri’s, state of emergency is lifted.

We are working to lessen the impact that these social distancing precautions will have on Health Forward’s operations. Grantee payments scheduled through the end of May will be processed immediately.

At Health Forward, we are evaluating how we can provide help for those in need. We realize these are challenging times for our partners. In addition to these measures, we are exploring how we support our safety net providers and other partners as they consider and plan for delivering services during this public health emergency.

Public health crises remind us we are only as safe as our community members who are most at risk. The COVID-19 pandemic elucidates the inequities that Health Forward is working to address. The health and economic ramifications for vulnerable populations could be severe and incalculable. We encourage all levels of government to consider that every protective measure considered and implemented be equity-centered.