KC Health Collaborative

The The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is launching a new program to understand ableism and its impact on health disparities. Ableism — discrimination against people with disabilities — often leads to biased medical decisions, inaccessible care, and limited services. Funded by NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Eye Institute (NEI), and Behavioral Science Research Institute, this program will invest nearly $30 million over five years to better understand and mitigate ableism in healthcare. The initiative will support 10 projects, focusing on key areas including: --> Pregnancy and childbirth outcomes for Medicaid patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) --> Reducing barriers to care for people with low vision --> Addressing ableist practices among caregivers and healthcare providers The goal of this research is to create interventions that dismantle ableist beliefs and ensure equitable treatment for people with disabilities. This is just another example of the ways bias infects healthcare in this country, denying equitable access to and improved outcomes for our neighbors, partners, and communities. Partner with KC Health Collaborative to advance health equity. There’s always a seat at our community table. Let’s get to work. -- Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up-to-date on health equity issues impacting Kansas City and beyond. #healthequity #kansascity #healthdispartity #ableism #disabilityawareness

Addressing social drivers of health requires collaboration. No one organization can create lasting change in our communities alone. When we work together, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for everyone. KC Health Collaborative and KC Health Equity Learning and Action Network are committed to advancing health equity in the Kansas City region and beyond. Join us. Let’s get to work. #healthequity #kansascity

A recent study of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) revealed that more than 50% of the participants reported being misdiagnosed or gaslit when seeking medical care for these symptoms, and 41.5% said their pain was ignored by their healthcare providers. The experience of medical gaslighting, particularly among women and underrepresented communities, reflects health inequities in the healthcare system. This bias often results in delayed diagnoses, improper treatment, and worsened quality of life. For many, living with PCOS and its associated symptoms doesn’t just affect physical health but takes a toll on mental health too. The combination of physical and emotional distress, along with the lack of adequate medical care, leads to decreased productivity and missed workdays for many women. The challenges faced by women with PCOS are a clear example of how systemic inequities in healthcare impact patients’ quality of life. It’s important we continue to listen and advocate for more inclusive healthcare solutions that address the full scope of their needs—both physically and mentally. Partner with KC Health Collaborative and its member partners to ensure patient voices are heard and every BODY receives the care they deserve. Let's get to work. - Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up-to-date on health equity issues impacting Kansas City and beyond. #healtequity #kansascity

While breast cancer deaths have dropped by 44% since 1989, saving more than half a million lives, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬. Recent findings from the American Cancer Society reveal concerning disparities: - Breast cancer death rates for American Indian and Alaska Native women have remained unchanged for 30 years. - Breast cancer diagnosis rates are increasing, especially among younger women and Asian American/Pacific Islander women, where cases are increasing by as much as 2.7% annually. - Black women continue to face a 38% higher death rate compared to white women, despite having a lower incidence of breast cancer. The problem goes beyond numbers. These disparities highlight a broader issue of unequal access to early detection, screenings, and high-quality treatment. This is especially troubling for underrepresented communities, where systemic inequities continue to have life-altering consequences. Addressing these disparities is not only a matter of improving access to care but ensuring that resources like mammograms and early detection are available to every woman, regardless of background, location, or income. At a time when 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed this year in the U.S., health equity must be at the center of our collective efforts. As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to also recognize that every woman deserves the same chance to survive and thrive. Health equity is not a luxury. It’s a right. Let’s get to work. -- Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up-to-date on health equity impacting our region. #breastcancer #breastcancerdiagnosis #healthequity #kansascity

Join us in celebrating Qiana Thomason, President and CEO of Health Forward Foundation, for winning the prestigious 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce!   Qiana was honored for her leadership and vision that has driven impactful change across Kansas City and the country, making her an obvious choice.   The ATHENA Award recognizes exceptional leaders who excel in their professions and create opportunities for women. Qiana is truly a deserving recipient. Her commitment to sharing her knowledge and uplifting those around her is an inspiration.   With Qiana Thomason’s leadership and her remarkable team at Health Forward Foundation, the KC Health Equity Learning and Action Network has been collectively and collaboratively advancing health equity in our region. KC Health Collaborative is proud to partner in this work. Together, we are working to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes across the region.   Let’s honor her contributions and support the mission she leads at Health Forward Foundation.   Join us in our mission to bring equitable care to every BODY.   Let’s get to work. #healthequity #kansascity

Doctors and patients are recognizing physical symptoms, like stubborn colds and aching backs, are connected to mental well-being. But while the mindset of doctors and patients has evolved, our healthcare system has not kept pace. Despite a growing body of research showing the connection between mental and physical health, preventive care continues to prioritize the physical, often sidelining mental well-being. Mental health must be integrated into our healthcare model. For women and underrepresented communities, the consequences of neglecting mental health are even more severe. Black patients are often under-treated for pain, and women have historically been gaslit when seeking care. Too many still hear the dismissive phrase, “It’s all in your head.” These experiences erode trust in the system and lead to delayed diagnoses, making both mental and physical conditions worse. Research has now proven that mental health struggles, like stress and depression, weaken immune systems, increase vulnerability to infection, and even raise the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Conversely, building psychological resilience and combatting loneliness has been shown to improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and help manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Yet our healthcare system continues to separate the treatment of mind and body. Preventive care must evolve to treat the whole person. Integrating mental health screenings and services into routine care, along with innovations like the collaborative care model, can lead to better outcomes. But mental health services remain underfunded and inaccessible for many, further widening disparities in care. It’s time for a change. It’s time for our healthcare system to catch up and support whole person healthcare. Join KC Health Collaborative alongside our partners KC CARE Health Center, University Health KC, Community Health Council of Wyandotte County, and Johnson County Mental Health Center to find ways to advance health equity and treated mental and physical health are with equal importance. Let’s get to work. - Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up-to-date about health equity issues impacting the Kansas City region and beyond. #healthequity #communityhealth #kansascity

Black women are far more likely than white women to receive unnecessary C-sections, even when both have similar medical histories. A recent study highlights this alarming disparity and raises concerns about the role racial bias plays in medical decision-making. The study, which analyzed nearly 1 million births in New Jersey hospitals, found that Black women were about 20% more likely to have their babies delivered via C-section than their white counterparts, even under similar circumstances. These disparities were most prominent when hospitals had empty operating rooms, which suggests financial incentives and unconscious bias might be influencing these decisions. C-sections, while lifesaving in some cases, come with higher risks of complications, longer recovery times, and added medical expenses. For Black women, who already face higher rates of maternal mortality and poorer childbirth outcomes, the increased likelihood of receiving unnecessary surgeries only exacerbates the health disparities they encounter. Systemic racism, both overt and unconscious, continues to affect the quality of care Black women receive. While C-sections are common in American hospitals, we must question the motivations behind their use, especially when the data shows that racial disparities exist. No woman should face additional health risks because of her race, and no hospital should prioritize profits over equitable, patient-centered care. This study reinforces the work that still needs to be done. Join KC Health Collaborative and our member partners UZAZI VILLAGE, University Health KC, University of Kansas Medical Center, KS Birth Equity, along with maternal health leaders of regional health departments including Clay County Public Health Center, City of Independence, Missouri, Jackson County Public Health, Johnson County, KS Government, KCMO Health Department, Platte County Health Department, and Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS to continue to raise awareness and push for changes that prioritize health outcomes over profits. Let’s get to work. - Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up-to-date on #healthequity issues impacting the #KansasCity region.

As we honor the culture and history of Native communities on this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we also acknowledge the persistent health disparities they face. Health equity for Indigenous populations goes beyond access to care. It is rooted in social drivers of health (SDoH). Historical trauma, poverty, systemic discrimination, and cultural erasure plague this community. While the shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day represents a re-examination of history and a step toward recognition for Native communities, it is far from a solution to the many challenges they continue to face. As a result of SDoH and health inequities, Native communities experience: • Lower life expectancies • Higher mental health issues, including the highest rate of suicide compared to other racial and ethnic groups • Lack of representation in the medical profession and in medical research • Increased risk of chronic health issues Health equity means addressing these gaps and uplifting Indigenous-led solutions, respecting traditional healing practices, and ensuring that care is culturally competent and accessible. Indigenous people deserve quality resources and respect needed for their health and well-being. Join KC Health Collaborative as we recognize the contributions of Native communities and work together to ensure every BODY has the healthcare resources they need to thrive. Let’s get to work. - #healthdisparity #healthequity #healthinequities #KansasCity

The U.S. health system ranked last among 10 peer nations, despite the country spending nearly double what others do on healthcare. According to a new report by the The Commonwealth Fund, the U.S. health system continues to struggle with health equity, access to care, and outcomes, leaving many Americans, particularly those uninsured or underinsured, at a disadvantage. There is a real human cost of these shortcomings. Patients are unable to afford medications, and older patients are often sicker than they should be due to lack of insurance and preventative medical care. We must reimagine a healthcare system that delivers affordable, quality care for every BODY. The Commonwealth Fund’s recommendations for improving healthcare outcomes include expanding insurance coverage, simplifying the insurance process, strengthening primary care and public health, and addressing social inequities at their root. Now is the time to focus on a future where healthcare access and equity are prioritized. Join KC Health Collaborative's community table to find ways to advance health equity and build a healthcare system that serves everyone. Let’s get to work. #healthequity #healthinsurance #kansascity

The tragic death of Anne Davis was preventable. Her doctors choose to ignore her repeated requests for medical help, rather than provide her the care she required. After undergoing gallbladder surgery, Anne experienced severe stomach pain that persisted despite taking pain medication. Her husband repeatedly called her doctor, but her symptoms were dismissed as "normal." Even when she was seen by her doctor, her pain was minimized, and she was sent home without proper care. Tragically, she died soon after from preventable complications. This case is about more than medical negligence. It highlights the ongoing issue of women’s pain and health concerns being ignored. Women’s voices are too often diminished. Their concerns downplayed. This bias leads to devastating outcomes. Anne’s story is a reminder that women, not just Black and brown women, deserve to have their concerns heard and acted upon. They deserve better than to be gaslighted. We must challenge the systems and attitudes that lead to these disparities in treatment and access to care. We need to believe women. Advocate for them. And ensure they receive the care they deserve. This isn't just about one example — it's about protecting the health and lives of countless women in the future. Join us to advance health equity and make sure every woman's voice is heard. Let’s get to work. - Follow KC Health Collaborative to stay up-to-date on advancing #healthequity in the #KansasCity region.