In 1992, Kansas proudly ranked 8th in the nation for health. Fast forward to 2024, and we’ve fallen to 29th. At the 2024 Kansas Health Foundation Health Rise Event, Ed O’Malley issued a challenge for those in the room: to unite and push Kansas to #1. He handed out symbolic coins as a call to action, and I took that challenge personally—especially as a representative of the Hi–Crest neighborhood.
The 2025 health rankings are in, and while we’re not at #1, we’ve made progress, moving up to 28th. I dug into the data, comparing Kansas’s performance with New Hampshire, the current #1 state. I then broke down the gaps using Shawnee County’s population (6% of Kansas) and Hi–Crest’s share of that population (~3%). What I found was encouraging: The journey to #1 isn’t like traveling to Jupiter—it’s achievable if we commit.
So, what will it take?
Public Health Funding Per Capita
To match New Hampshire, Shawnee County needs to spend an additional $29 per person on public health, totaling $5,162,000 countywide and $174,000 in Hi–Crest. Thanks to the launch of SENT’s Southside Wellness Clinic, Hi–Crest will more than double that target this year, showing what’s possible when investments are made where they matter most.
Air Pollution
Shawnee County needs to reduce air pollution by 0.012 µg/m³, and Hi–Crest by 0.00036 µg/m³. Though Hi–Crest’s air quality gap is small, we can make a measurable impact through community-driven solutions like expanding green spaces and reducing car dependency. With four more Net Zero homes being built this year, the New Heights Subdivision (40-60 homes) breaking ground, and potential funding for the Johnson-Betts Meadows (180-unit complex with ample green spaces), we’re on track. Additionally, SENT’s Farm-to-Food Truck Workforce Training Program and expanded transportation services will contribute to long-term improvements. The Hi–Crest Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA) secured funding for more sidewalks thanks to last year’s DREAMS allocations.
Uninsured Population
To close the gap, Shawnee County needs 885 more people insured, with Hi–Crest needing just 18. SENT is making this achievable:
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All SENT employees now receive full medical benefits (starting Jan 1, 2025)—and all lived in Hi–Crest as of that date.
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Through partnerships with Aimee Healthcare, clients can access care for just $5/month, with the first three months free.
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SENT also connects residents with programs like HealthAccess, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act through GraceMed’s on-site navigators and Cover Kansas partnerships.
Dental Care
Shawnee County needs 17 additional dental providers, and Hi–Crest just 1. This need has been on our radar. As KPR’s January 2025 Community Spotlight, I emphasized the importance of bringing dental services to our facility. Listen to the interview here.
Mental Health Providers
To match New Hampshire, Shawnee County requires 138 more mental health providers, with Hi–Crest needing 3. SENT is actively addressing this:
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We’re hiring an additional mental health provider.
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Contracts are nearly finalized for 3-6 more mental health professionals, who will serve our schools and homes as part of our substance-use disorder treatment program.
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This initiative brings an additional $500k in health funding to Hi–Crest, separate from general healthcare spending.
Physical Activity
Shawnee County needs 1,239 more people to get moving, and Hi–Crest needs 25. Thanks to the NIA’s work securing sidewalks and programs like Girls on the Run, which I plan to personally support, we’re creating opportunities for activity. Our planned yoga classes, available both on campus during the school year and at SENT during the summer, will also help close this gap.
Smoking
Shawnee County needs 3,186 people to quit smoking, and Hi–Crest needs 63. With $500k of substance-use disorder resources deployed this year, we’re addressing smoking, vaping, and marijuana use through year-long programs and school-based prevention efforts.
Regular Exercise
To match New Hampshire, Shawnee County needs 6,372 more people to exercise regularly, and Hi–Crest needs 126. This is one of our steeper challenges, but by expanding physical activity programs and promoting community-wide engagement, we can make strides.
Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Shawnee County needs 1,593 more people eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and Hi–Crest needs 31. SENT’s Southside Filling Station fed ~1,700 families last year, distributing ~80,000 lbs of food, with one-third of the families living in Hi–Crest. We track fruit and vegetable intake during pantry visits, ensuring more families meet this goal.
Premature Death (Years Lost Per 100k)
Shawnee County needs to reduce premature death by 1,027 years, and Hi–Crest by 20 years. Our monthly health promotions—like thyroid screenings—have already led to life-changing treatments. SENT has also invested ~$70k in free and reduced-cost mental health services over the past two years, ensuring long-term improvements in life expectancy.
Obesity
Shawnee County needs 2,832 more people to achieve a healthy weight, and Hi–Crest needs 56. Our community-focused services—including mental health, case management, and fitness programs—are creating sustainable pathways to better health.
Frequent Mental Distress
Shawnee County needs 354 people to experience reduced mental distress, and Hi–Crest needs 11. With a variety of mental health resources through SENT and Fellowship Hi–Crest’s social-emotional learning team, this goal is well within reach.
The Path Forward
These categories overlap, reinforcing that the journey to #1 isn’t a moonshot—it’s a focused, community-driven effort. By working together, we can close the gaps and move Kansas to the top.
Together, we can. 