Health Forward Foundation

Health Forward President/CEO Qiana Thomason is the latest guest on the Illuminating Hope podcast 🎙️, hosted by Tina Johnson, Director of Community Engagement at Hope House. Available wherever you listen to podcasts 🎧, or share and listen here ⏩ https://lnkd.in/e2AmV5W5

Today, Health Forward held a convening to announce a new funding opportunity for 2025. We're partnering with nonprofits that are committed to bridging the digital divide by providing: 📡Digital connectivity 💻Device accessibility 🌐Digital literacy skills The goal is to increase access to reliable internet, technology, and digital skills to ensure full participation in society, from education and employment to health care, housing, and beyond.  Want to learn more or apply? Visit our website ⏩ https://lnkd.in/gFSvieKU to access the full FOA and application details. Let's work together to create a more equitable digital future! #digitalequity #fundingopportunity #healthforwardkc

Last week, our President/CEO, Qiana Thomason, had the honor of co-chairing the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner alongside J. Beto Lopez. It was an incredible night filled with inspiration, connection, and a shared passion for our beloved city. #WeBelieveinKC

Celebrating community and connection! 🤝 Our People Team was proud to be represented by Andres Dominguez and Kael Martin, MPA, at the 17th Annual Thrive Allen County Awards, recognizing the incredible work of our rural partners. These partnerships are at the heart of building healthier, more equitable communities, and we’re proud to stand alongside Allen County in this important work. #HealthForwardKC #powerofrural #TogetherWeThrive

Today, we celebrate the #PowerofRural and the incredible work of our rural partners on #NationalRuralHealthDay. Let's honor the tireless efforts of health care providers, communities, and organizations dedicated to improving rural health. Last year, Health Forward President/CEO Qiana Thomason reflected on health equity in our rural communities: "No one is better suited to inform the solutions needed in our health care and public health systems than the people who are battling the systemic barriers every day." Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/gTV7-6qg Together, we can create a healthier future for all.

The Health Forward Team hit the road on our Impact Bus Tour🚌 with the United Way of Greater Kansas City team to see firsthand how our community partners are making a difference. We visited Sheffield Place, Hope House, and Reconciliation Services, organizations deeply rooted in Kansas City, providing comprehensive support and contributing to Health Forward's mission of achieving health equity and securing a fair and just region through leadership, advocacy, and resources. These visits are invaluable for our team, especially those who don't have the opportunity to be out in the community every day. #HealthForwardKC #impact100 #ImpactBusTour #waymakers

This week, we celebrate Health Equity Week (Nov. 11-15), as proclaimed by Governor Laura Kelly! At Health Forward Foundation, health equity is at the heart of our mission. We believe that everyone deserves a fair and just opportunity to be healthy. So, what is health equity? Here's how we define not just health equity but equity as well: Health equity: Actively removing obstacles to health and building the conditions for health, including good jobs, quality education, safe environments, and equal access to power. Equity: Just and fair inclusion where everyone can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. Together, we will continue pushing forward for a more just and equitable future! #HealthEquityWeek #HealthForwardKC

Earlier today, our President/CEO, Qiana Thomason, moderated a panel discussion featuring experts and change champions working together through the Health Equity Learning and Action Network (LAN) to improve equitable health outcomes and the value of care for Kansas City. The panel explored the work of the KC Health Equity Learning and Action Network (LAN) and how health equity/inequity impacts employers, employees, and the bottom line. The panel discussed the important work of the Kansas City Health Equity Learning and Action Network and how health equity, or lack thereof, directly affects employers, employees, and their bottom line. Health Equity 🟰 Business Value #healthforwardkc #kcbizjournal #KCHEalthEquity #KCHELAN

Health Forward is proudly sponsoring Kansas City’s 17th Annual Urban Summit this Saturday, Nov. 9, at Penn Valley Community College. This year’s conference will focus on the theme: Treachery Unveiled: The Face of Political Betrayal. There are a few tickets left! Register today 👉🏽 https://lnkd.in/grQzPdCV

Polls are open and we are celebrating our work and the work of many others to advance an equitable and inclusive democracy. Voting is one of the most powerful tools for shaping the health of our communities. We are proud to support our partners throughout Missouri and Kansas who are committed to ensuring our democracy reflects the voices and aspirations of people who have been excluded in the past, and people whose rightful voting access continues to be challenged. Our country is at its best when people from every background, income level, and community unite to create stronger, healthier communities where everyone thrives. Today’s elections will have powerful, wide-ranging impacts. Changes in leadership, shifts in congressional, gubernatorial, and judicial power, new state constitutional changes, and ballot measures will impact health in our region and beyond. Regardless of these outcomes, Health Forward Foundation remains unwavering in our commitment to address the barriers to health and well-being, particularly racial equity and economic inclusion. This election is more than a decision on policies or leaders; it’s a celebration of our diverse, multi-identity democracy. As voters, it is our responsibility to protect our personal health, the health of our families, and all our communities. Let’s honor that responsibility and our collective power by making sure our voices are heard.