Kansas Chapter of the LHD AoS
Empowering Local Health Departments through Collaboration, Data, and Innovation.
The Kansas Chapter of the Local Health Department (LHD) Academy of Science (AoS) is a network of local health departments working together to streamline, standardize, and strengthen public health surveys. By sharing tools, templates, and lessons learned, we help public health professionals save time, gather better data, and make more informed decisions.
Overview / About the Kansas Chapter
The Kansas Chapter of the LHD AoS is a network of LHDs working together to make public health data collection easier, faster, more efficient, and more effective. Instead of starting from scratch, members have access to proven tools, peer support, and hands-on training to help turn data into action for their communities.
What We Offer
- Shared Survey Library: Ready-to-use templates designed for Kansas LHDs, built around real-world needs, and customizable to fit your community
- Training & Support: Practical help with survey design and Alchemer tools
- Monthly Chapter Calls: Connect with peers, share lessons, and exchange ideas
- Survey Strategy Guidance: Support with goals, question design, and results use
- Data-Informed Decisions: From CHAs to program evaluations, collect stronger data to make smarter decisions, demonstrate impact, and strengthen community partnerships.
Why it Matters
Kansas LHDs face tight timelines and limited resources. The LHD AoS makes data collection more accessible and collaborative so members can:
- Save time with ready-made tools
- Improve data quality and insight
- Build connections across the state
- Focus on using data to strengthen programs and partnerships
Upcoming Events
Community Health Assessments in Practice: A Kansas - Focused Webinar Series
Join colleagues from across Kansas for a three-part webinar series focused on practical, real-world approaches to Community Health Assessments (CHAs). Whether new to CHA work or looking to strengthen an existing process, this series offers tools, examples, and shared learning grounded in local health department experience.
Sessions will cover:
- Building a strong foundation for CHAs through meaningful community engagement
- Collecting, interpreting, and using both primary and secondary data
- Communicating findings to support decision-making and community conversations
Participants will also learn how the Kansas Chapter of the Local Health Department Academy of Science (LHD AoS) supports CHA work through shared survey templates, peer collaboration, and practical resources.
Webinar Dates:
- April 8 (2:00–3:00 PM) – Setting the Foundation: CHAs and Meaningful Community Engagement
- April 22 (10:00–11:00 AM) – From Numbers to Knowledge: Collecting, Interpreting, and Using Primary and Secondary Data
- May 6 (2:00–3:00 PM) – Making It Matter: Communicating Findings and Starting the Conversation
This series is open to all Kansas local health department staff and public health partners involved in data, assessments, planning, or community engagement.
For a copy of the flyer, click here. To register for the series, click here.
2026 Data Day
- Event Details
- Date: June 17, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: The Pavilion at Madison Avenue Central Park (618 N. Derby Ave, Derby, KS)
- Join the Kansas Chapter of the LHD Academy of Science for Data Day 2026, an interactive learning experience focused on building confidence and practical skills in using data to inform decisions, tell meaningful stories, and engage communities. This year’s event will feature an interactive session led by the Kansas Health Institute, including a hands-on data walk and practical strategies for sharing data with different audiences. The day will also include a Survey School session led by Dr. Sarah Jolley with the WSU Community Engagement Institute focusing on knowing your audience.
- Throughout the day, participants will:
- Strengthen skills in identifying and understanding their audience
- Explore strategies for communicating data clearly and effectively
- Practice discussing data and responding to real-world questions
- Learn how to move from data collection to meaningful insight and action
- Throughout the day, participants will:
- Who Should Attend?
- Kansas state or local health department staff working with surveys, data collection or analysis, evaluation, community health assessments, reporting, or quality improvement.
- *Data Day 2026 will be held the day after the KALHD Mid-Year Meeting. Use the link above to register for both events or Data Day only.
- For more information or to register, click here. For a copy of the flyer, click here.
Monthly Chapter Meeting
Monthly meetings take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Hop into our next virtual meet-up to hear what other LHDs are working on, ask questions, or share your own work. All are welcome! Contact Emily Brinkman here to receive a link to join.
Office Hours
Monthly Office Hours take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 1:00-2:00 pm.
Join Office Hours if you have questions about the LHD AoS, Alchemer, survey development, or data collection and evaluation. Contact Emily Brinkman here to receive a link to join.
Resources
Want to dig a little deeper? These resources were created to help you learn more about the Kansas Chapter of the LHD AoS and start using the tools available.
- Download Our One-Pager: Share the Kansas LHD AoS Chapter with your team or partners. This quick overview outlines what we offer, why it matters, and how to get started.
- LHD AoS National Website: Check out the national website to keep up with updates that are happening at the national level.
Get Involved & Stay Connected
Whether you’re ready to dive into the survey library or just want to learn more, there are plenty of ways to get connected with the Kansas Chapter of the LHD AoS.
Contact the Kansas LHD AoS Librarian
Questions? Ideas? Looking for a survey template or need help customizing one? We’ve got you. Reach out to Emily Brinkman, our Kansas LHD AoS Librarian.