Striving for Public Health Excellence: The Success of Kansas Foundations of Public Health Cohort 1
The inaugural cohort of the Kansas Foundations of Public Health program has set a powerful precedent for public health transformation across the state. This year-long training brought together a diverse group of 25 public health professionals, each committed to deepening their understanding of public health infrastructure and building skills to address the evolving needs of Kansas communities.
Through interactive learning experiences, participants explored foundational capabilities in public health, including community partnership development, emergency preparedness, communications, performance accountability and many other. The course was a mix of seven half-day virtual sessions and five in-person one or two-day workshops which met in Manhattan, Topeka and Wichita. Expert-led sessions, provided by more than 40 Kansas public health practitioners, connected theory to practice, enabling participants to design innovative solutions for local challenges. All graduates of this program presented a final project that highlighted their efforts to demonstrate mastery of the Foundational Capabilities.
Participant feedback throughout the course highlighted their appreciation for the course providing 1) enhanced understanding of public health, 2) practical knowledge and application, 3) resource sharing and best practices, and 4) professional growth supported by building their public health networks. When asked, “Why does Kansas need a program like this?” one participant responded: “Kansas needs a program like Foundations of Public Health because it provides an opportunity for people involved in local public health to understand public health in Kansas on a broad scale. My MPH program focused on more history, theory, and generalizations about public health. This program allows me to apply the theoretical principles, processes, and ideas—from an academic understanding to the nuances of Kansas. This program has enabled me to learn so much more about the different players in public health –policymakers, KDHE, foundations (philanthropy), local programs, etc, and how to make an impact at any level.”
The success of Cohort 1 underscores the program’s mission: to equip public health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to create lasting, positive impacts on the health and well-being of Kansans. While this project is designed and directed by WSU’s Center for Public Health Initiatives staff, many system partners and friends supported the program through presentations, mentoring and sharing of expertise.
To learn more, click here.