Community Health Corner
March 24, 2026
Submitted by Elaine Johannes
America’s Health Ranking Kansas Summary Report for 2025, lists Kansas as number 27 of the 50 states in overall health of its residents. Let’s all pull together to raise that ranking! K-State Extension is working with others to improve everyone’s health.
From urban, metro, suburban, rural and frontier locations, Extension works in partnership with
communities to deliver meaningful, timely relevant programs and initiatives for health and well-being. The following resources can help well-being in improve and achieve national Healthy People 2030 objectives.
The Trend of Glucose Tracking: Claims that tracking glucose levels can aid in weight loss, improve metabolic health, and prevent disease are attractive. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)—wearable sensors that have revolutionized diabetes care—have been growing in popularity among people without diabetes since the FDA approved the first over-the-counter devices in 2024. Being aware of blood sugar spikes can motivate healthier food choices and prioritize exercise. Learn more from Johns Hopkins University here.
Stable Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Among States: A Child Trends analysis of National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data reveals that most states have had consistent rates of ACES between 2018 and 2023 with a slight decline in rate of ACEs. The prevalence of adverse childhood experiences ranged from 31 percent to 47 percent in 2023 with 40% of Kansas children having had least one adverse experience. Read the Child Trends report here.
How Teens use AI: According to a Pew Research Center report of a national survey of over 1,400 youth (ages 13-17), just over half of U.S. teens say they have used chatbots for help with schoolwork, and 12% say they’ve gotten emotional support from AI tools. Parents of the same group of teens reported that they are mostly OK with teens using chatbots for information or fun, but not for emotional support or casual chatting. The Pew Research report is here.
Opportunities:
- All in for Kansas Kids Conferences: Kansas early childhood professionals, mental health
providers, and families that have young children are invited to attend free conferences on May 6, May 7, and June 26 (9am-4:30pm). The conferences will focus on mental health and special healthcare needs, foster family-driven connections and help professionals better support families. Learn more about the agenda and conference locations here. - Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition Annual Meeting: Connect with others engaged in suicide prevention. Share regional updates and be inspired. Registration and agenda details for the April 21; 10am-2pm event in Overland Park are here. Also, KDADS is accepting proposals until April 10 for one year $35,000 Community Suicide Prevention Grants. Proposal details are available here.
- Access Annual State Formula Public Health Interactive Maps: The Kansas Public Health
Collaborative provides interactive maps of public health services, community health needs,
electronic health record coverage, staffing patterns and community health improvement plan
(CHIP) priorities.
