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Staying healthy includes regular checkups for things like heart health, vision, and hearing. But health goes beyond doctor visits, says Elaine Johannes, Kansas Health Foundation Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University.
Johannes says research shows being involved in your community is linked to better health and longer life. The National Conference on Citizenship reports that communities with higher civic engagement—like good schools, jobs, and responsive governments—tend to have healthier residents.
Civic health, Johannes explains, includes three areas:
- Places – Spaces that bring people together, such as parks, festivals, or libraries.
- Processes – Ways people can engage, like voting, attending local meetings, or giving input on community issues.
- People – Residents who volunteer, stay informed, and get involved.
The University of Wisconsin’s County Health Rankings highlight how civic engagement and equity efforts improve local health. The report includes Kansas-specific data on health outcomes like life expectancy and rates of smoking or obesity. Kansas is among 16 states with more structural barriers to civic health. But Johannes says local extension offices can help residents get involved and make a difference in their communities.
