Residents in four rural Kansas counties are finding creative ways to improve access to rural health care with support from local extension programs.

Tara Solomon-Smith, a family and community wellness agent with Kansas State University’s Southwind Extension District, said community members have sought help in creating opportunities to improve civic health.

The Southwind Extension District covers Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson counties in southeast Kansas.

Solomon-Smith refers to the community center as a “civic hub,” where residents can exercise and host events such as a farmer’s market. They’ve also written grants to build a playground on the site.

She also applied for and received support to establish a rural community health worker in Bourbon and Woodson counties through K-State’s Community Health Worker initiative. These workers provide outreach and education and serve as a link between community members and healthcare services.

Toronto, in Woodson County, has no medical facilities, showing the importance of having a rural community health worker available.

In Chanute and Neosho County, Solomon-Smith said residents have worked to address other healthcare barriers, such as local transportation issues.

Solomon-Smith emphasized the importance of local coalitions in addressing healthcare needs, noting that collaborative connections are key to working toward long-term health goals.

K-State’s Community Health Worker program is part of K-State 105, an initiative focused on economic growth available in every Kansas county.

More information on programs available in Kansas to help improve health care is available at local extension offices in Kansas.