Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub
Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub
The Kansas Health Institute (KHI), functioning as your Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub, is one of 10 regional technical assistance (TA) centers offering dedicated support to Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) recipients. Working under the leadership of the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), our goal is to work with you to strengthen public health infrastructure. KHI serves HHS Region 7, which includes Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.
Jump to the following sections on this page:
Services | Featured Staff | Partners | Resources | Related Content
Services
We are committed to serving as your go-to TA Provider in response to requests made through the PHIVE system, with services that include:
- One-on-one coaching and guidance
- Model materials and templates
- Sharing or developing tools and toolkits
- Co-development of trainings and webinars
- Assessment and analysis of existing resources and processes
- Connections to peer networks
We Can Help With
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Workforce development and training
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Strategic planning and change management
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Policy analysis and development
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Community health assessment and improvement
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Community and stakeholder engagement
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Strategic communication
Contact us if you have questions about other services.
25 February, 2025
Tuesday
27 February, 2025
Thursday
Bring It Learning Series — Advancing Age-Friendly Kansas: Strategies for Impact
Virtual
12:00 pm
View Details
06 March, 2025
Thursday
Bring It Learning Series — Navigating AI: Exploring Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Development – Panel & Presentation
Virtual
12:00 pm
View Details
11 March, 2025
Tuesday
Register Today — Exploring Medicaid Benefits: How KanCare Addresses Health-Related Social Needs
Virtual
1:00 pm
View Details
10 June, 2025
Tuesday
Register Today — Exploring KanCare and Behavioral Health: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
Virtual
1:00 pm
View Details09 September, 2025
Tuesday
Register Today — Exploring Maternal Health in KanCare: Doulas and Community Health Workers
Virtual
1:00 pm
View Details09 December, 2025
Tuesday
Register Today — Exploring Medicaid Populations: Reaching Individuals Who Are Unhoused
Virtual
1:00 pm
View DetailsFeatured Staff
Ithar Hassaballa, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Co-director of the Region 7 Innovation Hub and primary contact for the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department, Douglas County, Nebraska, County Health Department, and the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services.
Kevin Kovach, Dr.P.H., M.Sc.
Co-director of the Region 7 Innovation Hub and primary contact for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Shelby C. Rowell
Provides research and technical support for the Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub.
Wyatt J. Beckman, M.P.H., C.H.E.S.
Provides research and technical support for the Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub.
Tatiana Y. Lin, M.A.
Provides research and technical support for the Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub.
Samiyah Para-Cremer Moore, M.Sc.
Provides research and technical support for the Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub.
Sheena L. Schmidt, M.P.P.
Provides research and technical support for the Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub.
Theresa Freed, M.A.
Provides communication expertise and support for the Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub.
Kari M. Bruffett
President and CEO of KHI. Provides strategic support for the Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub.
Partners
KHI is pleased to work with the PHIG National Partners:
- National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI)
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
- Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)
Other key partners include:
Other key partners (continued)
- KFMC Health Improvement Partners
- Midwestern Public Health Training Center
- Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence
- Seed2Roots
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Master of Public Health Program
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Office of Public Health Practice
- Wichita State University, Community Engagement Institute
- Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino, M.D., M.P.H.
Resources from the Region 7 Public Health Innovation Hub
KHI-Created Resources
- Policy & Research
Developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policies for Public Health Organizations: A Template and Guidance
6 Min Read
Jan 28, 2025
- Policy & Research
Public Health Educational Assistance Benefits: Background and Comparative Policy Review
2 Min Read
Dec 02, 2024
- Policy & Research
Why and How Kansas Public Health Could Be Key in Shaping a Statewide AI Roadmap
10 Min Read
Sep 11, 2024
- Event
Event Recap: Advancing Organizational Priorities Through Health in All Policies
4 Min Read
Apr 25, 2024
- Policy & Research
Developing and Maintaining a High-Functioning Public Health Workforce
2 Min Read
Apr 25, 2024
- Policy & Research
Integrating Health Equity into Disaster Recovery Plans: A Guide for Local Emergency Planning
2 Min Read
Apr 24, 2024
- News & Announcements
Kansas Health Institute Announces Role as a Hub Partner of the National Network of Public Health Institutes
4 Min Read
Jul 06, 2023
Related Content
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The blog series Transforming Public Health presents a compelling argument for the critical need for public health systems change in advancing our nation’s health. Its primary objective is to distill complex change management theories into actionable solutions tailored specifically for public health leaders and change agents. Through an extensive array of essays, insights, and diverse perspectives, Transforming Public Health showcases how leadership, strategy, and change management principles can be applied to public health issues. Our goal is to unleash the imagination of public health professionals and to inspire courageous action towards creating the public health system that we need in Kansas and beyond.
Health on the Plains
Health on the Plains is a Kansas Health Institute podcast, hosted by Wyatt Beckman, KHI senior analyst. The podcast was launched in 2023, with a focus on health and well-being in rural Kansas. Episodes include engaging and nuanced conversations around topics impacting the health of individuals in less populated parts of the state. Episodes are released twice monthly and include guests representing a wide range of backgrounds who are focused on improving health for Kansans. Although conversation is focused on Kansas, topics are relevant to anyone living in rural America. The podcast is also available as a webcast on YouTube.
Health Impact Checklist
The Health Impact Checklist (HI-C) was designed to inform decisions at many levels (e.g., organizational, city, county and state). It asks a series of questions and uses a combination of check boxes and written responses to connect potential changes in social, economic and environmental conditions with potential health impacts. Further, the tool guides users as they create practical recommendations to maximize potential positive health impacts and mitigate potential negative health impacts.