The 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan aims to implement strategies in schools, healthcare settings, and communities to support and expand local food systems. The effort also expands education and resource coordination with support for local food pantries. The plan also emphasizes increasing awareness of safety-net programs like SNAP and Sun Bucks and promoting the RISE Cowley Resource Directory. Kansas State Research and Extension leads this priority, with support from William Newton Hospital and other partners. These coordinated efforts aim to improve access to nutritious food, reduce food insecurity, and foster long-term community wellness.
Healthcare Access is a critical health need in Cowley County, identified through the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment highlighted the need to educate about health and wellness services to address a lack of knowledge within the community. The 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan aims to expand healthcare access by reducing transportation barriers, optimizing care coordination, improving navigation of healthcare and safety-net systems, enhancing physician recruitment, and fostering talent retention. These collaborative efforts, spearheaded by organizations like the City-Cowley County Health Department, William Newton Hospital, and RISE Cowley, are designed to align with patient needs and improve the overall well-being of Cowley County residents.
Housing is a fundamental social driver of health, and a critical need identified in Cowley County through the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment highlighted ongoing challenges in the availability of safe and affordable housing for residents across all income sectors, including the local workforce, elderly, students, and special populations. The 2025-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) aims to increase the availability of safe and affordable housing by focusing on strategies such as promoting new housing development, addressing housing quality, and enhancing existing housing assistance programs. Collaborative efforts, spearheaded by organizations like the City-Cowley County Health Department, Cowley County Economic Development Partnership, and RISE Cowley, are dedicated to fostering a strategic framework for future housing development that meets the diverse needs of Cowley County residents and improves overall community well-being.
Tobacco use and substance misuse remain pressing concerns in our community, especially among youth. While many residents support policies that limit tobacco use in public spaces, enforcement can be inconsistent, particularly with vaping. Schools are making strong efforts through education and staff training, but they are often not fully equipped with the supports needed to respond effectively when students are under the influence. Long wait times for treatment and a shortage of trained providers make it difficult for families to access timely care. As a community, we envision a future where prevention is prioritized, schools have the training needed and a clear understanding of available community resources, and strong, reliable connections exist between schools and service providers. Achieving this will require a shared commitment to treating substance use as a health issue and investing in the systems and services that support long-term recovery and well-being.
