RISE Cowley and Southwestern College students to conduct community-based interviews at upcoming local gatherings
Cowley County, KS – RISE Cowley, the countywide health coalition, is kicking off its next cycle of community health outreach with a fresh, storytelling-focused approach. As part of the ongoing HealthCounts in Cowley County initiative, interviewers will be connecting directly with residents across Arkansas City, Burden, Dexter, Udall, Winfield, and surrounding areas to listen to their everyday experiences, challenges, and hopes for community well-being.
“This feedback will help us identify community barriers, prioritize urgent health needs, and uncover opportunities for collective action that guide shared community efforts moving forward,” shared Robin Henderson, RISE Cowley Chair and Eagle Nest Inc. Executive Director.
Unlike traditional questionnaires, this year's outreach centers on brief, face-to-face interviews designed to capture real-life stories. RISE Cowley has partnered with Southwestern College students, who will serve as field interviewers at upcoming community events, high school and collegiate sporting games, local festivals, and public gatherings throughout the county.
The stories and insights gathered through these conversations will directly feed into the 2027 Cowley County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Local healthcare providers, non-profits, and civic leaders use this shared report to understand what challenges families face every day, decide where to invest time and resources, and bring funding into Cowley County to support local programs and services.
Community Call to Action: Share Your Story
Residents are invited to share their stories about the challenges that impact their health, family life, and peace of mind, including housing, childcare, nutrition, transportation, work-life balance, and healthcare access. Every story helps build a clearer picture of what Cowley County families need to thrive.
As a thank-you, all interview participants will be entered into a random drawing to win one of five $100 utility bill credits, to be awarded at the end of November. Participants can also opt in for follow-up focus groups and extended story-sharing sessions.
“Health isn't just what happens inside a doctor's office. It's shaped by where we live, work, learn, and play,” said Sarah Johnson, Public Information Officer and Director of Marketing, Strategy, and Communications at William Newton Hospital and active RISE Cowley member. “By getting out into the community and listening to our neighbors' lived experiences, we can make real progress together. Our Southwestern College student interviewers bring great energy to this project, and we’re excited to hear directly from residents across every corner of the county.”
The initiative is guided by a diverse coalition of local partners, including the Arkansas City Public Library, City-Cowley County Health Department, Eagle Nest Inc., K-State Extension – Cowley County, Legacy Regional Community Foundation, RISE Cowley health coalition, Southwestern College, and William Newton Hospital.
To learn more about RISE Cowley or to view results from the 2024 CHNA, please visit risecowley.org.
