By Scout Nelson
Kansas recently made headlines for securing a spot in the High-Performance Tier of the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) Ready or Not Annual Report. This accolade is a testament to the tireless work of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and its Emergency Preparedness program.
The report assesses the capacity of states to tackle a range of health emergencies while continuing to offer crucial public health services.
The state's performance is measured against nine indicators, placing it among 20 other states and the District of Columbia in the top tier for emergency preparedness.
Ashley Goss, KDHE Deputy Secretary for Public Health, highlighted the importance of collaboration with local health departments and other state agencies in achieving this rank.
Kansas stood out for several reasons, including its participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact and accreditations by the Public Health Accreditation Board and the Emergency Management Accreditation Program.
It also saw a rise in public health funding from FY2022 to FY2023 and reported less than 4 percent of its population using contaminated water systems.
Kansas was noted for the use of paid time off by workers and the Public Health Laboratory’s plan for increased testing capacity during surges
This achievement underscores the state's commitment to ensuring the safety, health, and preparedness of its communities for future disasters and emergencies. It reflects the integral role of public health departments in safeguarding the well-being of Kansas residents.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-anna-tarazevich
Categories: Kansas, General