Kansas Advances Rural Health and Safety

By Scout Nelson

Kansas welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden to Manhattan this week to highlight the role of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) and Kansas State University’s Biosecurity Research Institute.

These facilities help protect the nation’s food supply and train future scientists and veterinarians. Kansas leaders emphasized their commitment to supporting NBAF operations and strengthening BRI research and training.

The visit also highlighted Kansas State University’s recognition as one of the top five agriculture colleges in the country. “Thank you to Deputy Secretary Vaden for taking the time to visit Kansas and for prioritizing the safety of our nation’s food supply,” the statement noted.

Kansas also launched the application portal for the Rural Health Transformation Program, created in the Reconciliation Bill. This effort provides critical support to rural hospitals and health providers. Kansas is estimated to receive nearly $1 billion over five years to improve care delivery in small communities.

Hospital tours across the state underscored the importance of health care access. Anderson County Hospital in Garnett and AmberMed in Hoxie hosted visits to discuss challenges and share innovations in patient care. Critical Access Hospitals remain vital to sustaining health services in rural areas.

Kansas honored its veterans by welcoming American Legion National Commander Dan Wiley to Topeka. His “Be the One” campaign focuses on preventing veteran suicide, and he also promotes the Major Richard Star Act, which supports combat-injured veterans.

In Wichita, local leaders celebrated the ribbon cutting for the Real Time Information Center, a facility using data and technology to enhance law enforcement response and safety. Federal appropriations supported this new investment in community security.

Additional events included the dedication of the Bob Wise Campus Commons at McPherson College, recognizing decades of service to education, and the annual Service Academy Day at Wichita State University, where Kansas students interviewed for nominations to national service academies.

These efforts reflect Kansas’ ongoing commitment to advancing agriculture, rural healthcare, community safety, education, and support for veterans.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-steve-baccon