REACH Healthcare Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to improving health coverage and access to affordable healthcare for uninsured and medically underserved communities in a six-county service area in Kansas and Missouri. Self-described focus areas include bridging the coverage divide, closing the health equity gap, and strengthening the safety net.

REACH Healthcare Foundation

REACH Healthcare Foundation | 1,510 followers on LinkedIn. Advancing health equity through coverage and care for underserved people in our region. | The REACH Healthcare Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to improving access and quality of health care for poor and medically underserved individuals through financial support of programs and initiatives.

The Foundation was established in 2003 with proceeds from the sale of Health Midwest, a regional nonprofit healthcare organization purchased by Hospital Corporation of America. The first board of directors was appointed in 2003, marking the beginnings of the organization and its commitment to improving health care access and quality.

Brenda Sharpe

Director of Grants & Operations at REACH Healthcare Foundation

Becky Benak

VP, Finance & Operations at The REACH Healthcare Foundation

Jo Yun

Nonprofit Communicator and Health Policy Analyst | Community Champion | Writer | Passionate Volunteer | Public Service-Directed

Pattie Mansur

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, everyone is thinking about what's going to be on the dinner table. This Saturday, the KU Medical Center, Center for African American Health is hosting a personalized healthy Thanksgiving cooking class from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at NourishKC Community Kitchen. You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to learn how to make a healthy, nutritional Thanksgiving meals from a professional chef. In addition, you'll also receive a free Thanksgiving dinner with recipe cards. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up today! https://ow.ly/LitO50Ubbje

Last week, Communities Concerned for Immigrants and Refugees (CCIR) brought together advocates and partners from Kansas and Missouri to explore future opportunities to provide resources to populations settling in our communities. Presentations from Welcoming KC , Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas , Eye of An Immigrant , United Healthcare - Mental Health First Aid, Rightfully Sewn , Della Lamb Community Services , Mattie Rhodes Center the Mexican Consulate of America, Jewish Vocational Services of Kansas City, and Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation offered valuable insights into the economic impact and growth of our immigrant and refugee population. Together, each organization provided input for CCIR's 2025 program initiatives and ways we can work together to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for immigrants and refugees. Be a part of the conversation by joining the CCIR slack channel! https://ow.ly/OJnB50UaawQ

Investing in our nonprofit workforce means investing in healthier, stronger communities. This year, our Foundation has awarded over $124K to 27 local organizations in an effort to enhance wellness initiatives and cultivate positive work environments. Follow the link to see how our AdHoc Group Against Crime partners leveraged their Wellness Grant to prioritize staff health and well-being. https://ow.ly/Jbz550U7pVm

Congratulations to our partners at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for receiving the 2024 Spotlight Award from the National Association of Medicaid Directors. This award celebrates KDHE’s exceptional efforts to improve processes, enhance communication, and protect vulnerable populations during the Medicaid unwinding process. We’re proud to support their work and we look forward to continuing to build a stronger, healthier Kansas with your partnership! Follow the link to learn more: https://ow.ly/CLlj50U7rtY

According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants in Missouri make up 5.1 percent of the labor force and account for 5.6 percent of entrepreneurs. In Kansas, immigrants make up 7.1 percent of the population and 9.0 percent of the workforce. In both states, immigrants are neighbors, business owners, taxpayers and workers. They are an integral part of our region’s diverse and thriving communities and make extensive contributions that benefit us all. Welcoming KC , along with the Health Forward Foundation , REACH Healthcare Foundation , and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce , invite you to join us for an in-depth conversation with Kansas City’s leading experts on immigration and how we can support immigrants to create a welcoming place for all. Becca Castro, Ed.D. , of KCSourceLink , will facilitate our panel of experts, Ralph Oropeza from Kansas City Building & Construction Trades Council, Youssef Mekawy from Ummah Career Lab and UMKC Career Services , Yolanda Waldon from Literacy KC and Michael S. Carmona from KCSourceLink Register at https://bit.ly/3YlcuoZ #immigrantsmakeamericagreat #immigrantsgetthejobdone #WelcomingKC #RefugeesWelcome #ImmigrantsWelcome #WelcomingAmerica

Welcoming KC

Last week, we sat down with the KU Medical Center, Center for African American Health , Dr. Christina Pacheco, and Dr. Jason Glenn for our Building Mainstream Champion Series to unpack the genocide of Indigenous peoples, the Atlantic Slave Trade, and how these historical oppressions continue to impact the health and well-being of BIPOC communities. Be sure to join us on November 20th from noon to 2 p.m. for a virtual roundup featuring each of our Building Mainstream Champions speakers as we recap this year’s educational series and share how we can work together to reshape the narrative to foster a collective impact toward a healthier and more equitable future for everyone. #healthequity Add the event to your calendar today! https://ow.ly/aROc50U4yzR

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) strives to identify and address health disparities, remove systemic barriers, and expand access to care, ensuring that race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, and language are not obstacles to health and well-being. Follow the link to hear from CMS leaders about how they are leveraging data to advance #healthequity , expand coverage, and improve health outcomes. https://ow.ly/nSAR50U5vRU

As part of Global Health Equity Week, check out HIMSS ' webinar, "Embracing Neurodiversity in Healthcare: Empowering Staff and Enhancing Patient Care," which explores the crucial role of neurodiversity within the healthcare sector. Achieving global #healthequity means addressing the diverse needs of both healthcare workers and patients—recognizing the value of neurodivergent individuals is a vital step toward this goal. Neurodivergent staff and patients often face distinct barriers, but creating inclusive, supportive environments can lead to greater innovation, improved workplace satisfaction, and better outcomes for those under care. Register for the webinar today! https://ow.ly/ZkKa50U4x88

Global Health Equity Week kicks off today! Join us this week as we highlight resources and partners working to advance #healthequity locally and globally. Be sure to start the week off by following HIMSS for upcoming webinars about maternal health, tribal epidemiology, and how organizations are using data to improve #healthequity .

Did you know this year's Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums are increasing by 4%? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period began this month and will end on January 15, 2025. A recent analysis from KFF highlights that most enrollees will not feel the impact of the increase thanks to improved subsidies provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. Follow the link to learn more about 2025 ACA Open Enrollment. https://lnkd.in/gxbdNTKE

REAC

ORG:REACHHEALTH

REACH Healthcare Foundation