Kansas State University and The University of Kansas Health System have joined forces through the K-State 105 initiative to improve healthcare access in rural Kansas communities. This groundbreaking collaboration was announced during a joint news conference, marking a significant step towards addressing health care challenges in the state.
Marshall Stewart, K-State senior vice president, emphasized the university’s commitment to community health and well-being, stating that the partnership with The University of Kansas Health System will help improve health care access for Kansans statewide. Bob Page, president and CEO of The University of Kansas Health System, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of providing quality healthcare for patients and their communities.
The K-State 105 partnership will focus on various health care areas, including strategies to keep care local, caregiver support for patients with dementia, and increasing access to digital and telehealth resources. The program will start with pilot projects in collaboration with communities and K-State Research and Extension offices.
Tammy Peterman, president of the health system’s Kansas City Division, expressed excitement about collaborating with K-State to address health challenges and partner with rural healthcare providers. The initiative aims to empower Kansans to find solutions that work in their local communities, ultimately supporting economic prosperity and workforce development across the state.
This partnership builds on the work of the Care Collaborative, a health system program that has been providing tools and resources for rural health care providers in 73 counties statewide. With a focus on health and well-being, K-State is leading the way in embedding health into university culture and promoting health collaboration and action.
