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Residents urge county involvement in community health meetings and family resource fair
Summary
Speakers invited commissioners to two LiveWell Finney County community meetings (Jan. 27) about the Community Health Improvement Plan and described a county‑partnered family resource fair that provided services and supplies to families; commissioners thanked staff and encouraged participation.
Beth Kochel, director of community health at LiveWell Finney County, asked the Board of County Commissioners to participate in two community meetings on Jan. 27 (noon and 5:30 p.m.) at Saint Catherine Hospital Classroom B to discuss the Community Health Needs Assessment and the Community Health Improvement Plan, and requested the county list those events as county efforts.
The meetings are part of the hospital‑led pathways to a healthier Kansas initiative; Kochel said the CHIP focuses on access to care, behavioral health including substance use, and chronic disease management, and that hospital and community partners will collaborate on implementation. "The community health improvement plan, or CHIP, is a collective road map that helps guide how our community alongside partners like health care, schools, local government, and nonprofits work together to address the priority health needs," Kochel said.
Commissioners thanked LiveWell for its participation and for collaborating on homelessness and other local issues. The board did not take formal action but invited staff engagement and inclusion of the meetings in county event listings.
Also during public comment, Britney Martin described a long‑running family resource fair at Harold Long Park that the county’s departments (health, WIC, youth services, EMS) have supported. Martin said the event gave away 300 items to children, provided free food supported by local sponsors, and has partnered with Kansas Children's Service League for sustainability. "Without county departments coming and showing up, there wouldn't be nothing for the people to do," Martin said, thanking staff for participation.
The board voiced appreciation; no votes were required. Commissioners encouraged staff to continue partnering on the CHIP meetings and community events.
