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Chase County approves Pathways grant to expand food‑insecurity referrals
Summary
The Chase County Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2026‑05 to allow the health department to accept a noncompetitive Pathways to a Healthy Kansas implementation grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield. The grant will fund a county health coalition, a closed‑loop referral platform (Unidus) and a county resource guide to connect residents with food and senior meal services.
The Chase County Commission voted to authorize the health department to accept a noncompetitive Pathways to a Healthy Kansas implementation grant funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
A presenter asked the commission to adopt Resolution 2026‑05, saying the grant requires forming a county health coalition and creating a "closed loop system" to identify residents with health‑related social needs such as food insecurity. "They require that we put together a health coalition," the presenter said, adding that 22 people attended the first coalition meeting and a second meeting is scheduled.
The presenter described the closed‑loop referral platform the county plans to buy with the grant. "This is a platform we will be purchasing with the grant called Unidus," the presenter said. Under the system, a short survey will flag food‑insecure residents and route their information to county staff and partner providers, including Strong City senior meals, so someone can follow up and arrange food assistance.
Commissioners asked about reporting and fiscal safeguards before approving the grant. The chair noted county health‑insurance reserve balances and the need to move certain funds into an account with FDIC coverage before finalizing grant administration. The commission also approved a motion to open an account at Outdoor Bank with Connie Pretzer and Tiffany Harshman as signers and to move funds from Farmers Bank & Trust so reserve balances would be insured.
Commissioners said they expect the coalition to produce a public resource guide available online, via QR code magnets for distribution across the county, and in printed copies for residents without internet access. The presenter said the guide will be based on a county‑wide resource survey and would extend beyond county lines where appropriate.
The commission approved the resolution and the bank‑account motion by voice vote. The resolution authorizes the director of public health to take the steps necessary to complete minimum requirements so the Chase County Health Department is eligible for the grant.
Next steps: staff will complete the grant paperwork, assemble the coalition and begin procurement of the Unidus platform. The county will hold the second coalition meeting next week and produce the resource guide funded by the grant.
