Kansas City Adopts New Community Health Plan 2026–2029 roadmap outlines priorities to improve health outcomes citywide

For immediate release: Monday, May 4

Kansas City, in collaboration with the Kansas City Health Commission, has adopted the 2026-2029 Kansas City Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to engage residents, organizations, and leaders in advancing better health outcomes citywide.

"Health is shaped long before someone arrives at a hospital or clinic, but as clinicians, we see the consequences when prevention, access, and community support fall short," said Dr. Nathan Gause, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Chief Population Health Officer, University Health, and Co-Chair of the Kansas City Health Commission. "This plan gives Kansas City a shared roadmap to move from identifying disparities to acting on them through data, community partnership, prevention, and policy. The work ahead is to turn those priorities into measurable action so every Kansas Citian has a fair opportunity to live a healthy life."

Guided by the 2025 Community Health Assessment, the City's first Mental Health Survey, and health department policy summits, the CHIP steering committee worked with community members and community leaders to identify priority areas for action. The plan's initial priorities are chronic disease; substance use disorders and foster strong community connectedness and belonging-reflecting residents' top concerns for a healthier Kansas City.

"A CHIP does not typically focus on every aspect of health," said Dr. Marvia Jones, PhD, MPH, director of Health and co-chair of the Kansas City Health Commission. "Chronic disease, substance use disorders, and community connectedness touch the everyday lives of many residents. The strategies presented are practical, evidence-based, and designed for community-led action, but they are just a starting point."

To support the goals outlined in the CHIP, the Kansas City Health Commission and the Kansas City Health Department will convene partners to share knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and put shared priorities into action.

"This plan reflects what residents have told us matters most for their health and well-being," said Kansas City Councilmember Johnathan Duncan, co-chair of the Kansas City Health Commission. "By focusing on chronic disease, substance use disorders, and community connectedness, Kansas City is aligning partners around shared priorities that can lead to real, lasting change."

About the Kansas City Health Commission
The Kansas City Health Commission works to advance physical, mental, and social well-being and promote a thriving Kansas City where all residents can live in healthy communities and have equitable access to opportunity. The commission brings together residents, community organizations, and public health partners to help set priorities and advance initiatives that address health equity, policy, and prevention.

Learn more about the CHIP at kcmo.gov/CHIP.