Kansas City Health Department Reports Major 2025 Gains

Kansas City Health Department Reports Major 2025 Gains

Annual report details progress across public health, outreach, and environmental safety.

For Immediate Release: February 13, 2026

The Kansas City Health Department (KCHD) today released its 2025 Impact Snapshot, highlighting significant progress in public health, economic stability, and community safety across the city. The department also underscored its continued national leadership, supported by its third accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board, one of only six health departments nationwide to reach the milestone

"The results from last year demonstrate the power of innovation and collaboration," said Kansas City Health Department Director Dr. Marvia Jones. "Moving through 2026, we are committed to carrying that energy forward as we implement our strategic plan and push for even greater impact."

Strengthening Stability and Expanding Access

In 2025, The Health Department managed $32.9 million in Health Levy funds to support care for uninsured and underinsured residents through hospitals and neighborhood health centers.

The REACH initiative, the Health Department's non-police crisis response alternative-served more than 2,000 individuals since launch, providing clothing vouchers, birth certificate vouchers, hygiene kits, and warm handoffs for mental health and substance-use treatment.

Youth Safety and Violence Prevention

The Y-Chat youth crisis program assisted young people ages 10-21 through six school partnerships and Job Corps, connecting 65 youth to immediate care. It also supported 34 active mentees through 31 phone line sessions, totaling more than 41 hours of direct service. KCHD also convened more than 250 participants at its citywide Mentoring Summit.

Public Health Readiness and Rapid Response

KCHD issued public alerts during spikes in whooping cough and seasonal flu, generating more than 78,000 views. More than 1,450 residents accessed immunizations, health screenings, and utility assistance at community outreach events.

Neighborhood Health and Partnerships

• The Regional Health Prosperity Zone reached 23,339 residents through targeted work on chronic disease, mental health support, and physical activity.
• Thirteen nonprofit partners completed 173 public health actions across three geographic regions.
• Food distribution work supported 1,554 households-nearly 5,400 people-with fresh produce.

Environmental Health and Safety

KCHD recognized 536 food establishments, representing the top 15 percent citywide, for exemplary performance. Inspectors completed more than 10,000 reviews across restaurants, schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and grocery stores.

Healthy Homes teams conducted lead hazard repairs in 38 homes, tested 669 children
for lead exposure, and provided case management for 536 children with elevated levels

Innovations In Public Health

The Kansas City Health Department expanded access to digital mental-health tools including ePrevention, Connections, Companion, and CredibleMind.

The department also supported broader use of the city's Fountain Card and mobilized more than 250 Community Wellness Ambassadors to share accurate health information citywide.

Commitment to Excellence and the Path Forward

KCHD earned its third PHAB accreditation and launched a new 2026-2030 strategic plan focused on expanded services and health equity.

See the full report here.

About the Kansas City Health Department

The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department works to protect and improve the health of all Kansas City residents through community outreach, prevention, education, and partnerships. Learn more at kcmo.gov/health.

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Media with questions may contact April Leonard, Public Information Officer for the Kansas City Health Department, at [email protected].