Newsworthy

Dear Community Partners,

Here are today’s updates:

• Warm and Thankful Celebration is About Sharing with Community
• Community Health Needs Assessment Identifies Priorities in Shawnee, Geary Counties
• Save Your Spot, Save a Life: Community Blood Drive is Nov. 27
• Participate in National Injury Prevention Day 2024

Warm and Thankful Celebration is About Sharing with Community

Our Warm and Thankful Celebration, hosted by the Stormont Vail Health Cultural Ambassadors, is a charitable event that brightens the dark winter days while supporting a community organization. This year, our efforts will support individuals experiencing homelessness this holiday season by collecting healthy food donations for the Topeka Rescue Mission (TRM). Donations may be placed in the big gift box in the Topeka hospital’s Main Entrance.

We welcome all team members and their families to our yearly tradition of illuminating the hospital’s holiday lights and presenting donations to the TRM in the spirit of giving and cheer. We’ll also have cookies and cocoa, a holiday music sing-along led by Building Blocks Childcare students, and a special visit by members of the Paw Squad. 

• When: Tuesday, Nov. 26
• Time: 5 p.m.
• Where: Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Main Entrance Lobby

Community Health Needs Assessment Identifies Priorities in Shawnee, Geary Counties

The 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) results are in for Shawnee and Geary Counties. Stormont Vail Health worked with community partners in each county to determine top priorities for each community and results will be released this week. The full CHNAs are available on stormontvail.org at Community Health Planning.

In Shawnee County, the CHNA indicates that behavioral health, neighborhood safety and housing, healthy eating options, and health equity are top priorities. LiveWell Shawnee County workgroup chairs and community groups will meet at 10 a.m. on Nov. 13, in Claire’s Courtyard at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library to review the results and to begin to identify strategies and interventions that will address the priorities.

In Geary County, the CHNA indicates access to community resources, youth character development, transportation, obesity, and mental health are top priorities. Potential strategies and interventions to address the priorities over the next three years will be discussed at the USD 475 Community Connections meeting at 11:15 a.m. on Nov. 13, at Junction City Church of the Nazarene, 1025 S. Washington St., Junction City.  

Save Your Spot, Save a Life: Community Blood Drive is Nov. 27

• Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024
• 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Pozez Education Center, Centennial Rooms A/D, Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka Campus
• Save your spot today so you can save a life tomorrow. –>

Our upcoming Community Blood Drive is an excellent way to look out for our neighbors and support those in need. One donation might seem like a drop in the bucket, but even one contribution can save as many as THREE lives! Click the link above to schedule your appointment. Thank you for your consideration and contributions!

Participate in National Injury Prevention Day 2024

As part of our commitment to health and safety, we will shine a light on National Injury Prevention Day and illuminate our Topeka Campus hospital with green lights on Monday, Nov. 18.

Additionally, in partnership with Safe Kids Kansas, the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library will host an Injury Prevention Fair on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Marvin Auditorium. This event will feature various organizations, including the YMCA of Topeka and Be SMART, providing valuable resources and strategies for enhancing safety in our community.

Check out the Injury Free Coalition for Kids to learn about National Injury Prevention Day. Thank you for your commitment to making our community safer for everyone!

We together,
Dr. Kenagy