Health on the Plains
Health on the Plains is a Kansas Health Institute podcast, hosted by Wyatt Beckman, KHI senior analyst. The podcast was launched in 2023, with a focus on health and well-being in rural Kansas. Episodes include engaging and nuanced conversations around topics impacting the health of individuals in less populated parts of the state. Episodes are released twice monthly and include guests representing a wide range of backgrounds who are focused on improving health for Kansans. Although conversation is focused on Kansas, topics are relevant to anyone living in rural America. The podcast is also available as a webcast on YouTube.
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Episodes
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
On Episode 6, host Wyatt Beckman takes listeners on a look back at the first five episodes of Health on the Plains. Since the show got started in September 2023, we’ve heard from a wide range of leaders and doers in rural Kansas, as they’ve addressed the health-related needs in their communities. Guests have shared not just the challenges, but how they’re tackling issues head on and seeing success. Wyatt offers a preview of upcoming episodes that will take him to southwest and south-central Kansas. Thanks to our listeners who continue to check out new and earlier episodes.
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
On Episode 5, host Wyatt Beckman takes listeners to McPherson, Kansas, to meet Bluestem PACE Executive Director Emilie Rains. We get a look at the innovative PACE model, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, and what it can mean for rural Kansans. Emilie discusses the organization’s unique approach to helping older adults live in their homes and communities, while also providing a hub for health-related services and social engagement. She discusses the specific challenges of health care and in-home support for older adults in rural Kansas.
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
On Episode 4, host Wyatt Beckman takes listeners to The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, in northeast Kansas. He visits with Tribal Council Chairman Joseph “Zeke” Rupnick, who shares the importance of honoring the Nation’s past while paving a way towards improved health for its members now and for the future. Chairman Rupnick shares how the Nation addressed the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects on the challenges and opportunities for bridging the gap between health needs and access to care in the community. We also get a look at The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s expanded health centers that are focused both on medical and behavioral health. Lastly, Chairman Rupnick and Wyatt discuss the interconnectedness of health care, economic development and community well-being, highlighting the need for innovative approaches and creativity in rural settings operating on limited resources.
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
On Episode 3, host Wyatt Beckman takes listeners to Pittsburg, Kansas, where he talks with Dan Duling, Vice President of Community Partnerships for Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. Dan shares his journey from educator to health care leadership. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in rural Kansas to grow a health center that meets the needs of its patients and leverages community partnerships to support the whole person – with behavioral health services, food and nutrition and transportation.
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Friday Oct 13, 2023
On Episode 2, host Wyatt Beckman takes listeners to Allen County, Kansas where he talks with Lisse Regehr, President and CEO of Thrive Allen County. She shares how her rural health advocacy organization is working relentlessly to make Allen County the healthiest rural community in the state - one that thrives physically, socially, emotionally and fiscally. Hear how Thrive Allen County is pursuing innovative ideas, intertwining economic development and health, building community capacity and bringing partners together to rally around a shared vision of health.