Kansas has once again scored below the national average in the latestNational Health Security Preparedness Index.
The index is an effort to measure a state’s ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies that pose health risks. That’s anything from extreme weather events like tornadoes to an outbreak of a deadly disease or virus. On a scale of 10, Kansas scored a 6.9. The national average is 7.1.
“The good news is that it’s been improving over time,” project director Glen Mays said.
The research shows that one thing Kansas struggles with is providing broad access to trauma centers and mental and behavioral healthcare.
“You know rural states, in particular, have challenges with supporting that kind of high-cost health care infrastructure,” he said.
He also commended Kansas for it’s community planning and engagement programs and said that's key for improving all other areas of concern.
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Brian Grimmett, based at KMUW in Wichita, is a reporter focusing on the environment and energy for the Kansas News Service, a collaboration of KMUW, Kansas Public Radio, KCUR and High Plains Public Radio covering health, education and politics. Follow him on Twitter @briangrimmett. Kansas News Service stories and photos may be republished at no cost with proper attribution and a link back to the original post.
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