23 Jul Grant Helps Expand Health Department Programming
Last year, the McPherson County Health Department received a $10,000 grant through the McPherson County Community Foundation’s Mastermind McPherson County Grant cycle. The funding allowed MCHD to partner with Partnerships in Family Care and McPherson Medical and Surgical Associates to expand access to long-acting reversible contraceptives for McPherson County residents.
The program, which operates through MCHD’s Title X initiative, provides access to birth control without barriers related to income, location, or health insurance status.
In addition to contraceptive services, the program’s family planning offerings include well-woman exams, pregnancy tests, and prenatal vitamins.
During the period covered by the Mastermind grant, MCHD was able to provide long-acting contraceptive care to 19 McPherson County residents. MCHD Director and Health Officer Shalei Shea said access to long-acting contraceptives can address a financial barrier that prevents some patients from choosing this option.
“The problem is in the upfront costs for these longer-acting and reversible contraceptives,” Shea said. “Instead of having to take pills daily for relatively the same cost in the end, (patients) can have a more practical solution.”
Although the Mastermind grant funding expired earlier this year, MCHD was able to use data collected through the program to demonstrate the community’s need and secure additional funding from the federal government to continue providing these services.
The new funding is provided annually through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and is supported by a five-year federal program. MCHD will receive funding for the program this year and will need to reapply in each subsequent year.
Shea said the data collected through the original Mastermind grant helped demonstrate two important points to state officials: that there is a need for the program in McPherson County and that MCHD has a process in place to provide long-acting contraceptives to community members.
The continued funding will allow MCHD to build on the program established through the Mastermind grant and maintain access to family planning services for residents throughout McPherson County.
The McPherson County Community Foundation is committed to supporting programs that improve the health and well-being of residents throughout the county. Through grants like the Mastermind McPherson County Grant, the foundation works to invest in local organizations and initiatives that address community needs, expand access to essential services, and help create a healthier McPherson County.