The Kansas Health Foundation has recognized that to achieve its vision of making Kansas the best place to raise a child and its mission of improving the health of all Kansans, there must be a critical mass of informed, effective leaders and engaged citizens permeating communities and organizations all across the state. When skilled leadership is plentiful, communities and organizations are able to create healthy environments that encourage community organizing, informed decision-making, and effective problem-solving. In these environments, collaboration, civil discourse, and civic engagement flourish and positive change results.

"It takes this kind of environment for children to grow up healthy and realize their full potential," said Marni Vliet, president & CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation. "Today's thriving children grow up to become tomorrow's healthy adults."

The need for creating more Kansas leaders came about when the Kansas Health Foundation started conducting statewide listening tours in 1988. Over the years, staff members visiting small towns and large cities have heard from citizens what they think are the most important health issues in their communities. The people of Kansas consistently tell the Foundation they have a need for leaders to help identify problems and energize their communities to develop and implement solutions. They express genuine concern that citizens responsible for making decisions don't always have the skills necessary to do so. And they fear younger generations are not becoming involved to replace today's retiring and aging leaders.

"While we can't imagine what issues Kansans may be facing in 20, 30, or even 50 years," said Vliet, "we can prepare individuals across this state to handle whatever challenges or opportunities may arise in the decades to come. That will take people...people with leadership skills to plan strategically, identify and solve problems, capitalize on opportunities, and advocate for policy that results in more vibrant communities and healthier Kansans. Fortunately, leadership skills can be learned."

The mission of the Leadership Center is to develop leaders who will mobilize and transform their communities and organizations. Training at the Center will include topics such as strategic planning, community organizing, facilitation, and advocacy. The Center will also convene leaders from around the state on important health and wellness issues. Attendees of the Center will be Kansas citizens - individuals and policymakers from communities, organizations and institutions.

"The impact of this Leadership Center will be felt by every Kansan for generations to come," said Kermit Wedel, M.D., Chairman of the Kansas Health Foundation Board. "Just think, the training provided at this Center will turn today's young lemonade-stand owner into tomorrow's community leader - an informed and skilled individual who will make decisions that will affect each and every one of us."

Over the years, the Foundation has implemented a number of leadership initiatives including an annual Leadership Institute, the Kansas Community Leadership Initiative, Kansas Health Foundation Fellows, Master Facilitators, and the GROW Community Foundation program. As a result of these initiatives, hundreds of Kansans are now putting their enhanced leadership skills to work in an effort to make Kansas a great place to live, work and raise children. "The Kansas Leadership Center will take our work in leadership to the next level and be a cornerstone to improving the health of all Kansans," said Vliet.

Commenting on the Foundation's announcement, Governor Kathleen Sebelius said, "The Kansas Health Foundation is leaving a lasting legacy of leadership with this incredible investment in the health and well-being of our state. We are fortunate to have a number of Kansas Health Foundation Fellows in key leadership positions in state agencies, so I know how valuable this legacy will be for the future. Today's actions go a long way with furthering our shared mission of improving the health of the people of Kansas. I wholeheartedly commend the Kansas Health Foundation for their efforts to secure the health of Kansans, today and well into the future."