Health Forward Foundation

03/12/2026

Health Forward President/CEO, Qiana Thomason, recently traveled to Birmingham, AL, where she served as the keynote presenter at the Anarcha, Lucy, Betsey Day of Reckoning Conference.

During her keynote, Qiana shared her personal maternal health story alongside insights from Health Forward’s work to advance birth equity. Her reflections helped frame an important conversation about narratives and funding of maternal and reproductive health while honoring the legacy and experiences of Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey - the three enslaved girls who were subjected to experimental procedures at the hands of J. Marion Sims, often referred to as “The Father of Gynecology.”

The Day of Reckoning Conference brought together leaders, advocates, and community members to examine maternal, reproductive, and public health through the lens of behavior change and policy, while paying tribute and remembrance to women recognized as The Mothers of Gynecology. To learn more about Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey, The Mothers of Gynecology, visit https://www.anarchalucybetsey.org/

03/10/2026

Health Forward Foundation is pleased to announce that Ashley Beard Fosnow has joined our team as Policy Impact Strategist. Ashley brings decades of advocacy experience in Missouri and will play a key role in advancing our state-level policy work across both Kansas and Missouri. As we continue to deepen relationships and expand opportunities across our rural service areas, we look forward to the leadership, stewardship and expertise Ashley brings to this work.

03/06/2026

Missourians made it loud and clear: they demand fair elections and representation. Communities of color and rural residents don't want their voices diluted. Health Forward supports efforts to safeguard our democracy and give voters the power to determine their future.

Preliminary data from local election authorities suggests that the campaign is close to qualifying for the ballot.

03/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined Health Forward for our 2026 Missouri Advocacy Day!

We host Advocacy Day to create space for nonprofits and community partners to engage directly in the policymaking process to elevate ​our collective voice on issues that impact our communities, including access to health care, housing affordability, voting rights, and more.

Special thanks to our Impact Strategist Kelli Doyle, for moderating a panel on Missouri’s Rural Health Transformation Project, the future of rural health care and the policies needed to strengthen it. Thank you to our panelists Heidi Lucas, Executive Director of the MO Rural Health Association; Jessica Bax, Director of Missouri Department of Social Services; and Toniann Richard, Chief Executive Officer of HCC Network and President-elect of the National Rural Health Association.

Nonprofit advocacy is especially critical at a time when many proposed policies could significantly impact nonprofit organizations and the people they serve. We’re proud of our advocates for their leadership and commitment to helping our communities thrive.

03/02/2026

Last week, our President/CEO Qiana Thomason joined our partners Kansas City PBS to kick off the Reel Black Film Festival at the Gem Theater.

We were proud to support the talented filmmakers and storytellers who shared their powerful voices with our community. Their work brought untold stories to life and changed perceptions of everyday moments.

Thank you to Kansas City PBS for championing these filmmakers and celebrating the vibrant culture, rich history, and creative brilliance of Black Kansas City.

02/26/2026

Today, our Chief Policy and Impact Officer, McClain Bryant Macklin, shares a powerful call to continued action in the Kansas City Star. As Black History Month comes to a close, McClain reminds us that now is the time to “meet the moment and mitigate the impacts of a changing tide.”

In the op-ed, she underscores the persistent inequities affecting Black communities across Kansas and Missouri — and highlights how nonprofits continue to serve as a stabilizing force. From connecting neighbors to critical resources, to convening partners and translating policy into tangible outcomes for families, nonprofits remain essential — especially as federal funding becomes less reliable.

We invite you to read the full piece at the link below and join us in supporting nonprofits in our community.

Lawmakers in Topeka and Jefferson City must act decisively to protect the health and economic security of our communities. | Opinion

02/17/2026

During Black History Month, Health Forward is proud to be the presenting sponsor for Kansas City PBS Reel Black Film Festival.

📅 Feb. 20 & 21
📍 The Gem Theater & American Jazz Museum
🎟️ FREE with RSVP + a VIP Experience option
Link: https://www.kansascitypbs.org/reelblack/

This festival highlights the vibrancy of Black culture through film — from honoring cultural icons and unsung heroes to sparking important conversations about structural racism. By uplifting these voices, we not only celebrate a rich history and vibrant culture, but also advance health equity by replacing harmful narratives with inclusive ones that empower Black and Brown communities in Kansas City.

Join us this weekend in celebrating stories that inspire, challenge, and connect us. 🎬

Get details on Kansas City PBS Black History Month 2025 film festival at The Truman Kansas City.

02/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined Health Forward for our 2026 Kansas Advocacy Day!

The time we spent in Topeka was a strong reminder of how important nonprofits are to communities across Kansas. As trusted, on-the-ground partners, nonprofits bring real stories and firsthand experience into conversations with policymakers — helping shape decisions that affect people’s daily lives.

From learning together to connecting with legislators at the Kansas State Capitol, your voices helped lift up what communities need to thrive. We’re grateful for your leadership and your commitment to speaking up for our communities!

02/02/2026

We’re proud to stand alongside Black leaders, funded partners, and community leaders at every level who work every day to make the Kansas City region a place where everyone can thrive.

This month, we celebrate Black history, resilience, and excellence!