Kansas City Medical Society Foundation

Advocacy - KCMS Foundation advances access to healthcare through advocacy supporting access to Medicaid. That advocacy includes direct and grassroots lobbying, regulatory advocacy, and education on healthcare access.

Health Education / Retired Physicians Organization - In 2024, the physicians serving on the KCMS Wellness and Prevention Committee contributed a total of 159 volunteer hours, representing an in-kind value of $16,931.42 (based on the Independent Sector's estimated hourly value of physician volunteer time: $169.38/hour). Throughout the year, the committee advanced initiatives that elevated physician well-being and addressed urgent community health needs in greater Kansas City. Their work to reform hospital credentialing language helped reduce stigma around mental health, aligning with the Dr. Lorna Breen Act and supporting the development of peer support and mentorship programs. These efforts culminated in the inaugural Physician Suicide Awareness Campaign, which included community events, educational materials, and peer-led discussions to promote wellness across the medical profession. In addition, the committee expanded opioid overdose prevention efforts through NarcanTM training in schools and community organizations and supported the launch of a student-led social media campaign focused on harm reduction. The group also contributed to the development of a Diabetes Self-Management curriculum centered on health equity and social determinants of health. This physician-led committee continues to serve as a vital force for wellness, prevention, and advocacy-impacting both the medical community and the broader population it serves. Also in 2024, the Retired Physicians Organization (RPO), a program of the Foundation, continued its mission of advancing community health education and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. RPO volunteer physicians provided 243 hours of community service, including preparation, travel, and delivery of health education presentations across the Kansas City area. These presentations reached 2,163 individuals through 46 unique venue requests, including community centers, faith-based organizations, and partner agency events. Using the Independent Sector's 2024 estimated value of physician volunteer time at $169.38 per hour, this contribution represents an in-kind service donation valued at $41,159.34. The impact of this service goes beyond economic value-RPO's efforts helped improve community health skills, addressed common medical concerns in accessible language, and provided trusted guidance from experienced physicians. By meeting the needs of community groups and agency partners with tailored, health-focused programming, RPO reinforced the Foundation's commitment to health equity and grassroots engagement. These presentations often serve as the only source of reliable, physician-led health information for many underserved populations in the area, strengthening public health outcomes and building trust between medical professionals and the communities they serve.