KPR health series funding renewed

Kansas Public Radio’s weekly health segment, “Kansas Health: A Prescription for Change,” has received funding to continue for another 2 1/2 years.

Two statewide foundations, the Sunflower Foundation in Topeka and the Kansas Health Foundation in Wichita, gave KPR a new grant worth more than $200,000 so the series can continue through October 2009. The award-winning series, which began as a children’s health series in 2000, is heard on more than 25 stations across Kansas. The program also is available at KPR’s Web site, kpr.ku.edu.

KPR health reporter Bryan Thompson, who produces the series, travels the state to report on various health issues affecting Kansans. Since the beginning of the series, Thompson has traveled tens of thousands of miles, covering health issues such as the lack of dental care in southwest Kansas and housing for the mentally ill.

“KPR’s health series has been making a difference in the lives of Kansans for seven years,” Thompson said. “It’s a great honor and a great responsibility to continue that work. The Sunflower Foundation and the Kansas Health Foundation make that possible.”

The series is edited by KPR news director J. Schafer and news producers Laura Lorson and Joseph DiNitto.

“We’re very grateful to the Sunflower Foundation and the Kansas Health Foundation for their continued support of this project,” Schafer said. “Their financial commitment has allowed us to examine a number of health issues that we’d otherwise be unable to explore, including poverty and lifestyle choices.”

KPR, licensed to Kansas University, broadcasts on KANU 91.5 FM in Lawrence, KANH 89.7 FM in Emporia, KANV 91.3 FM in Olsburg-Junction City and K210CR 89.9 FM in Atchison. KPR can be heard on the Internet at kpr.ku.edu.