Kansas University and Lawrence-based Kansas Head Start Association recently were awarded health grants totaling about $220,000.

The grants are from Hutchinson-based United Methodist Health Ministry Fund’s 2008 Innovative Funding program, which is designed to support practical and promising ideas for improving health.

Kansas Head Start Association received $73,843 to improve health literacy for 2,600 Kansas parents. The association has developed a training program to help health care providers and others teach low-income parents about children’s health and when to seek a doctor’s care.

KU’s Energy Balance Laboratory in Lawrence garnered $77,200 to offer training and support for Kansas health and social service providers interested in developing evidence-based programs to treat and prevent obesity.

A grant of $68,613 has been awarded to improve access to mental health services in rural Kansas. The project will be coordinated by KU’s School of Social Welfare.