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Business Journals
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Journals
BCBSKS and KU Wichita Pediatrics partner to create a healthier future
The mission of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) goes beyond providing health insurance – it's about building healthier communities. One of the ways this is accomplished is through support of the Wichita Open, an event that transcends the game of golf. Through this event, the Wichita economy surges, with spectators investing more than $7 million in hotels, restaurants and activities during the week. Friends and neighbors unite to celebrate the accomplishments of amazing athletes. But, most importantly, this is the week Kansans come together to raise money for crucial health care programs for children in our community. For the third year, BCBSKS will serve as title sponsor for the Wichita Open on June 19-22 at Crestview Country Club. 'The reason we do this is simple: it's KU Wichita Pediatrics,' said Matt All, BCBSKS president and CEO. 'This is an organization that delivers life-changing medical care to Kansas families. By sponsoring this event, BCBSKS helps raise critical funds for pediatric health programs, strengthening community connections and making a meaningful impact on local children's health and well-being. This partnership ensures that children have greater access to the specialty care they need, right here in Kansas.' Investing in the future of Kansas For Kansans, the partnership with KU Wichita Pediatrics means investing in the future of Kansas by supporting the health and well-being of its youngest residents. Families shouldn't have to travel far or struggle to find high-quality pediatric care. Through this collaboration, BCBSKS helps make that a reality. The benefits of this partnership extend beyond immediate health care needs; it's about creating long-term health and success for our children and communities. 'There must be philanthropic support of pediatrics in order for a community to sustain comprehensive pediatric services,' said Dr. Brian Pate, professor and chair, Department of Pediatrics, KU School of Medicine-Wichita. 'One of the things that inspires me the most through the relationship with the Wichita Open is that we share the values that drive wellness for Kansas children. This partnership will allow us to better serve local families.' In prior years, funds received from the Wichita Open have helped support programming for KU Wichita Pediatrics, such as school-based health clinics, Kansas Kids Mental Health Access Program (KSKidsMAP), the Center for Research for Infant Birth & Survival (CRIBS) and the division of hematology and oncology. For BCBSKS, this partnership reflects their core philosophy of Kansans serving Kansans. 'We are deeply committed to the communities we serve, and working alongside KU Wichita Pediatrics allows us to fulfill that commitment in a tangible and lasting way,' said All. 'Together, we create a healthier Kansas for today and for generations to come.' expand Mental and behavioral health initiatives Mental and behavioral health is a critical part of overall well-being, and BCBSKS has seen the growing need for these services, especially for kids and families. They have partnered with KU Wichita Pediatrics to meet these needs in ways that make a real difference. One initiative is support of the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, which trains more mental health professionals in Kansas. This program addresses limited access to care, particularly in rural areas, bringing more help to more families. Investing in mental health education and training ensures Kansas communities have the resources they need to thrive. Additionally, BCBSKS supports Baby Talk, a vital program for moms that provides pregnant and postpartum women with the physical and emotional support they need. This initiative ensures both mom and baby have a strong, healthy start. The program includes educational resources, counseling and health care support, helping new mothers navigate the challenges of parenthood with confidence and care. Ensuring maternal health is paramount to the growth and development of the entire family unit. Holistic approach to health and wellness At the end of the day, BCBSKS is dedicated to caring for the whole person – mind and body – and ensuring Kansans have access to the care they need, when and where they need it. Partnerships like this not only address today's needs but also prepare for tomorrow by investing in long-term solutions for healthier communities. By focusing on holistic health, BCBSKS and KU Wichita Pediatrics are making strides toward a future where every Kansan can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Ultimately, the partnership between BCBSKS and KU Wichita Pediatrics exemplifies the power of collaboration in fostering healthier communities. Through dedicated support and initiatives, this partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensuring every child in Kansas has access to the resources necessary for a thriving, healthy life. By coming together, BCBSKS and KU Wichita Pediatrics pave the way for a brighter and healthier tomorrow for all Kansans.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Groundbreaking pediatric leukemia treatment now available in Wichita
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — KU School of Medicine-Wichita Department of Pediatrics and Wesley Children's Hospital say a groundbreaking treatment for pediatric leukemia is now available in Wichita. Blinatumomab, which recently completed clinical trials and has won approval from the FDA, is a drug designed to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia, one of the most common types of blood and bone marrow cancer. It causes the body to produce too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The disease has a rapid onset. If left untreated, death can happen within a matter of months. Blinatumomab uses the patient's immune system to fight the disease. It teaches the body's T-cells, a type of white blood cell, to recognize and destroy leukemia cells. The tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas is alarming. It's not the biggest in US history though, CDC says Clinical trials showed the average risk of relapse, and survival rates rose to 97.5% with the new drug regimen vs. 90.2% for those without blinatumomab. For high-risk patients, the rate rose from 84.8% to 94.1%. 'This treatment is a transformative step forward for children in our community,' says Nathan Hall, D.O., MBA, M.S., associate professor and director of pediatric hematology and oncology at KU Wichita Pediatrics and Wesley Medical Center. 'For families facing the challenge of a leukemia diagnosis, this therapy offers new possibilities and a hope for one day curing all pediatric cancer.' The treatment is now available thanks to a partnership between the KU School of Medicine-Wichita Department of Pediatrics, Wesley Children's Hospital and Children's Oncology Group. 'This partnership aligns with our mission to provide comprehensive, family-centered care while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in pediatric medicine,' says Brian Pate, M.D., chair of the Department of Pediatrics at KU School of Medicine-Wichita. 'Families no longer need to seek care outside the state to access treatments. Instead, they can receive world-class care right here in Wichita, and we are also using these opportunities to train future pediatricians in the only pediatric training program in Kansas.' The Children's Oncology Group is a member of the National Cancer Institute National Clinical Trials Group, the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
