Health Forward Foundation

Going home to a safe, affordable environment after a long day should be an effortless action. The safety, stability, and conditions of where we live shape our economic and collective health.

Affordable homeownership is one of Health Forward's core areas of investment because we know that when people have stable, affordable homes, they thrive. Families put down roots. Neighborhoods build wealth. Health improves across generations.

As we recognize National Homeownership Month, Health Forward is honored to shine a light on one of our partners, Build WyCo, whose work is advancing health and economic justice through housing - and demonstrating what's possible when communities have the resources and support they deserve.

Build WyCo: Advancing health and economic justice through housing - Health Forward Foundation Health Forward supports organizations that create safe and affordable housing and pathways to homeownership.

At a time where the nation is calling for the voice of the people to waver and show up in silos, President and CEO of Health Forward Foundation, Qiana Thomason is showing up in truth and calling people in.

With Dr. MLK Jr’s historical “Give us the ballot” speech lingering in the air, Qiana took to the podium at the 19th Annual Urban Summit Conference to deliver a powerful reminder of where Black Kansas Citians and allies sit in their power to reclaim the spirit of our city.

Detailing a 5-prong strategy of how to move through another moral reckoning in our nation, Qiana reminded the audience of how to mobilize through every generation and keep the answer of “where do we go from here?” in the hands of citizens. Thank you, Urban Summit Kansas City for inviting Health Forward Foundation and President/CEO Qiana Thomason to join the conversation through this year’s theme, Power to the People: No Vote. No Hope.

On August 4, Missourians will vote on a measure that, if passed, would upend the citizen-initiated constitutional amendment process.

"Individual congressional districts, representing as few as 7% of the state’s total voters, would have the power to block measures that receive clear majority support statewide."

Published in the Kansas City Star, Health Forward’s McClain Bryant Macklin, chief policy and impact officer, connects the dots between civic participation and public health, warning of the threat Amendment 4 poses.

Currently, a statewide majority vote is enough to pass a ballot measure in Missouri. Amendment 4 would change the law to require a majority in all eight of Missouri’s congressional districts to pass. Vote ‘no’ to protect our ability to keep politicians accountable to the people they represent.

Link to the full article in the comments below.

Health Forward is proud to spotlight the Kansas Common Sense Fund, whose work is uplifting the diverse voices of real Kansans to drive meaningful civic conversation through the Real Kansans project. Their leadership reflects the kind of community-rooted solutions that advance health equity and economic inclusion across our region. Thank you for your partnership and for the impact you make every day.

Take a look and share with someone who cares about Kansas communities.

Medicaid in Kansas | Ariana's Story A student shares how Medicaid in Kansas shaped her survival—and why expanding access to care matters for families and communities.

People Not Politicians has filed a lawsuit to stop state officials from pressuring local election authorities to use an invalid map for the 2026 elections. Health Forward Foundation is proud to partner with People Not Politicians Missouri and the people of Missouri in the fight for fair, trusted elections.

Over 305,000 Missourians signed their names to put fair congressional maps on the ballot, and election authorities have verified three times the signatures required for the referendum to qualify. Now, Missouri leaders must follow the process and ensure voters can have confidence in the 2026 elections. We stand with communities across Missouri in demanding fair maps, equitable representation, and the right to exercise democracy through referendum.

The games must stop. Missourians deserve elections they can trust.

Read the full statement by Health Forward Foundation: Missouri Voters Deserve a Voice on Congressional Maps — Not Political Delay:

Missouri Voters Deserve a Voice on Congressional Maps— Not Political Delay - Health Forward Foundation On Tuesday, the Missouri Supreme Court quickly made clear what we already knew: the Secretary of State has everything he needs to certify the signatures and let the people of Missouri vote. Over 305,000 Missourians signed their names because they believe their voice should matter. They exceeded the....