The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

11/11/2026

Our communities are stronger because of the veterans who call them home.

Today, we celebrate their service, honor their contributions, and thank them for all they've done for our nation.

Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸

11/09/2026

This , please consider a donation to the Rural Community Partners SEK Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund!
https://www.sekgives.org/nonprofits/sekbizsupport

Next in our Match Week 2026 Fund Highlight series is Rural Community Partners SEK Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund!

"Behind every small business is someone with an idea, a dream, and the determination to make it happen. But in rural Southeast Kansas, access to startup funding, business education, and experienced mentors can be limited. That's why Rural Community Partners established the SEK Entrepreneur & Small Business Support Fund: to ensure local entrepreneurs have the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to succeed."

Learn more and see a full list of participating funds at SEKGives.org!

11/09/2026

LET'S CHANGE THE CONVERSATION. 💬

When it comes to substance use, perceptions don't always match reality.

The data tells a more complete story.

✔ More than 3 in 4 Kansas young adults ages 18–20 reported no ma*****na use in the past 30 days.

✔ Nearly half reported no alcohol use during that same period.

We're sharing these numbers because everyone deserves accurate information about their peers.

No judgment. No assumptions. Just facts.

📊 Source: 2025 Kansas Young Adult Survey



Rural Community Partners
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Path of EASE Association
Balloon Media

11/06/2026

HBCAT is looking for 8 young adults to serve on a PAID Advisory Council!

This is your chance to share your ideas, offer fresh perspectives, and help shape initiatives that support healthier, stronger communities.

✅ Ages 18–20
✅ 13-month commitment
✅ $500 payment upon completion of your term
✅ An opportunity to make your voice heard!

📩 Interested? Have questions? Reach out to:

Aura Brillhart
📧 [email protected]

Jenni Simhiser
📧 [email protected]

Your voice matters. Help us make a difference!



Rural Community Partners

11/04/2026

REALITY CHECK 👀

Think everyone your age uses ma*****na?

The numbers might surprise you.

More than 3 in 4 Kansas young adults ages 18–20 reported no ma*****na use in the past 30 days.

Sometimes what we think is common isn’t what the data shows.

The more you know. 💬

📊 Source: 2025 Kansas Young Adult Survey



Rural Community Partners
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Path of EASE Association
Balloon Media

11/02/2026

🌱 Getting our hands dirty for healthier soil and stronger communities!

Last Friday, 35 middle and high school students from Fort Scott visited Freedom Farms for a hands-on learning experience focused on soil health, regenerative farming practices, and building resilient food systems!

Students explored the differences between conventional and regenerative agriculture, learned about rotational grazing, collected soil samples, and discovered how healthier soil can support a healthier environment. 🌾🐄

A big thank you to Lonnie Mengarelli and Krista Harding with K-State Extension, Gary Palmer from Freedom Farms, and Christina Pacheco with the University of Kansas Medical Center for sharing their expertise. HBCAT's Aura and Jody were also on hand to support the activities and help make the day a success!

This was the first of four workshops funded through a CoLearn grant awarded to HBCAT through the University of Iowa! We're excited to continue connecting students with hands-on learning opportunities that support a more resilient future!

💚 Building healthier thriving communities!

This project was supported in part by Federal Grant Number NA23OAR4310629 from the Climate Program Office at NOAA

10/28/2026

🥫 Help fight hunger right here in Bourbon County! ❤️

USD 234 and HBCAT's Local Health Action Team are teaming up for a Community Food Drive from October 25 through November 9!

All donations will benefit food pantries across Bourbon County, helping local families and neighbors in need this holiday season.

🛒 How can you help? Donate non-perishable food items at any participating collection site:

CHC
Christian Heights
City State Bank
City Office/Hall
Fort Scott Middle School
G&W Foods
Nazarene Church
Presbyterian Village
SEKMH Office
Trinity Lutheran Church
Community Christian Church

Together, we can fill the shelves, support our neighbors, and build healthier thriving communities! 💚

10/26/2026

The Bourbon County Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT) is putting its recent recognition as a The University of Kansas 2026 Community Impact Hub to good use!

A portion of the funding received through this designation was used to support the Fort Scott Community College pantry, providing essential items for students in need. The LHEAT donation included dryer sheets, feminine hygiene products, and shower products to help students access everyday necessities.

Another great example of local partnerships making a difference in Bourbon County!

Building healthier thriving communities!

Learn more about the KU Community Impact Hubs initiative: https://communityimpact.ku.edu/community-impact-hubs-champions

10/21/2026

Young adulthood is full of big decisions. Make sure yours are based on facts—not misinformation.

When it comes to alcohol and va**ng, a viral video or a friend’s advice might leave out part of the story. Check the source, ask questions, and look for reliable information before deciding what’s right for you.

You deserve facts, support, and space to make your own choices.



Path of EASE Association
Rural Community Partners
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Balloon Media

10/19/2026

Big things happen when a community comes together!

Last week, the Community Impact Tour stopped in Bronson to celebrate the Bronson City Park Renovation Project and the people and partnerships who made it possible.

Bronson’s Rural Champion, Kelly Perry, highlighted the community’s progress through the Office of Rural Prosperity Rural Champion Program. HBCAT was proud to support these efforts by helping with the Community Champion Grant and Community Development Block Grants.

Thank you to the volunteers, donors, businesses, organizations and community leaders investing their time and energy in Bronson’s future!