The KCU Center for Population Health and Equity empowers students and communities to break down barriers to better health. Through education, research and hands-on outreach, we're shaping the future of health care.
At Kansas City University, we believe that health starts far beyond the walls of a clinic. That’s why we established the KCU Center for Population Health and Equity (CPHE) — to help future health care professionals understand and address the social and structural conditions that impact well-being.
The KCU CPHE supports KCU’s mission to improve the well-being of the communities we serve through four key pillars: education, research, service and community outreach. With programs on both our Kansas City and Joplin campuses, the KCU CPHE gives students hands-on opportunities to learn from and work with underserved communities, partnering to collectively develop the knowledge, empathy and skills needed to lead systemic change.
By collaborating with schools, health care providers, nonprofits and local organizations, the KCU CPHE creates experiential, volunteer learning opportunities for students to cultivate a deeper understanding of health equity, cultural competency and the real-world application of academic knowledge. From promotion of preventive health screenings to school-based mental health services, every initiative is rooted in our belief that everyone deserves a chance to achieve their full health potential.
SCORE 1 FOR HEALTH
KCU’s flagship preventive health outreach program has served elementary schools in Kansas City and Joplin for more than three decades, providing critical health screenings to more than 10,000 children each year.
SCORE 1 FOR HEALTH
KCU’s flagship preventive health outreach program has served elementary schools in Kansas City and Joplin for more than three decades, providing critical health screenings to more than 10,000 children each year.
STUDENT HEALTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM
The Student Health Advocate Program brings KCU students and community organizations together to break down barriers to care, boost health and connect people with the resources they need. By working alongside KCU students, individuals and families get help reaching their goals and navigating complex health care systems.
SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIP
An initiative designed to address the growing demand for affordable, accessible mental health services and psychological testing among younger students. KCU’s clinical psychology doctoral students are placed at public elementary schools to provide psychological assessment administration, scoring, interpretation and report writing under the supervision of school psychologists.
SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIP
An initiative designed to address the growing demand for affordable, accessible mental health services and psychological testing among younger students. KCU’s clinical psychology doctoral students are placed at public elementary schools to provide psychological assessment administration, scoring, interpretation and report writing under the supervision of school psychologists.
THE KCU CPHE RESEARCH LAB
The KCU CPHE Research Lab serves as a nexus for student, faculty, staff and community research efforts, with an emphasis on population health, public health, health equity and health policy.
The Health of the Heartland Report highlights research and case studies that examine the health factors and outcomes shaping life in Kansas City, Joplin and nearby communities. Focused on both urban and rural populations, the report will launch in summer 2025 and publish annually to spotlight the drivers of health across the Heartland.
LET’S BUILD A HEALTHIER FUTURE—TOGETHER
Whether you're a student looking to make an impact, a community organization seeking partnership or a supporter of equitable care, there’s a place for you at the Center for Population Health and Equity. Join us in advancing education, research and real-world initiatives that address the root causes of health disparities in our region and beyond.
LET’S BUILD A HEALTHIER FUTURE—TOGETHER
Whether you're a student looking to make an impact, a community organization seeking partnership or a supporter of equitable care, there’s a place for you at the Center for Population Health and Equity. Join us in advancing education, research and real-world initiatives that address the root causes of health disparities in our region and beyond.