The KCU Center for Population Health and Equity (CPHE) Research Lab serves as a nexus for student, faculty, staff and community research efforts, with an emphasis on the population health, public health, health equity and health policy factors impacting the overall Health of the Heartland. 

Health of the Heartland research initiatives through the CPHE examine the health factors and outcomes shaping life in Kansas City, Joplin and nearby communities. This research then informs resources published through the CPHE Research Lab, including Health of the Heartland Fact Sheets on various health topics. In addition to Fact Sheets, the CPHE will publish an annual Health of the Heartland report, focused on the drivers of health for both urban and rural populations, annually.