In Sedgwick County, two local coalitions—Tobacco Free Wichita and the Health & Wellness Coalition—are working together to improve community health through prevention efforts that address some of the leading causes of chronic disease. Both organizations are proud recipients of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) grant, which supports local initiatives that help residents live healthier lives.
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes remain among the leading causes of illness and death in Kansas. Many of these conditions are linked to modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. Through the CDRR grant, Tobacco Free Wichita and the Health & Wellness Coalition are working alongside community partners to address these risk factors and promote healthier environments.
Tobacco Free Wichita focuses specifically on protecting residents from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine use. Tobacco use remains one of the most preventable causes of disease, yet it continues to impact thousands of Kansans each year. By supporting tobacco-free policies, connecting residents with cessation resources, and educating the community about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine products, the coalition helps make tobacco-free living the easier choice.
Being tobacco-free offers immediate and long-term health benefits. Within days or weeks of quitting, circulation and lung function begin to improve. Over time, the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and many cancers decreases significantly. Living tobacco-free also supports better mental well-being, improved physical activity levels, and greater overall quality of life. When individuals choose not to use tobacco, they protect their own health while also reducing exposure to secondhand smoke for those around them.
Local policy efforts have already made a meaningful difference. Wichita has become a statewide leader in clean indoor air policy adoption across universities, housing developments, and tobacco free public spaces including Wichita Transit and Equity Bank Park.
For individuals who want to quit tobacco, support is available. Free resources—including coaching and medication—are offered through KanQuit, a statewide quitline that helps Kansans take the next step toward a tobacco-free life. Support systems like these make quitting more achievable and remind people that they do not have to go through the process alone.
At the same time, the Health & Wellness Coalition works to promote physical activity and good nutrition for every generation in the greater Wichita area. Through community programs, policy initiatives, and partnerships, the coalition encourages healthy eating and active living as essential components of chronic disease prevention.
Over the years, the Health & Wellness Coalition has played a key role in initiatives that support active lifestyles and healthier food systems. These include leadership in the development of the Wichita Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, community programs like StoryWalk® and parkrun, and collaborative efforts such as the Wichita/Sedgwick County Food System Master Plan. The coalition also hosts the long-running Working Well Conference, which has supported workplace wellness efforts for more than two decades.
Together, these coalitions demonstrate the power of partnership. By connecting organizations, amplifying community voices, and advancing policies that promote healthy environments, they are helping Wichita residents access healthier choices every day. Their collaborative work reaches thousands of community members and helps bring state and national resources into local efforts.
Living tobacco-free, staying physically active, and eating a balanced diet are three powerful steps individuals can take to improve their health. When communities support these choices through education, resources, and policy change, the impact can be felt for generations.
If you’re interested in supporting this work, consider getting involved with Tobacco Free Wichita or the Health & Wellness Coalition. Attend a meeting, follow along on social media, or share resources with your networks. Together, we can continue building a healthier Wichita—one step, one policy, and one tobacco-free choice at a time.
