Community Disaster Response Network Expands Rural Public Health Preparedness
The University of Nebraska Medical Center is working to strengthen community preparedness and response to public health emergencies through the Community Disaster Response Network (CDRN), a grant-funded initiative focused particularly on the needs of rural and aging communities.
The network brings together organizations and agencies interested in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies, while helping participants connect with resources, preparedness networks and practical tools they can use in their own communities. The goal is to build a stronger network of organizations that can share information and resources before, during and after a disaster or public health emergency.
As the CDRN begins expanding its network, the organizers are particularly interested in connecting with more Kansas providers and organizations that may not already be involved in other emergency preparedness initiatives. Participating organizations will have opportunities to learn from others, access resources and “how-to” materials, and provide input on tools being developed through the project.
The network is currently holding listening and networking sessions on the last Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Organizational members are encouraged to designate the same representative to participate regularly so the network can build relationships and better understand the needs of participating organizations.
The CDRN is also developing practical resources, including a regional communications plan template designed to help organizations better understand what emergency communication planning can look like in practice. Training and resources developed through the network may also be shared with participating organizations to help them bring preparedness information back to their own staff, members and communities.
Interested in getting involved? If your organization would like to learn more about the Community Disaster Response Network or participate in the monthly calls, please reach out to Kylee Childs. The network is actively looking to increase participation from Kansas providers and organizations serving rural and aging populations. You can also learn more at this website.
Quarterly NF and HCBS Collaboration Meetings with KDHE Medicaid Eligibility
After several months of changes in leadership and supervisory staff within KDHE, the quarterly collaboration meetings between nursing facilities, HCBS providers and KDHE Medicaid Eligibility are resuming. These meetings provide an opportunity for providers to connect directly with KDHE, discuss eligibility issues and receive clarification on Medicaid processes.
The next quarterly collaboration meetings will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026, via Zoom. Separate meeting times and links are provided for the two provider groups:
Nursing Facilities (NF)
10:00 a.m. CDT
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83863064485?pwd=JBt8I8IPh2vumWQbp9rtUzOb1rfprx.1
Meeting ID: 851 6170 9142
Passcode: 056286
HCBS Providers
2:00 p.m. CDT
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85161709142?pwd=6Iktzx9ZPDvDCTcFs8p7OHXyj5gGKN.1&jst=1
Meeting ID: 838 6306 4485
Passcode: 833474
The September meeting agenda will include:
- KDHE leadership introductions
- KDHE escalation pathways
- Trusts
- Medically Needy and spenddowns
- Buy-In vs. Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)
KDHE and provider partners are looking forward to reconnecting and establishing a regular schedule for these quarterly discussions. Providers are encouraged to participate and bring questions or issues related to Medicaid eligibility. KDHE is also working to update its contact lists for these meetings. If you or someone else from your organization should be included in future communications, please let KDHE know so the appropriate contacts can be added.
As always, providers with questions or concerns between meetings can reach out to the appropriate KDHE liaison mailbox for assistance.
