With the number and complexity of initiatives the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund has underway and in the planning stages, Katie Ross has been selected to join the Hutchinson-based philanthropy as a Program Officer.
“In evaluating our capabilities for serving current grantees, as well as anticipating our staffing needs as we continue addressing the challenges for a healthier Kansas in the future, we decided it was time to add this position,” said Kim Moore, President of the Health Fund. “We feel very fortunate to have found someone with Katie’s experience and enthusiasm.”
Ross, a native of Colby, had been with the Reno County Health Department since 2008 — initially as a health educator, then as Health Education and Promotion Coordinator. She is a 2003 graduate of Sterling College with degrees in health and physical education and in athletic training. Prior to moving to Hutchinson, she was an athletic trainer in Oklahoma City.
“There are many things I look forward to in this new job,” Ross said. “I certainly welcome working with rural Kansas, being involved with health care on a broader scope, and hopefully being able to effect change on a wider scale.”
She referenced the “great focus areas” of the Health Fund, specifically citing access to care, children’s mental health, High 5 for Mom & Baby breastfeeding initiative, and the just-unveiled Kansas Rural Health System Improvement Project. The pilot project is a joint effort of six Kansas philanthropies, with the Health Fund as the lead funder and organizer. “I’m eager to grow in my understanding and broaden my experience in these focus areas,” Ross said. “And I really anticipate a great mentoring opportunity with Kim and Virginia,” referring to Vice President of Programs, Virginia Elliott.
The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund is located at 100 East First. Since its founding in 1986, the fund has invested over $60 million in health, healing, and wholeness for Kansans. Additional information about its grant opportunities and initiatives is available at www.healthfund.org.