Community Engagement
Community Engagement > About The Institute
In 1905, the University of Kansas Medical Center was established on the most eastern edge of Kansas facing West to remind us why we go to work: We work for Kansans.
That's why we work with communities in every county to enrich the health of Kansans.
A few things have changed since 1905. Today's health challenges are increasingly global. To remain steadfast in our dedication to the health of the people of Kansas, we also build partnerships and work to improve health beyond our state's borders.
The Institute for Community Engagement supports engaged scholarship across KU Medical Center. Engaged scholarship is practical work with community partners beyond our walls that propel communities and academia forward. Engaged scholarship advances KU Medical Center's mission: it is a mode of teaching, a method of research, an approach to clinical care and a form of service.
The Institute directs many initiatives, but it does not manage all KU Medical Center outreach activities. The Institute facilitates further success for outreach initiatives by providing collaborative resources for relationship-building, grant and research assistance, and communications support to KU Medical Center faculty, staff and students.
KU Medical Center works with communities to improve health across the city, state, region and world. We do that by:
- Health Technology Extension – “Statewide distance health and education”
- Evidence Based Community Scholarship – “Leading and supporting community health research”
- Community Practice Development – “Supporting and guiding community practices with latest advances”
- Statewide workforce preparation – “Developing current and future health care providers”
- Community Health Resources – “ Reports, research and data on rural and community health”
