A recent study by the Urban Institute reveals that Black Kansans are dying at higher rates from seven of the nine leading causes of death compared to other Kansans. This alarming trend underscores the persistent health disparities affecting minority communities in the state.
The study examined mortality data across four Kansas counties with significant Black populations: Wyandotte, Johnson, Shawnee, and Sedgwick.
Researchers found that Black Kansans have higher death rates from heart disease, kidney issues, and diabetes, among other major diseases. Carla Gibson, vice president of programs for the REACH Healthcare Foundation, emphasized the importance of data-driven approaches to address these disparities. “You want to be data-informed; you just don’t want to willy nilly … put money out in the community and not understand the community,” she said.
The study’s origins trace back to the Kansas Black Leadership Council, which identified the lack of comprehensive health data for Black Kansans. Mark McCormick, the council’s executive director, highlighted the significance of such studies in bringing critical issues to light. “What I really think is important is that Black health is even being studied,” he noted. “I’m a believer in the idea that what gets measured gets done.”
Despite the challenges, advocates see this data as a roadmap for policymakers and community leaders to tackle health inequities. The current political climate, however, complicates efforts to address these disparities, with ongoing debates about racial inequity programs.
See: “Research shows if you’re a Black Kansan, you’re more likely than others to die of major diseases” (March 7, 2025)