HOLTON, KS – January 24, 2025 – Holton Community Hospital (HCH) is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the Kansas Fights Addiction (KFA) grant program, receiving $182,588 in funding through the Sunflower Foundation. This award is part of the fourth round of funding totaling more than $6 million allocated to 34 organizations across Kansas. The funding aims to enhance substance use disorder (SUD) services statewide, a critical step toward addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic.
The Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Program, established in 2021 and administered by the Sunflower Foundation, is funded through opioid legal settlements secured by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. This year’s grant cycle prioritized strategies focusing on prevention, health systems, public safety, and first responders. With Jackson County experiencing a significant increase in opioid vulnerability, the funding will support HCH in its mission to combat SUD through innovative, evidence-based interventions.
Addressing Increased Opioid Vulnerability in Jackson County
Recent data indicates a concerning rise in opioid vulnerability in Jackson County, moving from a “Low Vulnerability” ranking to the 4th Quintile. This shift underscores an urgent need for effective and comprehensive intervention. The grant will empower HCH to implement a multifaceted initiative focused on clinical quality improvement, provider education, community engagement, and patient support.
HCH’s Grant-Funded Priorities
The $182,588 grant will be used to develop and implement standardized protocols for SUD treatment, expand provider training, and partner with local and regional organizations to build a robust network of care and improve our community health outcomes. Along with community awareness campaigns that address the stigma of SUD and promote available resources.
Integrated Care for Long-Term Impact
HCH’s initiative will leverage a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to care, involving physicians, counselors, social workers, and external partners. A science- and data-driven framework will guide the development of evidence-based practices, ensuring high-quality, effective treatment and continuous improvement.
“This grant represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing challenges of substance use disorder in our community,” said Carrie Lutz, CEO of Holton Community Hospital. “With this funding, we can expand access to lifesaving treatments and work collaboratively with local agencies to reduce the devastating impact of opioid addiction on our patients, their families, and the broader community.”
About Holton Community Hospital
Holton Community Hospital is a rural, critical access hospital dedicated to providing personalized care with a hometown heart. Our mission is to deliver professionalism, compassion, and excellence in healthcare to create a healthier community. For more information about our programs and services, visit holtonhospital.com.
About the Kansas Fights Addiction Grant Program
The Kansas Fights Addiction Act, enacted by the Kansas Legislature in 2021, allocates funds from opioid legal settlements to address substance use disorders statewide. The program is administered by the Sunflower Foundation, which works to ensure grants support prevention, treatment, and recovery services. For more information about the Sunflower Foundation, visit sunflowerfoundation.org
For media inquiries or more information about Holton Community Hospital’s SUD initiative, please contact:
Contact: Roger Stockman, Manager of Marketing & Recruitment
Phone: 785-364-9660
Email: roger.stockman@rhrjc.org
