Northwest Missouri P-20 Council

Founded in 1982, Heartland Foundation, a subsidiary of Heartland Health, shifted its focus in the early nineties from raising monies solely for hospital projects to finding ways to catalyze pioneering community revitalization efforts to improve the region’s health and quality of life. The 4-state region served by the Foundation includes northwest Missouri and adjacent counties in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa.

A shrinking population, lower income and education levels, disenfranchised citizens, health issues, and out migration of youth were critical issues the region faced. With a “strategic empowerment” focus, Heartland Foundation formed a unique Healthy Communities initiative to engage diverse partners and hundreds of volunteers from various sectors to think innovatively in addressing these concerns to reach its vision of “Healthier, More Livable Communities”. Today investor partners joining Heartland Foundation in supporting Healthy Communities include Heartland Health, Missouri Western State University, North Central Missouri College, Northwest Missouri State University, and St. Francis Hospital & Health Services.

More than a year ago, strategic planning efforts led the group to understand that educational attainment unlocked the door to healthier communities. After several months and meetings, an exploratory Northwest Missouri P-20 Educational Council was formed. The council’s mission is committed to promote healthier, more livable communities through connecting a diverse partnership committing to, advocating for, and achieving optimal educational outcomes and ensuring a prepared workforce now and in the future.