Central Kansas Partnership began in 1991 in Barton County as LEAD (Leadership, Education, Action Against Drugs), and quickly added Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) in 1994, with both merging to become Barton County Partnership by 2003. In 2008, Barton County Children and Families Coalition joined Barton County Partnership, with the Healthy Communities Coalition joining in 2010. Currently, Barton County Partnership serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush, and Stafford counties. Over the years, and through the development of multiple task forces, the Central Kansas Partnership evolved to encompass a broad range of work that addresses several prevention objectives. Currently there are six active task forces: Rise UP Central Kansas (Alcohol & Drug Prevention, Intervention, & Resiliency); Be Well Barton County; Central Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition; Chronic Disease Risk Reduction; Human Trafficking Prevention; and Suicide Prevention.
To join in a common effort to build healthy and safe communities, reduce the risks of Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs, and promote healthy attitudes and behaviors.
Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties
The Youth Crew, a group within Central Kansas Partnership, are focused on engaging the youth in their communities, including a recent community service event to clean up trash at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. The Youth Crew coalition continues to boost community engagement.