Organization

How we are organized:

The Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force (HETF) is a collaboration between Wyandotte County community members and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, Public Health Department (UGPHD). The UGPHD supports the HETF as its backbone organization, which includes organizing and facilitating HETF meetings, coordinating with community partners to advance the goals of the HETF; and communicating the priorities of the HETF within the UGPHD.

How we collaborate:

The Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force (HETF) is organized through regular meetings, both virtual and in-person. The HETF meetings bring together community leaders, community health partners, and the core team members of the HETF.

  • The HETF Core Team is responsible for setting strategic priorities and guiding the work of the HETF subcommittees. It also serves as a communication link between the HETF and the UGPHD, which serves as the backbone for the HETF.

  • The Testing Subcommittee brings together clinical partners, federally qualified health centers, community health partners, and mass communications partners together each week to coordinate and promote COVID-19 events and distribute COVID-19 resources.

  • The Community & Health Subcommittee brings together non-profit, faith-based, and healthcare organizations to share updates on COVID-19 and emerging issues that affect the most vulnerable residents in Wyandotte County, Kansas.

  • Since May 2022, Neighborhood-Based Clinic Location (NBCL) Partners have coordinated COVID-19 vaccine, testing, and community health events in the most under-resourced areas of Wyandotte County, Kansas.

  • The UGPHD plays the role of backbone organization for the HETF, handling administrative functions and providing clear communication between the two. The UGPHD also provides funding to support the facilitation of the HETF and its relevant expenses.

How you can join:

The HETF welcomes participation from all community members of Wyandotte County, and especially those who represent or are directly engaged with under-resourced communities.

  • To attend a HETF subcommittee or ad hoc meeting, an individual can contact the HETF program coordinator to ask about current opportunities to participate.

  • To join the HETF, you should first participate in one of the HETF's subcommittees. If you consistently participate in the subcommittee and express an interest in joining the HETF Core Team, you can apply to be a member.

  • Contact the HETF program coordinator to learn more about the HETF and how you can take part.