National Community Health Worker Awareness Week (August 25–29) honors the vital role that community health workers (CHWs) play in promoting health equity and enhancing health outcomes. These dedicated individuals, including those involved in Heart to Heart International (HHI)’s Community Health Program, serve as trusted links between under-resourced communities and essential health and social services that impact overall well-being.
By addressing obstacles such as access to housing, food, employment, basic hygiene products, health screenings, and case management/navigation, Community Health Workers (CHWs) help individuals and families access the essential resources they need to lead healthier lives.
Since its inception in 2020, HHI’s Community Health Program has initiated over 26,427 interactions within the community, expanding access to essential services and improving the overall health of neighborhoods in the greater Kansas City Metro area.
HHI’s Community Health Program Impact Numbers
- 15,034 vaccines administered since 2021
- 16,845 hygiene kits distributed this year
- Over $58,000 in durable medical equipment distributed to the Greater Kansas City Metro communities (2025 numbers to date)
- Early data from HHI’s diabetic health screening initiative indicates that nearly two-thirds of the HbA1c tests conducted by HHI have revealed out-of-range results (greater than 5.7%) among the populations served. Alarmingly, 80% of those individuals with elevated results were unaware that they had diabetes before being screened.
Spotlight on Kansas City Partnerships
In honor of National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, HHI wants to emphasize the crucial role played by its local partnerships in driving community health initiatives. The organization is dedicated to collaborating with trusted partners to effectively engage with communities and meet them where they are. Key partners in this effort include Care Beyond the Boulevard (DRP), Juntos, the Kansas City, MO Health Department (KCMO HD), the Wyandotte County Health Department (WYCO HD), the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), the Kansas Alliance for Tribal Community Health (KATCH), and the Kansas City Black Nurses Association, along with many others.
“As we recognize National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, it’s vital to honor the trusted community leaders on the front lines,” said Tena Tiruneh, Senior Vice President of Programs at Heart to Heart International. “They are the bridge between care and community, and leaders like Kealy help ensure that bridge is strong, local, and lasting.”
Community Health Program Manager Returns to HHI
HHI proudly announces the return of Kealy Houlahan as Manager of its Community Health Program. A longtime advocate for equitable health access and a trusted voice in community engagement, Houlahan’s return signals a renewed focus on hyper-local partnerships and Kansas City-led solutions to improve health outcomes across the metro.
“I loved the work that Heart to Heart International does so much that when the opportunity arose, I chose to return,” Houlahan says. “It is a privilege to connect with and serve our community while helping to fill some of the gaps in services and resources. The partnerships we build are mutually beneficial, and I value how Heart to Heart International collaborates both internally and externally to create meaningful impact.”
With a deep background in public health and years of experience connecting people and organizations with medical resources, Houlahan brings both strategy and empathy to a growing program. Under her leadership, HHI is deepening its collaborations with neighborhood clinics, community support groups, and mobile health initiatives—all focused on addressing health in local, under-resourced communities.
Kealy Houlahan Bio
Kealy Houlahan returned to Heart to Heart International in 2025 as the Manager of Community Health Programs. With nearly a decade of experience in public health gained through federal service and significant leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, Kealy is well-equipped for the role. At HHI, she leads community health initiatives across Kansas and Missouri, while also contributing to select national and global efforts. Leading a dedicated team of skilled Community Health Workers and clinical professionals, Kealy collaborates with various organizations to improve equitable access to care and resources in underserved communities. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is deeply committed to strengthening health systems and promoting health equity at every level.