The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas is an advocacy organization that advocates expanding KanCare, Kansas’s Medicaid program. Established in 2016, the organization operates as a coalition of more than 130 organizations and leaders across the state. ¹ Coalition members engage in meetings, activities, and outreach efforts in support of Medicaid expansion. ²

Activities

Alliance for a Healthy Kansas engages in advocacy and outreach efforts, including public events and volunteer fairs. On March 1, 2025, it participated in the Boots on the Ground volunteer fair, an event connecting nonprofits with volunteers with community members interested in advocacy and service work. The organization continues to push for Medicaid expansion and related policy initiatives. ³

Leadership

David Jordan worked as the founding executive director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas before transitioning out of the role to become president and CEO of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. ⁴

April Holman now leads the organization as executive director. She previously worked in the Kansas Legislative Research Department and served as executive director of Kansas Adult Care Executives. ⁵ She has opposed proposed Medicaid spending cuts, arguing that such reductions would negatively impact vulnerable populations. ^{6 7}

Other key staff members include director of communications Lacey Kennett, policy & advocacy specialist Marissa Alcantar, community organizer Masara Al-Sharieh, and story bank specialist Chandra Dickson. ^{2 8}

1. Chilson, Morgan. “Alliance for a Healthy Kansas Will Fight for Medicaid Expansion.” The Topeka Capital-Journal, Topeka Capital-Journal, March 27, 2016. Accessed April 3, 2025. www.cjonline.com/story/business/2016/03/27/alliance-healthy-kansas-will-fight-medicaid-expansion/16592569007/.
2.  “Who We Are.” Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, 14 Feb. 2025. Accessed April 3, 2025. www.expandkancare.com/who-we-are/.
3. Glynn, Earl F. “Boots on the Ground Midwest Promotes Progressive Organizing in KC Area.” Boots on the Ground Midwest Promotes Progressive Organizing in KC Area, Watchdog Lab, March 18, 2025. Accessed April 3, 2025. http://www.watchdoglab.substack.com/p/boots-on-the-ground-midwest-promotes.
4. “David Jordan.” LinkedIn. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jordan-238b12/.
5. “April Holman.” LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-holman-b065a212/.
6. “Kansas Advocates Condemn U.S. House Budget Tied to Republicans’ Proposed Medicaid Cuts.” Hays Post, February 25, 2025. Accessed April 3, 2025. http://www.hayspost.com/posts/9adac4ac-7a62-41c6-b891-a88d55031eb4.
7. Onofrio, Francesca. Kansas Advocates Argue against Proposed Medicaid Cuts. KSNT, February 24, 2025.Accessed April 3, 2025. www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/kansas-advocates-argue-against-proposed-medicaid-cuts/
8. “Alliance for a Healthy Kansas.” LinkedIn. Accessed April 3, 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-a-healthy-kansas/.