Chronic Illness, Acute Answers

Wichita, KS, 2002

People hunger for information and resources that can assist them in making health care decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Those who seek out this information want a credible, trusted place to find answers. To address this, KMUW-FM and the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita (KUSM-W) have joined to improve access to health care resources, enhance discussion about health care within the community and reduce the sense of isolation felt by many who suffer from chronic conditions and those providing care for the chronically ill.

Chronic Illness, Acute Answers serves as a clearinghouse by exploring 12 topics in a series of community discussions, public radio features and call-in programs, and cable television programs. KUSM-W helped KMUW identify the topic areas and is convening the monthly community discussion—led by its physicians—based on each of the different subjects.

KMUW produced a monthly companion news report and six radio call-in programs. To extend the discussion of chronic illness and provide access to a variety of information, KMUW is maintaining a list of resources and an audio archive on its Web site. Both partners share in publicity, outreach and promotion of the project to generate participation in the discussions, broadcasts and website resources.

Through an existing partnership between KUSM-W and the Family Health Channel, a locally operated television production and cable broadcast facility, television programming will be produced on each of the 12 topics and air on the local cable system. The partners will produce and distribute videotapes of each program and companion discussion guides to five area senior centers and 14 local libraries.

Contact Information

KMUW-FM
Mark McCain, General Manager
Tel: 316-978-7191

University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita
Amy B. Schafer, Senior Communications Coordinator
Tel: 316-293-2630

Awards:

KMUW Round Three
Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, Best News Documentary
Dealing With Dementia: The Affliction of Alzheimer's
— Radio & TV News Directors Association
Second Place, In-Depth Reporting in a Series
Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke
— Kansas Association of Broadcasters
KUSM-W Clarus Award of Merit
—Public Relations Society of America

Additional Funding
$3,000
— Medical Society of Sedgwick County