The Movement
How Blue KC and the YMCA Are Building Healthier Kids and Families in Kansas City
In this episode of The Movement, the podcast from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, host Mark Hulet records from the North Kansas City YMCA during Healthy Kids Day – the YMCA’s national initiative that has been championing healthy development for kids and families since 1992.
He’s joined by Blue KC leaders Michaela Stevenson and Miranda Coffey to discuss why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City partnered as presenting sponsor, how community health extends beyond clinics into walkability, food access, and social connection, and how events like Healthy Kids Day make resources more accessible for families. They highlight the importance of youth behavioral and mental health, including Blue KC’s Shut Out the Stigma partnership with the Kansas City Royals, and emphasize belonging and community partnerships. Families and kids share excitement about activities like STEM/STEAM, planting seeds, sports, and the greenhouse.
To learn more about YMCA of Greater Kansas City visit https://kansascityymca.org/
00:00 Welcome to The Movement
00:38 Healthy Kids Day kickoff
01:42 Why Blue KC partnered with YMCA
03:17 Health beyond the clinic
04:57 Kids discover new passions
07:41 Healthy habits start young
08:50 KC Wolf surprise visit
09:39 Kids share their favorite activities
11:14 Youth mental health focus
14:10 Belonging as wellbeing
15:51 Power of partnerships
21:14 Meeting families where they are
22:46 Invitation to join the YMCA
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