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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