Education outcomes are strongly correlated to health outcomes, and if Kansas wants to improve either, school and health officials should continue to work together at the local level to find ways to tie programs together, a panel of leaders in both fields said Tuesday.

The Kansas Health Institute hosted a virtual discussion Tuesday morning where state education and health officials gave examples and ideas for communities to improve Kansans’ lives. Speakers included Gov. Laura Kelly, Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers, state commissioner of education Randy Watson and Dr. Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Kelly also said some of her initiatives to expand broadband access across the state ultimately help both students with access to coursework and materials and make it possible for patients to use telemedicine health options.

“We know that educational opportunities and health outcomes are closely connected,” Kelly said. “From Day 1, my