About Us

In 2011, a team of Kansas City agencies, led by Children’s Mercy,  launched the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative (HLI) after participating in Collaborate for Healthy Weight, a nationwide initiative led by the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ) and supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration  (HRSA). The Healthy Lifestyles Initiative uses a framework for collaboration among partners using proven methods, building on current resources, integrating across sectors, and tracking what works.

Community partners across sectors are invited to sign up and create their own MAPPS for Change plan. The MAPPS framework guides organizations in developing action steps (based on the organization’s priorities) to incorporate the Healthy Lifestyles Initiative into their organization. To learn more about our history, objectives, and framework, take a look at the Fit-Tastic! Bootcamp Presentation and the Healthy Lifestyles Charter.

The Healthy Lifestyles Initiative is, led by the Weighing In program at Children’s Mercy. The offices are located within the Center for Children’s Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition which is a state-of-the-art facility comprised of team members at the University of Kansas Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Together, these institutions lead healthy lifestyle programs and research efforts in the Midwest.