Community clinics, medical providers, and trusted local organizations across Sedgwick County have come together under a shared initiative, Clearway Testing, to provide access to free groundwater-related health testing and offer residents clear information and guidance on next steps for care.
In fall of 2022, many residents in the 29th and Grove area of Wichita learned for the first time that a large chemical spill had contaminated groundwater beneath their homes. The spill, believed to have occurred decades earlier, involved a carcinogenic chemical, prompting health officials to recommend testing for individuals who may have been exposed.
Additional areas across Sedgwick County have also been identified as impacted by groundwater contamination over time, underscoring the need for accessible, coordinated testing countywide.
Clearway Testing brings together health care and community partners to coordinate outreach, testing, and education related to groundwater contamination, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and erchloroethylene (PCE) exposure. Formed through a coordinated public effort involving the State of Kansas, local government, and the Kansas Health Foundation, the initiative is focused on helping people understand potential exposure, get tested at no cost through the end of 2026, and connect to ongoing care when needed.
“Clearway Testing reflects what our community has asked for: clear information, accessible testing, and a path forward,” said Dennis Clary, Chief Advancement Officer at Hunter Health. “It supports the long-term health of families impacted by groundwater contamination in Wichita.”
“Collaborating with other organizations amplifies the impact of the initiative by pooling resources, expertise, and outreach capabilities,” said Dr. Donnis McPhaul, PhD, Strategic Planning Committee Member at The Center.
Countywide, Community-Focused Testing
Clearway Testing is grounded in collaboration among organizations that already serve Sedgwick County residents and understand the importance of trust, access, and continuity of care. Clearway Testing is supported by a collaborative network of partners including GraceMed Health Clinic, HealthCore Clinic, Hunter Health, I AM Wichita, KU Medical
Center, the PACT Alliance, PANO Marketing, Project Access, Sistahs Can We Talk, The Center, Wichita Black Nurses Association, and Wichita Medical Research & Education Foundation (WMREF), along with additional community organizations supporting outreach, education, and testing efforts.
“We believe everyone in our community should have access to the care they need,” said Dr. Julie Elder, CEO of GraceMed Health Clinic. “By joining this initiative, we can help more people who might not know how to begin or where to get tested.
Working alongside local partners allows families to find answers, support, and resources in one coordinated effort.”
“At the intersection of healing and trust, this collaborative effort leverages multiple community-based organizations to empower residents with knowledge and access to vital screening and testing,” said Teresa Lovelady, CEO of HealthCore Clinic. “HealthCore Clinic is located within one mile of the original contamination site and has served community residents affected by health disparities for nearly 30 years. Our neighbors deserve transparency, education, and an opportunity to heal.”
“People deserve clear answers about how this spill may have affected them, their families, and their community,” said Peggy Jones-Foxx, President & CEO of the Wichita Black Nurses Association, highlighting the organization’s commitment to working directly in neighborhoods to encourage participation and ensure honest, accessible information.
Community-centered organizations also highlighted the importance of equity and engagement. “By collaborating with trusted partners, we amplify our collective impact and ensure resources reach those who need them most,” said Chela Love, Executive Director of I AM Wichita.
“True health justice requires acknowledging harms, addressing gaps in care, and investing directly in community-centered solutions,” said Dr. T. La Mont Holder, Th.D., Founder of the PACT Alliance.
“For WMREF, being part of this initiative is a continuation of long-standing work to promote research, education, and community efforts designed to improve the health of Kansans,” said Lai-L Daugherty, Executive Director of the Wichita Medical Research & Education Foundation.
Project Access highlighted the role of community health workers in supporting residents throughout the testing process.
“Our community health workers will provide guidance and support to partners and to those needing testing, helping individuals understand next steps and connect to appropriate resources,” said Shelley Duncan, Executive Director of Project Access.
Sistahs Can We Talk, a trusted community organization, is participating in Clearway Testing to support outreach and engagement efforts, particularly among residents who may face barriers to accessing health information and services.
Clinical, Research, and Communications Support KU Medical Center is partnering with Clearway Testing to support clinical expertise, guidance, and research-informed approaches related to groundwater contamination and health screening.
PANO Marketing is supporting Clearway Testing by coordinating communications and messaging across partners, helping ensure residents receive clear, consistent information about testing opportunities and next steps.
What’s Next
In early 2026, ClearwayTesting.org will launch as a public resource with information about groundwater contamination, including TCE and PCE, as well as guidance on potential exposure and next steps. The website will connect residents to Clearway Testing partners offering free groundwater-related health testing during 2026, made possible through grant-supported coordination of testing and outreach efforts across Sedgwick County. Additional details about testing locations, scheduling, and community outreach events will be shared as systems are finalized to support mass testing countywide.
Residents who feel they may need free testing before coordinated Clearway Testing events begin in 2026 should contact GraceMed Health Clinic, Hunter Health, HealthCore Clinic, the Wichita Black Nurses Association, or I AM Wichita for information about current testing options and available support.