The KNN is proud to announce its new name: Kern National Network for Flourishing in Health (KNN).
The change reflects the organization’s expanded scope and deepened commitment to advancing flourishing across the health ecosystem.
Founded in 2017, the network began as a collaboration among seven medical schools, with focus on integrating its Framework for Flourishing in medicine. The organization has since expanded beyond this original scope into a vibrant movement of over 50 health-related organizations nationwide.
“The growing national momentum around our mission has made one thing clear: flourishing is a shared aspiration across the entire health ecosystem,” said Cheryl A. Maurana, PhD, KNN founding director. “Our new name reflects that truth. It signals a whole-systems approach to transformation—where flourishing belongs in every space we learn, work, lead, live, and receive care.”
This change affirms the KNN's identity as a movement rooted in the KNN Framework for Flourishing. Wholeness is an essential theme of systems transformation and a foundational aspect of flourishing itself. The KNN will continue to focus on, and lead with, flourishing as a wholeness of being and doing—of realizing one's potential and helping others do the same.
“The evolution of our name demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity throughout the health ecosystem,” said Kimara Ellefson, MBA, EdD, KNN national director of strategy and partnerships. “We’ve heard from our partners across diverse health professions, who feel seen in this work through our new name. It signals that every voice has a place in shaping the movement for flourishing."
To learn more about opportunities to advance flourishing at your organization in partnership with the KNN, contact us.
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