Category Archives: Area News

Clean Energy Jobs

Kansas Leaders Highlight Benefits of Renewable Energy on the State’s Workforce
Panel addressed job creation and economic benefits through wind and solar energy growth
Wichita, KS – Boost Kansas hosted a panel discussion today that took a closer look at job creation and career development in the clean energy sector. The virtual event, “Boosting Kansas’ Workforce Through Renewable Energy,” featured local leaders in education, industry, and workforce experts today who highlighted that Kansas is well-positioned to lead the nation’s transition to renewable energy generation.
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Deputy Director, Randi Tveitaraas Jack, kicked off the conversation, “Renewable energy has brought remarkable economic opportunity to Kansas. It has put us on the map as a hub for specialized manufacturing and helped attract new business in search of clean energy to our state.”
Watch the event here.
Kansas ranks second in the nation in share of electricity generated by renewables, accounting for 42 percent of the state’s energy generation – enough to power 2.2 million homes.
“In a time of uncertainty with the pandemic on our heels, one thing the state can count on is renewables and its expected growth at the national scale,” said Riley Scott, Executive Director of Boost Kansas.” Our state’s natural resources along with the advancing renewable energy sector will play an integral role in boosting the state’s economy, setting an example for other states to follow.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that wind and solar technicians are two of the fastest growing jobs in the nation. Supporting 3,000 jobs in Kansas, wind and solar energy provide unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion.
Kristin Brighton, founder of HirePaths added, “By providing young Kansans with the right opportunities and proper training, the renewable energy sector can provide opportunities to retain young people in our state while adding diversity to our local economies.”
“Renewable energy not only creates direct jobs, it creates workforce opportunities up and down the supply chain,” said Michael White of The Kansas Contractors Association. “The benefits of renewables in Kansas extend far beyond what meets the eye.”
With more than $13 billion invested in the state, clean energy industry provides $52.5 million in annual revenue for state and local governments and another $32.3 million in annual lease payments to landowners – offering a stable source of income for farmers and ranchers during unprecedented weather events.
Kansas has 41 wind projects and 1,104 solar installations across the state. With more projects in the works, renewable energy will play an integral role in creating jobs and stimulating economic activity in local communities.
“Pitt State does its part to keep Kansas on the map for its renewable energy excellence by helping to fuel its workforce,” said Shawn Naccarato, Chief Strategy Officer at Pittsburg State University. “I am proud to be a part of an institution that champions the renewable energy sector and all of its benefits for future generations.”
To set up an interview with a panelist or speak with a Boost Kansas representative, please contact Riley Scott at [email protected] or (785) 766-3885.
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About Boost Kansas
Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Clean Power Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com
About the American Clean Power Association
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is the voice of companies from across the clean power sector that are providing cost-effective solutions to the climate crisis while creating jobs, spurring massive investment in the American economy and driving high tech innovation across the United States. ACP works to transform the U.S. power grid to a low-cost, reliable and renewable power system. By uniting the power of wind, solar, transmission and storage companies, along with manufacturers and construction companies, developers and owners/operators, utilities, financial firms and corporate purchasers, we are championing policies that enable the continued and aggressive growth in renewable energy in the United States. Visit ACP’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits renewable energy brings to America and be sure to follow us on FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn.

Hands-On Learning for Summer

Summer Break Offers New Opportunities for Hands-On Learning, Offline Time for Children

With a Difficult School Year in the Rear-View Mirror, NRMC Expert Offers Families Tips for Skill-Building at Home This Better Hearing & Speech Month

After a challenging year of virtual, hybrid, and modified in-person learning, Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) speech-language pathologist Andrea Wydick is offering advice and encouragement to families on low-stress ways they can support their children’s language, literacy, and learning skills at home this summer. Her message is a timely one, as May is celebrated nationally as Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM).

“Many parents have been understandably concerned about their child’s academic progress this school year, given all of the changes necessitated by the pandemic,” explained Wydick. “This may be especially so for families whose children receive support services in schools, such as speech and language therapy. These services may have looked a little different this year than they typically do, and they may to some degree next year as well. I want to encourage families to use the summer season as a much-needed reset—and to rest assured that there are many ways you can support your child’s learning at home, without workbooks, learning apps, and other programs and purchases that add to the family’s stress level.”

Wydick is providing advice on what most children—especially those with speech, language and social communication disorders—need more of this summer. She notes that so-called “down time” is actually time well spent when it comes to building communication and learning skills. This is true for children of all ages.

Activities Children Need More of This Summer

Wydick encourages families to prioritize these activities:

 

  • Reading. Use this time to nurture the joy of reading. Let kids be in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing what they read so it doesn’t feel like work. While independent reading is always valuable, children of all ages also benefit from nightly reading together with an adult. Many libraries that were closed due to COVID-19 are reopening or offering curbside book pickups and returns.
  • Outdoor Play. Hands-on activities, no matter a child’s age, are the best way to learn new skills, build vocabularies, and boost learning through the senses. Try taking a nature walk and discussing the sights, smells, and sounds. Plant a garden—outside or in containers. Start by researching your options, and then shop for materials, do your planting, and care for your garden daily. Plan a picnic—discuss your menu, where you’ll go, and what you hope to see.
  • Quality time. Many families have spent more time together than ever this year, but the quantity of this time has not always translated to quality. Focus on one or two daily opportunities for uninterrupted conversation and bonding. A morning or evening walk together, a device-free meal each day, or a nightly board game are some ideas.

Wydick is also providing some recommendations for activities to take a break from, including these:

  • Screen time. For many children, it’s been a year of exponentially more screen time—as much of daily life moved online. Kids also have been exposed to a constant barrage of negative news about the pandemic and other issues on TV, with many experiencing online fatigue and stress. When school is out, consider revisiting boundaries around daily technology use. Talk to kids about the effects of too much screen time, how they feel after being online for a long time, and other activities they can do in place of screen use.
  • Formal work, workbooks, and “educational” programs/apps. Families may feel pressure to work with children over the summer by ordering workbooks or subscribing to online programs. However, everyday real-world activities and interactions are generally most effective. Play is one of the main ways that children learn, with direct benefits on cognitive skills, math, language, literacy, and much more.
  • Academic pressure and expectations. This school year, even the youngest of children had to deal with stress in the academic environment—from technological challenges to limited engagement with adults and peers. Although you as parents are understandably invested in their child’s development and academic success, try to remain positive about where your children are after one very tough year.

If you’d like to learn more, contact NRMC Performance Therapy at 417-448-3790.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Diagnostic Imaging at NRMC Sees Continued Growth

Diagnostic Imaging employees at NRMC who provide patients with ultrasound exams include, (L-R) Matt Law, Jackie Karleskint, and Joe Heathman.

 

April marked a record number of ultrasounds performed at NRMC with a total of 329 exams. Diagnostic Imaging at NRMC involves many different types of imaging machines and exams. Ultrasounds are used by physicians to study soft tissue structures, such as the gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and bladder. 

Ultrasounds can also measure the flow of blood in the arteries to detect blockages. It is most commonly understood for its use in studying the developing fetus during pregnancy.

Being non-invasive, ultrasound is a strong alternative for certain imaging exams while providing no ionizing radiation exposure to the patient, says Todd Fine, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at NRMC. “The number of ultrasounds performed in April reinforces the decision to beef up our ultrasound imaging department to meet the needs of the area providers.”

With the addition of new providers, NRMC has seen the need for ultrasounds grow steadily and has begun to invest in expanding its capabilities and staffing accordingly.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Evergy’s Plan: Public Comments Sought

KCC invites public comments on Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has opened a public comment period beginning today through July 7 to allow Evergy customers the opportunity to weigh in on the company’s proposed Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP). The plan, approved by Evergy’s Board of Directors in August, is designed to cut operating and maintenance expenses while increasing capital expenditures.

To protect the interest of Kansas ratepayers, the Commission opened a General Investigation on August 27 to provide KCC staff, stakeholders, and Evergy an opportunity to discuss and evaluate the plan.

As part of the investigation, a series of workshops were scheduled and broadcast for the public on the KCC’s YouTube channel.  The final workshop is scheduled for May 24 at 10 a.m. At that time, Evergy will present an updated STP plan incorporating feedback from earlier workshops and answer questions from intervenors and Commissioners.

Recordings of the three previous workshops are available on YouTube for anyone who missed them. Topics covered include grid modernization investments and related benefits, operational efficiencies, and enhanced customer experience.

Additional information is available in Docket No. 21-EKME-088-GIE on the KCC’s website .  The Commission has requested all participants in the docket file background information explaining the proceeding and their respective positions.

Public comments can be submitted online via the KCC website, through email ([email protected]) or in a letter to the agency’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1500 SW Arrowhead, Topeka, KS 66614. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on July 7 and will be included in the case record.

Evergy Announces 2021 First Quarter Results

 

 

  • GAAP EPS of $0.84; Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP) of $0.55
  • Declares quarterly dividend of $0.535
  • Raises 2021 GAAP earnings guidance; affirms 2021 adjusted earnings guidance

 

Kansas City, Mo., May 6, 2021 – Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) today announced first quarter 2021 earnings of $192 million, or $0.84 per share, compared with earnings of $69 million, or $0.31 per share, for the first quarter of 2020.

 

Evergy’s adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) were $125 million and $0.55, respectively, in the first quarter of 2021 compared with $94 million and $0.41, respectively, in the first quarter of 2020. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are reconciled to GAAP earnings in the financial table included in this release.

 

First quarter earnings per share were driven higher primarily by favorable power marketing margins gained during the February winter weather event, which also favorably impacted retail sales compared to the prior year.  Adjusted earnings exclude power marketing margins gained during the February winter weather event, as well as executive transition, severance, and advisor expenses.

 

“We are off to a solid start in 2021,” said David Campbell, Evergy president and chief executive officer. “Our team continues to execute – delivering strong financial results in the first quarter and advancing several key regulatory and legislative objectives.”

 

Net-Zero Carbon Goal

 

Evergy recently announced its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines and accelerates the company’s carbon reduction timeline.  Evergy plans to add 3,200 megawatts of renewable generation and retire nearly 1,200 megawatts of coal-based generation in the next 10 years. The plan balances sustainability, reliability, and affordability, and outlines Evergy’s goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, enabled by a combination of supportive energy policies and ongoing technology developments.  As part of the plan, Evergy also announced an interim target to reduce its carbon emissions 70 percent by 2030, relative to 2005 levels.

 

“Our net-zero carbon emission goal establishes a vision of accelerating our transition toward cleaner energy, benefitting our customers, communities and stakeholders,” said Campbell.  “Reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy benefits our customers by reducing operating costs and by making our operations more environmentally sustainable.  The growth of renewable energy will bring economic benefits to our region through cost-competitive generation and investment in rural communities.  Our plan will also assist our customers in meeting their own sustainability goals.”

 

 

 

Earnings Guidance

 

Evergy has raised its 2021 GAAP EPS guidance range to $3.43 to $3.63, from $3.14 to $3.34 primarily due to the impact of favorable power marketing margins gained during the February winter weather event, which the Company has excluded from its adjusted earnings.  The Company has affirmed its 2021 adjusted EPS guidance range of $3.20 to $3.40 and long-term adjusted EPS annual growth target of 6% to 8% from 2019 through 2024.

 

Dividend Declaration

 

The Board of Directors declared a dividend on the Company’s common stock of $0.535 per share

payable on June 21, 2021. The dividends are payable to shareholders of record as of May 21, 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

This earnings announcement, a package of detailed first-quarter financial information, theCompany’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2021 and other filings theCompany has made with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available on the Company’s

website at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

 

Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)

 

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) exclude the income or costs resulting from non-regulated energy marketing margins from the February 2021 winter weather event, and costs resulting from executive transition, severance, and advisor expenses. This information is intended to enhance an investor’s overall understanding of results. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are used internally to measure performance against budget and in reports for management and the Evergy Board of Directors. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report.

 

The following tables provide a reconciliation between net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. and diluted earnings per common share as determined in accordance with GAAP and adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP).

 

Evergy, Inc

Consolidated Earnings and Diluted Earnings Per Share

(Unaudited)

 

Earnings (Loss)

 

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share

 

Earnings (Loss)

 

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share

Three Months Ended March 31

2021

 

2020

 

(millions, except per share amounts)

Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. $

191.6

  $

0.84

  $

69.4

  $

0.31

Non-GAAP reconciling items:              
Non-regulated energy marketing margin related to winter weather event, pre-tax(a)

(96.5)

 

(0.42)

 

 

Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to winter weather event, pre-tax(b)

2.0

 

0.01

 

 

Executive transition costs, pre-tax(c)

5.5

 

0.02

 

 

Severance costs, pre-tax(d)

1.6

 

0.01

 

27.0

 

0.12

Advisor expenses, pre-tax(e)

1.5

 

0.01

 

6.6

 

0.02

Income tax expense (benefit)(f)

19.7

 

0.08

 

(8.8)

 

(0.04)

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) $

125.4

  $

0.55

  $

94.2

  $

0.41

  1. Reflects non-regulated energy marketing margins related to the winter weather event in February 2021 and are included in operating revenues on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  2. Reflects non-regulated energy marketing incentive compensation costs related to the winter weather event in February 2021 and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  3. Reflects costs associated with executive transition including inducement bonuses, severance agreements and other transition expenses and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  4. Reflects severance costs incurred associated with certain voluntary severance programs at the Evergy Companies and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  5. Reflects advisor expenses incurred associated with strategic planning and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  6. Reflects an income tax effect calculated at a statutory rate of approximately 22% in 2021 and 26% in 2020, with the exception of certain non-deductible items.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Earnings Guidance

Earnings per
Diluted Share

Guidance

2021 Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc.

$3.43 – $3.63

Non-GAAP reconciling items:

Non-regulated energy marketing margin related to winter weather event(a)

(0.42)

Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to winter weather event(b)

0.03

Executive transition costs(c)

0.03

Severance costs(d)

0.01

Advisor expenses(e)

0.05

Income tax expense (benefit)(f)

0.07

2021 Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP)

$3.20 – $3.40

  1. Reflects non-regulated energy marketing margins related to the winter weather event in February 2021 and are included in operating revenues on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  2. Reflects non-regulated energy marketing incentive compensation costs related to the winter weather event in February 2021 and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  3.  Reflects costs associated with executive transition including inducement bonuses, severance agreements and other transition expenses and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  4.  Reflects severance costs incurred associated with certain voluntary severance programs at the Evergy Companies and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  5. Reflects advisor expenses incurred associated with strategic planning and are included in operating and maintenance expense on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
  6.  Reflects an income tax effect calculated at a statutory rate of approximately 22% in 2021, with the exception of certain non-deductible items.

About Evergy

Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG), provides clean, safe and reliable energy to 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. The 2018 combination of KCP&L and Westar Energy to form Evergy created a leading energy company that provides value to shareholders and a stronger company for customers.

Evergy’s mission is to empower a better future. Today, half the power supplied to homes and businesses by Evergy comes from emission-free sources, creating more reliable energy with less impact to the environment. We will continue to innovate and adopt new technologies that give our customers better ways to manage their energy use.

For more information about Evergy, visit us at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Forward Looking Statements

Statements made in this release that are not based on historical facts are forward-looking, may involve risks and uncertainties, and are intended to be as of the date when made. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our strategic plan, including, without limitation, those related to earnings per share, dividend, operating and maintenance expense and capital investment goals; the outcome of legislative efforts and regulatory and legal proceedings; future energy demand; future power prices; plans with respect to existing and potential future generation resources; the availability and cost of generation resources and energy storage; target emissions reductions; and other matters relating to expected financial performance or affecting future operations. Forward-looking statements are often accompanied by forward-looking words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “seeks,” “intends,” “proposed,” “projects,” “planned,” “target,” “outlook,” “remain confident,” “goal,” “will” or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information.

In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Evergy, Inc., Evergy Kansas Central, Inc. and Evergy Metro, Inc. (collectively, the Evergy Companies) are providing a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to: economic and weather conditions and any impact on sales, prices and costs; changes in business strategy or operations; the impact of federal, state and local political, legislative, judicial and regulatory actions or developments, including deregulation, re-regulation, securitization and restructuring of the electric utility industry; decisions of regulators regarding, among other things, customer rates and the prudency of operational decisions such as capital expenditures and asset retirements; changes in applicable laws, regulations, rules, principles or practices, or the interpretations thereof, governing tax, accounting and environmental matters, including air and water quality and waste management and disposal; the impact of climate change, including increased frequency and severity of significant weather events and the extent to which counterparties are willing to do business with, finance the operations of or purchase energy from the Evergy Companies due to the fact that the Evergy Companies operate coal-fired generation; prices and availability of electricity in wholesale markets; market perception of the energy industry and the Evergy Companies; the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on, among other things, sales, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows, and also on operational issues, such as the availability and ability of our employees and suppliers to perform the functions that are necessary to operate the Evergy Companies; changes in the energy trading markets in which the Evergy Companies participate, including retroactive repricing of transactions by regional transmission organizations (RTO) and independent system operators; financial market conditions and performance, including changes in interest rates and credit spreads and in availability and cost of capital and the effects on derivatives and hedges, nuclear decommissioning trust and pension plan assets and costs; impairments of long-lived assets or goodwill; credit ratings; inflation rates; the transition to a replacement for the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) benchmark interest rate; effectiveness of risk management policies and procedures and the ability of counterparties to satisfy their contractual commitments; impact of physical and cybersecurity breaches, criminal activity, terrorist attacks and other disruptions to the Evergy Companies’ facilities or information technology infrastructure or the facilities and infrastructure of third-party service providers on which the Evergy Companies rely; ability to carry out marketing and sales plans; cost, availability, quality and timely provision of equipment, supplies, labor and fuel; ability to achieve generation goals and the occurrence and duration of planned and unplanned generation outages; delays and cost increases of generation, transmission, distribution or other projects; the Evergy Companies’ ability to manage their transmission and distribution development plans and transmission joint ventures; the inherent risks associated with the ownership and operation of a nuclear facility, including environmental, health, safety, regulatory and financial risks; workforce risks, including those related to the Evergy Companies’ ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, maintain satisfactory relationships with their labor unions and manage costs of, or changes in, retirement, health care and other benefits; disruption, costs and uncertainties caused by or related to the actions of individuals or entities, such as activist shareholders or special interest groups, that seek to influence Evergy’s strategic plan, financial results or operations; the possibility that strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and long-term financial plans, may not create the value that they are expected to achieve in a timely manner or at all; difficulties in maintaining relationships with customers, employees, regulators or suppliers; and other risks and uncertainties.

This list of factors is not all-inclusive because it is not possible to predict all factors. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed from time to time in current, quarterly and annual reports filed by the Evergy Companies with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Reports filed by the Evergy Companies with the SEC should also be read for more information regarding risk factors. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. The Evergy Companies undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investor Contact:

Cody VandeVelde

Director, Investor Relations

Phone: 785-575-8227

[email protected]

­

Media Contact:

Gina Penzig

Manager, External Communications

Phone: 785-508-2410

[email protected]        

Media line: 888-613-0003

Continue reading Evergy Announces 2021 First Quarter Results

Safehouse Crisis Center Available For Victims

Safehouse Crisis Center is continuing to accept victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Human Trafficking into our shelter.

If you are working with or know anyone in need of shelter, please contact 620-231-8251.

If you are working with or know anyone who does not want shelter but would like outreach services, please contact 620-231-8692.

Some of our outreach services include protection order assistance, Court accompaniment, safety planning, support groups, individual counseling, therapy, information on victim rights/victimization, helping navigate through the systems, etc.

If you have any questions about our services or would like more information, call our office number at 620-231-8692.

All of our services are completely free, and  are ready to assist anyone 24/7.

Submitted by Megan Rogers

Victim Advocate

Safehouse Crisis Center

1-620-231-8692

COVID-19 Health Challenges Persist For Many

Cognition and Swallowing Among the Common Challenges Persisting for Many Americans After COVID-19

Speech-Language Pathologists Can Help Patients Regain Health and Quality of Life, NRMC Expert Stresses During Better Hearing & Speech Month

With an estimated 10 to 30% of COVID-19 survivors experiencing “long-haul” symptoms including brain fog and swallowing difficulties, Nevada Regional Medical Center speech-language pathologist Andrea Wydick is encouraging the public to seek care from qualified experts who can help them regain their functioning and quality of life. Wydick is sharing this message in recognition of May being national Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM).

“The pandemic has posed so many challenges to us all as a society, but one of the persisting and most vexing ones right now is the daunting set of difficulties many people are having for months after contracting COVID-19,” said Wydick. “From brain fog, to difficulty eating and drinking, to speech and language problems, these can affect return to work, the ability to take care of one’s family, and overall recovery. Many people don’t know about the services of speech-language pathologists—professionals trained in these areas who can make a huge difference for these people. This is an important time for us to spread the word: Help is available.”

How They Help

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help people with, or recovering from, COVID-19 who are having short- and longer-term difficulties in the following areas:

Cognition

Many COVID-19 “long-haulers” are reporting persistent brain fog as a debilitating symptom after their bout with the virus. This can prevent a return to work and impact their ability to tend to family responsibilities. SLPs can work with individuals to improve their memory, attention, organization and planning, problem solving, learning, and social communication—such as re-learning conversational rules or understanding the intent behind a message or behind nonverbal cues. The focus is on the person’s specific challenges as well as regaining the skills that are most important to their daily life and priorities.

Swallowing

People diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience swallowing problems that can put them at risk for choking or aspirating, which is when food goes into the lungs instead of the stomach. This may be the result of time spent on a ventilator, or it may be another side effect of the virus. SLPs use different types of tests to determine what happens when a person swallows and how the related muscles are working—helping a patient’s medical team, including the SLP, decide on the best course of action with the patient and their family. SLPs may recommend modified textures of food and drink for patients; therapy exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and muscles in the mouth and throat; and strategies to make eating and drinking safer, such as modifying the pace of chewing/eating, size of food, and more.

Communication

People diagnosed with COVID-19 are also experiencing speech and language difficulties. Some, such as those who spent a significant amount of time on a ventilator or experienced low oxygen to the brain, may have muscle weakness or reduced coordination in the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, and throat—making it difficult to talk. Others, particularly those who experienced a COVID-related stroke, may experience a language disorder called aphasia—which makes it hard for someone to understand, speak, read, or write. SLPs work with patients through targeted therapy to improve their communication and understanding.

People who have severe speech and/or language difficulties may need to find other ways to answer questions or tell people what they want, such as through gesturing with their hands, pointing to letters or pictures on a paper or board, or using a computer. These are all forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). SLPs help find the appropriate AAC method to meet an individual’s needs.

Where to Find Care

SLPs work in settings that include hospitals, long- and short-term care facilities, private practices, and patients’ homes. Many SLPs are also providing their services via telehealth at this time. If you or a loved one are experiencing communication challenges, Wydick recommends letting your doctor know.

For more information, Vernon County and area residents can contact NRMC Performance Therapy at 417-448-3790, or visit www.asha.org/public.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Protect Kids From Heatstroke

I’ll just run in for a minute.”

 

“I thought you were picking her up.”

 

“I only let him play outside for a minute.”

 

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other safety advocates recognize the safety threat heatstroke poses for children left unattended in hot cars.

 

Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-traffic, non-crash-related fatalities for children 14 and younger:

·     In 2020, 24 children died due to vehicular heatstroke. In 2019, 53 children died in vehicular heatstroke incidents. The significantly lower number of deaths in 2020 is likely due to more families being at home.

·     From 1998-2020, a total of 882 children died due to vehicular heatstroke.

 

Of the 882 deaths:

·     52.9%: Forgotten by caregiver (467 children)

·     25.6%: Gained access on their own (227)

·     19.7%: Knowingly left by caregiver (173)

·     1.7 %: Unknown (15)

 

How this happens:

Most of these tragedies happen when a child is forgotten by a parent or caregiver and left in a hot car. In approximately half of these “forgotten” deaths, the child was being taken to childcare/preschool. A busy parent or caregiver may unintentionally forget that a quiet or sleeping child, one who may also be facing the back of the car, is in the back of the vehicle. This generally occurs with children under one year of age. Always remember to look before you lock. You could save a life.

 

Toddlers or mobile young children are also at risk.

Some children gain access into a vehicle without the knowledge of an adult and may be unable to get out of the car, especially if child locks are activated. It is essential to teach children that it is dangerous to play in or around the car.

 

Sometimes, children are left intentionally by parents who do not understand the dangers of a hot vehicle, or who may not understand how quickly a vehicle can heat up to dangerous temperatures. It cannot be overstated: Never leave your child in a vehicle alone, not even for a minute.

 

High body temperature can cause permanent injury or even death:

Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches approximately 104 degrees and the thermoregulatory system is overwhelmed. A core temperature of approximately 107 degrees is lethal.

 

Children are at a higher risk than adults of dying from heatstroke in a hot vehicle, especially when they are too young to alert others for help. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s.

 

In 10 minutes, a car can heat up by 20 degrees. Rolling down a window does little to keep a vehicle cool. Heatstroke fatalities have occurred even in vehicles parked in shaded areas and when the outside air temperatures were 80 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

 

Summertime is the peak season for these tragic incidents, but heatstroke can occur in outdoor temperatures as low as 57 degrees.

 

 

The warning signs of heatstroke vary, but may include:

·     Red, hot, and moist or dry skin

·     Absent sweating, even though the child is warm

·     Strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse

·     Throbbing headache

·     Dizziness

·     Nausea

·     Confusion

·     Grouchiness or strange behavior

 

It can happen to anyone:

·     In 52.6% of cases, the child was forgotten by the caregiver.

·     In 25.9% of cases, children got into the vehicles on their own.

·     The children most at-risk are those under 1 year, making up 31% of heatstroke deaths.

 

Remember these three things:

·     NEVER leave a child in a vehicle unattended.

·     Make it a habit to look in the back seat EVERY time you exit the car.

·     ALWAYS lock the car and put the keys out of reach.

 

Find More Information Here

 

USDA Invests $615,000 in four Kansas towns to Increase American Biofuel Availability

TOPEKA, Kan., Apr. 22, 2021 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director for Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $615,000 through a grant to increase American ethanol and biodiesel availability. These funds were made available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).

Investments made through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program help both our agriculture and energy sectors,” said Fischer. “Today’s investments help to expand infrastructure that will encourage the use of biofuels – increasing the possibility of energy security for years to come. Investments in higher blends infrastructure also helps provide stability for rural feedstock producers. USDA is dedicated to the economic prosperity of rural America; because when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.”

Background:

USDA is investing $18.4 million in 20 states through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to build infrastructure to help expand the availability of higher-blend renewable fuels. The HBIIP program helps give consumers more environmentally-friendly fuel choices when they fill-up at the pump.

This specific USDA grant will be used to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels. This project will add and replace 33 dispensers and 4 storage tanks at four Triplett fueling stations located in Colby, Russell, Hays, and Goodland. This project will increase the amount of ethanol sold by over 7 million gallons per year. The purpose of this funding program is to assist owners of transportation fueling and fuel distribution facilities to expand the sales and use of ethanol and biofuel.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. Follow us on Twitter at @RurDev_Kansas.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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CHC/SEK to host Pfizer vaccine clinic on April 25

People aged 16 and older can now receive the Pfizer vaccine with parental consent through Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas.
CHC/SEK will host a Pfizer vaccine clinic from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, at the 924 N Broadway. The clinic will be by appointment only. This is a two-dose vaccine that is given 21 days apart.
Individuals can request a vaccine appointment on the CHC/SEK website chcsek.org. Click the COVID Vaccine Request button. After selecting the “first dose” button, there is an option to select the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. CHC/SEK representatives will contact the recipients to schedule a date for the vaccine.
For those without web access, the health center has a toll-free number, 866-888-8650 and a second number for Spanish-speakers 620-240-8940 to make vaccination appointments.

As with all COVID-19 vaccines, there is no out-of-pocket costs to vaccine recipients.

Drug Take-Back Day April 24

Drug take-back day designed to counter pill abuse, environmental contamination 

[Bourbon County, Kansas] – Local agencies are partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration April 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the 20th annual Drug Take Back Day. The event is designed to prevent pill abuse and environmental contamination by ridding homes of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. 

 

Prescription drug abuse and disposal are both a public and environmental health threat. Improper disposal of medications via sewers or landfills leads to surface water contamination. Returning unused or unwanted medications to a pharmacy, or bringing them to a law enforcement agency are reliable methods for keeping these substances from entering the water supply.

 

Bourbon County residents are encouraged to bring unwanted drugs to these area locations for disposal:

 

Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy

421 W Main St, Chanute, KS 66720

 

Nevada Police Department

120 South Ash St., Nevada, MO  64772

 

Pittsburg Police Department

201 N. Pine St., Pittsburg, KS  66762

 

Sites cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. Collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.

 

With funding from the USDA, the K-State Pollution Prevention Institute (PPI) is offering education and outreach sessions to various communities in Kansas and Missouri with a focus on rural access to safe drug and sharps disposal. If your organization or community would like to learn more about safe disposal as a way to prevent drug abuse and keep toxic waste out of landfills, contact PPI by calling 800-578-8898.

 

For more information about proper disposal of prescription drugs or the Take Back Day event, visit www.sbeap.org/safe-disposal.

 

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