Monthly Archives: September 2021
Suicide Prevention: KDHE
KDHE Releases Data and Resources to Support Kansas Suicide Prevention Efforts
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) releases data and resources to support local communities and organizations as part of Suicide Prevention Month. Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Month in the State of Kansas. This declaration seeks to raise awareness on suicide prevention. Comprehensive data and supporting resources are critical to understanding this serious public health issue.
KDHE collects information on suicide deaths, suicidal thoughts and attempts. In 2015, KDHE began the Kansas Violent Death Reporting System allowing groups to learn about those at greatest risk, emerging trends, settings and circumstances surrounding suicides. Additionally, KDHE reviews and uses data from other sources to ensure a complete picture of suicide.
“Experts have speculated the mental, economic, behavioral and psychosocial problems linked to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a rise in suicide behavior,” said Leslie Hale, program manager for Kansas Zero Suicide. “KDHE is working to compare pre-pandemic, pandemic and eventually post-pandemic data to understand the impact. We are actively supporting and collaborating with partners on suicide prevention.”
KDHE has created, updated and made the following available:
- The Role of Public Health in Addressing Suicide Prevention
- Infographics highlighting data from the Kansas Violent Death Reporting System
- A Special Emphasis Report on Suicides
- A report analyzing Kansas data in response to a CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
- Tip Sheets for Youth Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis or considering suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7, free, confidential support or prevention and resources at 800-273-8255 or text 741741.
Preventive COVID Measures Have Reduced Flu Season Cases
The 2020-2021 flu season saw a 96% drop in total flu deaths from the 2019-2020 flu season. In the 20-21 flu season, there were 2 deaths where flu was the contributing cause of death and 4 deaths where flu was the direct cause of death, compared to 19-20 flu season where 23 deaths where flu was the contributing cause and 118 deaths where flu was the direct cause. There was also a drastic decrease in strep and other contagious illnesses during the 20-21 season as well.
What were we doing different in the 20-21 flu season compared to the 19-20 flu season? Many of us were wearing masks, social distancing, using better hygiene, staying home and getting our flu shot. With COVID-19 still being actively transmitted in our communities, I encourage our residents to continue to wear a mask in large gatherings, socially distance, use good hygiene, stay home when you are sick, get vaccinated for COVID-19 (if eligible) and for the flu.
Getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine helps to protect you, your family, and your community against the flu and COVID-19 during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The flu shot does not cause the flu. The COVID-19 vaccine does not cause COVID-19. Some people may have a mild reaction after getting their vaccine, but this does not mean they’ve contracted the flu or COVID-19.
The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) recommended that the quadrivalent formulation of egg-based influenza vaccines for the U.S. 2021-2022 influenza season contain the following:
- an A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Washington/02/2019- like virus (B/Victoria lineage);
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage).
The committee recommended that the quadrivalent formulation of cell- or recombinant based influenza vaccines for the U.S. 2021-2022 influenza season contain the following:
- an A/Wisconsin/588/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Washington/02/2019- like virus (B/Victoria lineage);
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage).
Children aged 6 months through 8 years require 2 doses of the flu vaccine IF they have not received 2 or more doses of the flu vaccine 4 or more weeks apart before July 1, 2021. 2 doses are recommended even if the child turns 9 between dose 1 and 2. Otherwise, this age group would only require 1 dose for the 20-21 flu season. Adults and children aged 9 years or older need only 1 dose of flu vaccine for the 20-21 flu season. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions, get a flu shot every year.
You may receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine on the same day. Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is approved for 12 years and older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are for 18 years and older. By getting vaccinated, you can help slow the spread!
Our 4 health department locations in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon and Woodson Counties are all carrying the flu vaccine, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine. Mondays are walk-in days, but otherwise someone wanting a vaccine would need to call for an appointment. Some of our offices will be going out to do flu clinics soon, so if you don’t catch us, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Allen (620)365-2191; Anderson (785)448-6559; Bourbon (620)223-4464; Woodson (620)625-2484.
Because flu cases have begun to pop up in the US and COVID-19 cases are somewhat staying steady or climbing, if you or your children start showing symptoms, please stay home from work and school/daycare. I also recommend getting tested if symptomatic. There have been several COVID-19 school/daycare cases in our region recently when the parent thought the child just had allergies, sent the child to school/daycare and then spread COVID-19 to other children. If you’re a parent and have not had a child in isolation or quarantine yet, consider yourself blessed, for many reasons, and do your part to prevent others from having to as well.
KDHE reports this week (9/22/21) that there have been 5,919 deaths from COVID-19 and over 400,000 cases of COVID-19 in Kansas since March of 2020. So, that’s approximately 98% more deaths from COVID-19 in Kansas than from the flu within the last 2 flu seasons combined. Please do your part to prevent both of these illnesses. Wear a mask in large gatherings, social distance, use good hygiene, stay home when sick and get vaccinated for COVID-19 (if eligible) and for the flu!
Submitted by Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN, SEK Multi-County Health Department Administrator, 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.
P(620)223-4464 F(620)223-1686
Chamber Coffee at Bourbon County Cars Sept. 23 For Ribbon Cutting
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Join us for this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by
BOURBON COUNTY CARS
Thursday, September 23rd
8am
1810 S. Main St.
This Chamber Coffee will celebrate
the new location of Bourbon County Cars and a Ribbon Cutting will immediately follow the Coffee.
Clickhereto visit their Facebook page.
Click here to visit their website.
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Uniontown Saddle Club Ranch Rodeo 2021 Results
The annual Old Settler’s Co-Ed Ranch Rodeo was postponed from Labor Day to Sept. 13 because of the weather.
On that date, 15 teams of cowboys and cowgirls competed at the Uniontown Arena, just west of the town on Hwy. 3.
“We provide and promote horse-related events for the community,” Wayne Hall, president of the club said. “An each year we give a Warren McKinnis Scholarship to high school students. These are rural kids involved with agriculture.”
The club was established in 1967 as a family-oriented club that provides a large arena that hosts horse shows, rodeos, and roping practices, according to its’ Facebook page.
The 2021 the winners are:
In the team competitions:
Big Creek, comprised of Michell LaRue, Trent Eck, Cassidy Furhman, and Will Harding earned first place. Wayne Hall is on the right. Taken from Uniontown Saddle Club Facebook page
Second place winners: Brock Hall, Julia Hall, Karlee Boots, Trenton Umphenour, with Kactus K Trucking. Wayne Hall is on the right. Taken from the Facebook page.
Third place winners: Diamond S Cattle comprised of Kolby Boo, Britt Michaleis, Colby Brownrigg, and Mindi Holloway.
All prizes were purchased with sponsorship from the community.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 22
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Oct. 1-3
The 65th Pioneer Harvest Fiesta will be held on the Fairgrounds October 1, 2, and 3.
The downtown parade will be held at 6 pm Thursday, September 30.
As the show begins on Friday there will be many exhibits for you to enjoy such as a sawmill, rock crushing, threshing machine, wood planning, corn shelling, a blacksmith, an antique tractor pull, quilt show and many other activities. There will also be antique engines and tractors on display.
Please bring your quilts for the Quilt Show to the Myers Building Thursday, September 30, 10 am -noon. If this time does not work for you, please contact Jackie Warren at 620-224-8161. The Quilt Show will also have vendors and other activities.
Included with the purchase of a Show Button will be a bean feed Friday evening 5 pm. For more information, check the website Pioneerharvestfiesta.org. or contact Larry Richard 620-724-6501
UHS Eagles Beat Blu-Jays Sept. 17
The Uniontown Eagles’ football team played their Homecoming game against the Pleasanton Blu-Jays on Friday, September 17th. They beat the Jays 30-6. Treden Buckman had a total of 113 rushing yards over 14 attacks during the game. He made 2 of the 4 touchdowns. Andrew Buckman made 1 touchdown and Luke Perry made the other. Byron Fry had 4 knockdowns and Rylan Lee had 3. Matthew Poyner had 10 total tackles, Byron Fry had 9, and Korbin Miller had 9. “We stayed focused throughout the day with Homecoming distractions and got the job done,” said center defensive lineman Korbin Miller.
-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter
National Security Initiative Announced by KS Governor
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Joins Bipartisan, Multi-State National Security Initiative
~Kansas and Missouri join National Security Crossroads to improve national security in Heartland region~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly and Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced the launch of the National Security Crossroads, a bipartisan, multi-state initiative to raise awareness of and improve national security missions in the Heartland region.
“By leveraging our strategic location, strong military community, and existing cybersecurity partnerships, this initiative will make Kansas and Missouri integral to our national security for years to come,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I look forward to the bipartisan spirit of collaboration fostered by the National Security Crossroads initiative, which will not only improve security, but will also strengthen our growing economy by developing a more agile workforce and ensuring safer communities.”
The National Security Crossroads represents a regional branding effort to bring awareness in all levels of government, as well as around the country, of the expanding base of security-related operations in the area. As the “heartland” of the United States, with a convenient location to all areas of the country, the region is poised for a strategic advantage in security and mission critical operations.
Seven major military bases are housed within the Crossroads area, covering the Army, Navy and Air Force branches. The region also includes 11 national security installations, focusing on geospatial-intelligence, net-centric solutions, non-nuclear component manufacturing, combined arms preparations, strategic attack deterrents, bio-threat prevention, along with other critical technology and infrastructure concentrations.
“We are proud to be home to such robust military and defense industries, and this initiative will be a valuable asset in strengthening national security and our region as a whole,” Missouri Governor Mike Parson said. “This partnership will leverage our region’s existing industry, dedicated personnel, and strategic location in the heart of the nation to support military missions and members, expand new technologies and industries, attract skilled workers, and drive economic growth through good-paying job creation for both Missouri and Kansas.”
The Crossroads region stretches from Wichita and Manhattan, Kansas, to the bi-state St. Louis area. With the development of the National Security Crossroads, the region continues to represent a growing base of operations for a variety of installations, including military, cybersecurity, and public-private partnerships.
The program facilitates workforce and talent growth and resiliency, as well as collaboration between installations that enable Crossroads’ members to be agile and resilient. The effort also seeks to educate state and federal legislators, as well as others in the region, on the value of the Crossroads and its associated missions.
The National Security Crossroads was a concept developed at the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) to facilitate regional cooperation, collaboration, and other initiatives such as workforce development. The KCNSC is managed and operated by Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (FM&T), LLC.
“The National Security Crossroads is a means for federal agencies to draw in potential partners and suppliers who can strengthen national security and velocity through an affiliated network,” Eric Wollerman, Honeywell FM&T President, said. “The Crossroads enables a smart network of partners to leverage contacts and information effectively throughout the region.”
The launch of National Security Crossroads includes the unveiling of the initiative’s new website, designed to introduce the public to the partners involved and communicate the ongoing efforts of the collaborative. Visitors to www.nationalsecuritycrossroads.com will also be able to access information on upcoming events, including webinars regarding regional updates.
National Security Crossroads
The mission of the National Security Crossroads is to brand the Kansas and Missouri region as a National Security strength and home for national security missions, educate people on the value of the Crossroads, and share best practices to enable members of the Crossroads to be agile and resilient. For more information, visit nationalsecuritycrossroads.com.
Broadband, phone discounts available for students and families
TOPEKA – The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families. If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet service while navigating back to school costs, help is available.
The Kansas Corporation Commission encourages Kansans in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). Both programs help low-income families and individuals stay connected so they can access healthcare, attend classes, find jobs, and call for help in an emergency. Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline also qualifies for Emergency Broadband.
Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. The $3.2 billion federal Emergency Broadband Benefit, launched last May in response to the pandemic, provides a $50 per month broadband discount. Participants also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Both programs offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.
To be eligible for Lifeline, your household income must be at or below 135% of the poverty level or you receive one or more of the following benefits:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
- Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Head Start Tribal Programs (only those meeting its income qualifying standard)
- The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.
To qualify for EBB, your household must meet one of the following requirements:
- Meet the criteria for the Lifeline program
- Receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.
- Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
Kansans can apply for both programs directly through one of many participating providers in the state. More information is also available on the KCC website.
Media note – Links to flyers for Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit (English and Spanish) are included below for your use:
Lifeline English , Lifeline_Spanish, EBB English, EBB_Spanish
Pioneer Harvest Parade Entries Needed
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