Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is moving forward with the renovation of the former Price Chopper building on South Main.
“We are still in the design phase, but still on schedule for a December 2022 occupancy,” CHC/SEK CEO Krista Postai said.
Krista Postai. Submitted photo.
The lease with Bourbon County, the owners of the former Mercy Hospital building, ends in December of 2022.
“The COVID Pandemic is most certainly impacting the availability of almost everything so we have already ordered,” Postai said. “This includes many of the larger pieces of equipment, including a CT Scanner and the bone density equipment.”
CHC/SEK has started recruitment for additional staff including a pediatrician and a dentist, she said.
And additionally, CHC has assumed operations of another medical clinic.
“We will be assuming operations of the medical clinic in LaCygne – formerly operated by Olathe Health- and will ultimately be doubling the staff,” she said. LaCygne is in Linn County, north of Bourbon County.
About CHC/SEK
“CHC/SEK opened its doors in 1997 on the second floor of a 90-year-old elementary school building in Pittsburg as a community outreach of Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center, the hospital Mother Sheridan founded in 1903,” according to its’ website.
“Our purpose was to ensure that all children were “ready to learn” by providing physicals and immunizations, no matter their parents’ ability to pay. It was a mission of love in an area of critical need – a community that continues to have some of the highest rates of childhood poverty in Kansas.
“We quickly realized these children’s parents and grandparents needed care too. We expanded our services and facility to provide quality, affordable healthcare to patients of all ages. By 2003, we had become an independent organization with 11 employees that cared for 3,300 patients.
“Today, more than 600 employees care for more than 70,000 patients every year, providing medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and support services across southeast Kansas – still regardless of the ability.”
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:
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.
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.
Jody Hoener, CEO of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
The Healthy Bourbon Action Team has created a community health needs survey to provide future grants to entities such as local governments, businesses, and schools.
The data needed for the grants must come from the community they serve.
“We need you to inform our work,” said Jody Hoenor, CEO of the team. “Take the community health needs survey today and earn $10 to spend at Fort Scott Farmers’ Market or Uniontown’s Union Station!”
“The survey is part of a bigger community health needs assessment. With this survey, we are getting information straight from our community member’s mouths on our health and wellness needs. As the saying goes, ‘Straight from the horse’s mouth.’ This information tells us where we need to focus our time, efforts, and financial resources. To put it bluntly: Where should we direct our money?”
How long will it take to do the survey?
“The survey can take up to 20 minutes to complete. We realize this can be a long survey. We are giving $10 vouchers to Farmers Market or Uniontown’s Union Station for responding to the survey because we understand there is some time spent on it.”
How will this survey benefit the community?
“This survey will provide the primary data for grant requests. We help write grants for local governments, businesses, schools, — the whole community. Because of the last community health needs assessment in 2016, we were awarded the BCBS Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant. Since then we have brought in close to $2 million. This money is directed to projects throughout the entire county.”
The following are provided by Hoener as examples of previous grants :
“In Uniontown: Union Station Gas Station and Convenience Store was awarded grant funds around 2017 for promoting locally produced food.
Uniontown City Council drafted a plan for sidewalks and biking.
“Uniontown’s School District USD 235 was awarded funds for the flashing crosswalk, water bottle filling stations, healthy vending machine, brand new gym equipment, and money for the locker room/shower
Other examples:
“Worksites throughout the county received $12,500 for worksite wellness equipment
“16 Local grocery stores and restaurants were awarded grant dollars to encourage healthier environments and promote local food.
“Bike share was started with the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
“Fort Scott’s School District .USD 234 was awarded funds for exercise equipment, the FSHS courtyard, and water bottle filling stations.
“Financial support for events like the Maramaton Massacre (a bike race event), Farm to Table events, and others that boost community morale and encourage healthy behaviors.
“Water bottle stations (still yet to come, grant funds have been given to the City of Fort Scott to purchase) throughout the community parks in Bronson, Uniontown, and Fort Scott.
“Lights for safe walking at trails like Riverfront Park and the Fort Scott Community College walking trail.
“FSCC received grant funding for the 24-hour access employee gym.
“The Bourbon County Courthouse has an entire workout room with weights, treadmill, and more.
“Trail equipment purchased to build and maintain walking or biking trails.
“The Nazarene Church was awarded $16,000 to start a truck farm and a program to mentor and help those on the outskirts of society (led by David Goodyear).
“Funds granted to Chamber of Commerce’s LEAD program to put together a Downtown Walking Trail that will have historical markers and education along the route in Downtown Fort Scott.”
“Plus lots more. We are constantly seeking grant funding to help our Bourbon County community members. We want to use our resources where the community tells us it is needed.”
What is the expected outcome?
“Many other community law enforcement agencies, governments, school districts, and non-profit organizations use these assessments and surveys to apply for outside funding. It will help every local entity with needed financial support for operations, programs, and projects.”
Who is collaborating with the survey?
“We are working with the University of Kansas on the community health needs assessment. They are paid through our Blue Cross Blue Shield KansasPathways Grant to help us with this process. The survey responses go directly to KU and are 100% anonymous. We are also collaborating locally with Ascension Via Christi and Community Health Centers of South East Kansas.”
Where can interested people get a hold of the survey?
“We are seeking 60% of all households to complete a survey. The survey link is on our website at HBCAT.org. Tablets and stands to fill out surveys are available at Via Christi Emergency Room and Primary Care Office (Dr. Burke), Uniontown’s Union Station, and soon to be placed at Community Health Centers of Southeast Kansas primary care in Fort Scott. Anyone is free to reach out to me at [email protected] for a paper survey.”
TOPEKA – As diabetes prevalence in the U.S. surges among children and adults, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has lowered its recommended screening age for overweight adults from 40 to 35.
Previous guidelines issued in 2015 recommended this measure for overweight adults aged 40 to 70 years. The new recommendation comes as data suggest that incidence of diabetes increases at age 35 compared with younger ages; at-risk individuals should be screened every three years from ages 35 to 70.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 84 million American adults aged 18 years and older have prediabetes, which is approximately 1 out of 3. Of those, 90% do not know they have it. In Kansas, almost eleven percent (10.8%) of adults aged 18 and older have diabetes, 2019 Kansas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (KS BRFSS) data show. In 2018, 9.7% of Kansas adults aged 18 years and older had ever been diagnosed with prediabetes or borderline diabetes.
Overweight and obesity constitute the main risk factors for both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. According to the 2019 KS BRFSS, around 35.2% of Kansas adults are obese, and 69.9% are overweight or obese.
As the disproportionately high incidence and prevalence of these conditions are seen among certain minority groups, researchers stressed the importance of screening vulnerable populations, adding that heightened risk groups may need to begin screening earlier than age 35.
The number of people with diabetes is over 40 percent higher among Hispanic/Latino (14.5%) and non-Hispanic Black (15.3%) persons than among non-Hispanic White (8.7%) persons. There are strong associations between the number of people with diabetes and social factors such as socioeconomic status, education, disability status, as well as food and physical environments.
Meredith Slan, diabetes health educator at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), noted that one issue that needs to be addressed is the low rate of referral to diabetes prevention programs for adults with prediabetes. One key feature of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is the CDC-recognized lifestyle change program that focuses on healthy eating and physical activity. Slan also emphasized the availability of HALTdiabetesKS.com, a free virtual diabetes prevention program platform available through KDHE.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Funding for Frontline Nurses and Care Workers
~$50 Million in Funding Going to Nurse & Care Workers as Strain on Hospitals Continues to Increase~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced $50 million available for hospitals to either provide premium pay or improve retention of nursing resources and support personnel, approved by the SPARK Executive Committee. This emergency funding will provide immediate support for Kansas hospitals to manage the current COVID-19 surge and address critical shortages in nurse staffing across the state.
Qualified facilities may use the funding for either premium pay as defined in ARPA or for funding a program designed by the facility to improve the retention of nursing resources and support personnel. Premium pay may be distributed by the hospitals to frontline employees in the manner that they believe is most appropriate to ensure retention of critical resources and maintenance of staffed hospital beds.
“Many of our nurses are risking their lives every day to save Kansans from COVID-19 – and the immense strain on our hospitals is causing them to be exhausted and disheartened,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “They’re taking on extra shifts and caring for more patients than they can handle – and it’s our responsibility to give them the support they need.
“Frontline nurses need this funding to continue battling the COVID-19 surge here at home. I sincerely thank all Kansas frontline nurses and health care workers for all they do to protect our communities from the threat of COVID-19. I encourage all Kansans to do their part and get vaccinated immediately – for our health care workers, for our businesses, and for our families.”
The funding can provide frontline nurses and care workers with premium pay by increasing their hourly wages up to $13 per hour. Hospitals can apply for these State Fiscal Recovery Funds and receive funding based on their number of nursing resources, and will have discretion over how to distribute premium pay.
Additionally, hospitals will be allowed to use the funding for alternative purposes to retain staff if it meets compliance with ARPA guidance. Funding in retention programs must be spent on pay and associated benefits of qualified employees.
By October 31, 2021 and for each month thereafter, all Qualified Facilities receiving funding shall report the following to the Office of Recovery and the SPARK Committee:
The number of nurses on a full-time equivalence basis staffing ICU beds and non-ICU beds as of the most recent pay period ending prior to September 15, 2021, broken out by contract nurses and employees.
The number of nurses on a full-time equivalence basis staffing ICU beds and non-ICU beds as of the most recent pay period ending prior to or on October 31, 2021, broken out by contract nurses and employees.
How much of the money received by the Qualified Facility has been earned under the program to date.
The number of weeks the Qualified Facility has had the program in place.
The number of frontline clinical employees and nurses who left the employment of the Qualified Facility during the period from June 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021.
The number of frontline clinical employees and nurses who left the employment of the Qualified Facility during each month from September 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022.
For any terminations of clinical frontline workers and nurses from September 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022, the number of such terminations and the reason given for all voluntary and involuntary terminations.
All current Covid-related policies, such as testing policies, quarantine policies, and vaccine policies, and any changes thereto with the date such changes were announced and implemented.
Julie Glass, a nurse at Newman Regional Hospital in Emporia, posted to the hospital’s Facebook page last month: “It’s come to a point where you not only pray for your family member to not get COVID, but you pray that they don’t have any other illness or medical emergency either because there’s not enough space or staff for them to receive adequate medical care.”
Governor Kelly believes it is imperative to act now and protect the health and safety of our frontline nurses. This funding will ensure that Kansas hospitals are adequately equipped with experienced staff, rural hospitals can keep their doors open, and nurses can appropriately be compensated for their tireless and courageous work throughout this pandemic.
COVID-19 cases continue to rise across Kansas with a daily average of 1,331 new cases from August 30 to September 7 – levels not seen since January 2021. On September 10, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported 4,302 new COVID-19 cases since the last update two days prior. Hospitalizations continue to rise, with 612 hospitalized COVID patients as of September 10. This poses a challenge for hospitals to be able to provide surge support staffing and incentivize nurses to stay at their current pay rates.
More information will be provided to eligible Kansas hospitals in the coming days about how to access and properly allocate this funding to their nurses and frontline care workers.
TOPEKA – With a rise in calls to poison control centers and visits to emergency rooms, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is urging Kansans not to take the drug ivermectin unless prescribed by a physician then take it exactly as prescribed. This drug is not approved or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat or prevent COVID-19. Ivermectin has been approved in humans to treat specific skin conditions like rosacea, head lice or some parasitic worms. Ivermectin is used in livestock as an anti-parasite medicine and can be found in livestock supply centers. Livestock drugs are highly concentrated for large animals and can be highly toxic in humans.
“Kansans should avoid taking medications that are intended for animals and should only take ivermectin as prescribed by their physician,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of KDHE. “These highly concentrated doses can cause severe illness and even death in humans. The COVID-19 vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent COVID-19.”
An ivermectin overdose includes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Overdoses are associated with hypotension and neurologic effects such as decreased consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, coma, and death. Ivermectin may intensify the effects of other drugs that cause central nervous system depression, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
The COVID-19 vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent getting sick and protect against severe disease and death from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, including the Delta variant. In addition to the vaccine, wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing will help stop the spread of the virus. Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you by visiting https://www.vaccines.gov/.
TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced the release of the Kansas COVID County Ranking report. This report is designed to help county commissioners and local leaders stop the spread of COVID-19 in their communities by tracking critical COVID-19 metrics including testing, case and vaccination rates.
“I believe that data is a powerful tool we can use to guide our response to COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman said. “I am hopeful this report empowers action in communities and encourages sharing and implementation of best practices across Local Health Departments. Local leaders and communities are working tirelessly to keep us safe; to help them, helps all of us.”
This report is not a report-card, as multiple factors impact COVID-19 testing, case and vaccination rates in our communities. It brings together the most critical COVID-19 metrics at a local level to help state, county, and local leaders work together to stop the spread of the dangerous COVID-19 delta variant and keep Kansans safe and keep the economy open.
“Over the past 18 months, Kansas Counties have worked tirelessly to provide ongoing response and vital resources for county residents to keep them safe and informed on the evolving COVID-19 virus,” shared Bruce Chladny, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Counties, “And, the county response efforts, including vaccinations and essential messaging, continue as Kansas now experiences yet another surge from the deadly virus.”
Three metrics are reported and ranked across each county:
Full series vaccination rate of eligible population (12+ year olds)
7- day daily average number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people
7- day daily average number of COVID-19 tests administered per 100,000 people
Each county’s rankings are added together to generate a total score for the county. The total scores for counties are then ranked from 1-105.
The report will be refreshed three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It can be found on KDHE’s website at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas. Data for the report is provided by the CDC and KDHE.
The Southeast Kansas Multi County Health Department offices are now offering an additional dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for those moderately to severely immunocompromised.
Mondays are walk-in days, but otherwise someone wanting vaccinated would need to call for an appointment.
Please bring ID and your COVID-19 vaccine card to the appointment.
Nationwide increase in fatal drug overdoses prompts education on treatment and naloxone
~Prevention and resources key to overdose prevention~
TOPEKA – In light of a nationwide fatal drug overdose trend, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages awareness and education regarding drug overdose prevention in Kansas, including awareness of treatment resources and access to naloxone.
“Fatal drug overdoses have increased steadily for decades in both the U.S. and Kansas, and in 2020 there was an increase yet again,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Beyond increased funding for mental health and substance use treatment, we must commit to working across all sectors – law enforcement, judicial, healthcare, religious, schools, and communities – to reverse this trend.”
Nationwide, between 2019 and 2020 there was a 30 percent increase in drug overdose fatalities with more than 90,000 reported. Drug overdose fatalities increased in Kansas by 24 percent, from 393 in 2019 to 477 in 2020. Of those 2020 numbers, 183 involved psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine, 161 involved synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and 71 involved prescription opioids. Overdose deaths involving any prescription or illicit opioid accounted for 53.2% of all fatal overdoses in 2020. It is of note that more than one drug can be involved in a fatal drug overdose, so these values are not mutually exclusive.
Fatal overdoses were significantly higher among males compared to females, at 63.9% and 36.1% of the total. Additionally, fatal overdoses were highest among age groups between 25 and 54, comprising 296 (62%) of all overdose deaths.
Kansas is following similar overdose death trends observed nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Synthetic opioid overdoses, primarily caused by fentanyl, have driven this surge in overdose deaths. This is largely attributed to increased availability, accessibility, and use of illegally manufactured fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often combined with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or used as a standalone drug. Due to its potency, fentanyl-involved overdoses have a fast onset and can be difficult to reverse. In Kansas, synthetic opioid overdose deaths, mainly caused by fentanyl, increased by 130% from 2019 to 2020.
“Substance use disorders (SUDs) are extremely complex and the reasons for the increase may depend upon the individual and their own determinants (biological, psychological, social, spiritual),” Dr. Norman said. “What we do know is that there is a need for more substance use disorder and Behavioral resources in our state.”
Connecting individuals to SUD services is best practice for drug overdose prevention. Recovery from SUD is possible. Those in need of help can call Kansas’s SUD hotline at 866-645-8216 or visit findtreatment.gov to locate treatment services.
KDHE recommends that individuals who use substances and their support networks have naloxone and are trained in administration processes. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Kansas allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone to patients without a prescription pursuant to KAR 68-7-23. Visit ktracs.ks.gov/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing to find a naloxone-dispensing pharmacy near you.
DCCCA, Inc. has a naloxone program which is funded by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. DCCCA has a limited supply of naloxone kits available for those who are unable to access it through a local pharmacy or other means. Additionally, DCCCA offers free naloxone training. Please visit dccca.org/naloxone-program for more information.
Please visit www.http://www.preventoverdoseks.org for resources, epidemiological data, and more information on Kansas’s efforts to prevent drug overdoses.
