Category Archives: Health Care
Drive-Through Flu Clinic Oct. 28
Tomorrow, October 28, 2021, from 11 am-1 pm
the Bourbon County Health Dept. at 524 S Lowman St.
Fort Scott will have a flu drive-through clinic.
“We are having a drive-through flu clinic at our Ft. Scott office tomorrow,” Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Department Administrator said. “Please bring your insurance card with you & we will bill your insurance. We accept Medicare Part B, Medicaid, BCBS, United Health Care and Cigna. Sorry, but we do not accept Railroad Medicare. Or cash fee is $50 low dose or $90 high dose.”
The clinic will be at 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701
SEK MULTI COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, Fort Scott’s phone number is 620-223-4464.
Self-Administered COVID-19 Testing Available to Child Care Providers
Self-Administered COVID-19 Testing Available to Child Care Providers
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is partnering with Battelle, a leader in the field of science and technology, to provide rapid self-delivered COVID-19 testing to all licensed child care providers in Kansas.
Battelle has been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to manage the logistics of administering COVID-19 tests for millions of Americans in 16 states through the Midwest Expanded Testing Coordination Hub.
“Until vaccines are approved for our kids, testing is one of the best tools we have to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and child care centers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Child care providers have done excellent work throughout the pandemic to keep our children safe. With this extra assistance, our providers can ensure Kansas families maintain access to safe, quality child care.”
KDHE recognizes how important it is to provide access to easy, reliable, and rapid testing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and control outbreaks. Testing in child care settings helps identify individuals who have the virus but do not have symptoms and who may be contagious. This testing can support organizations with maintaining normal operations and keeping children, staff, visitors, and volunteers safe.
“Child care providers across the state have continued to provide this vital service to Kansans,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of KDHE. “We are excited to partner with Battelle to provide another tool for child care providers to use. Through COVID-19 testing, positive cases will be identified earlier to reduce the amount of spread of this virus.”
Outreach for the Midwest Coordination Center is ramping up this month. Battelle has an extensive team on board ready to assist organizations who serve children in group settings to administer the complete testing process from registering and collecting samples to receiving the results. Saliva testing is now available for children as young as 3 years old, and nasal swab testing is available for children as young as 5 years old, both with a 24 to 48-hour turnaround time for results. Testing supplies, shipping, and technical assistance are available at no charge.
These services are also available to other congregate settings in Kansas such as schools, organizations that provide group services for children, homeless shelters, group homes, or detention centers.
For more information about the Midwest Coordination Center and the testing program overview, please visit the website at www.testedandprotected.org.
###
Medicare Workshop on November 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Available Locally
COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago and are:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work in high-risk settings
- Age 18+ who live in high-risk settings
Mondays are walk-in days, but otherwise would need to call for an appointment. The Southeast Kansas Multi-Health Department location phone numbers Bourbon: (620)223-4464.
Submitted by
—
Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN
Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN
SEK Multi-County Health Department
Administrator
New Overland Park Hospital Opens
Governor Laura Kelly Celebrates New AdventHealth South Overland Park Hospital
OVERLAND PARK – Governor Laura Kelly yesterday celebrated the grand opening of the AdventHealth South Overland Park Hospital, the Kansas City metro’s first new, full-service hospital in 15 years.
“I want to thank AdventHealth for anticipating and responding to the increased need for health care in this area,” Governor Kelly said. “My administration will continue to work with our hospitals during the pandemic and beyond to ensure that they have what they need to provide quality health services for Kansans.”
The 193,000-square-foot addition to the Bluhawk development was designed to provide patients with access to a full suite of medical and emergency services when it opens in early October 2021. The addition includes a birth center, surgical services, intensive care unit, heart care and more.
“Our patients have demonstrated clear need for expanded services in southern Johnson County and surrounding communities, and we are thrilled to provide these with our whole-person care approach,” Alan Verrill, MD, chief executive officer for AdventHealth South Overland Park, said. “Our facilities and our staff provide so much more than medicine by caring for our patients’ body, mind and spirit and we are proud to have the opportunity to deliver this care in a beautiful, high-quality facility.”
CHC Update: Designing, Ordering, and Searching For More Drs.
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.
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.”
Flu Vaccine Drive-Thru Today and Tomorrow
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
Health Survey: Info Needed To Provide Grants For Local Entities
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!”
Click here to take the survey: https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=FKEN3PP9AT
The following is from an interview with Hoener:
What is the survey intended for?
“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.”
U.S. Task Force Lowers Diabetes Screening Age
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.