Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Kansas Anti-Human Trafficking Manager Named

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Secretary Meier-Hummel Announces Anti-Human Trafficking Program Manager

Kent Bauman brings wealth of experience to DCF

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce Kent Bauman as the Human Trafficking Program Manager. This is a new position created to help coordinate Anti-Human Trafficking efforts across the state.

Prior to serving the agency, Bauman served at the Wichita Police Department, where he had been employed since 1987. Most recently, he was assigned to the Exploited and Missing Children Unit (EMCU). While at the EMCU, he regularly partnered with DCF to investigate cases of missing children, runaways, human trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). Since 2006, Bauman was involved in the investigation of more than 200 CSEC cases, and he was the first investigator to charge and convict a human trafficker in the state of Kansas.

“Kent has extensive knowledge about human trafficking and we are excited and grateful to have him at the agency,” said Secretary Meier-Hummel. “We purposefully created this position because we wanted to strengthen DCF’s approach to preventing human trafficking, and I believe Kent’s impressive background will serve him well as he leads DCF anti-human trafficking efforts across the state.”

In addition to serving as the Human Trafficking Program Manager, Bauman will also dually serve as the DCF Law Enforcement liaison, to help improve communication and collaboration between the agency and local law enforcement.

Bauman has a bachelor’s degree in Education from Southwest Baptist University.

“I look forward to working with law enforcement, local community partners and other state agencies to help improve DCF Anti-Human Trafficking efforts in Kansas,” said Bauman. “Trafficking survivors are some of our most vulnerable Kansans, and I am humbled to serve them in this new capacity at DCF. Secretary Meier-Hummel has made preventing human trafficking one of her top priorities, and I am excited to work alongside her in this effort.”

DCF partners with local law enforcement and other state agencies to address human trafficking in Kansas. DCF is statutorily required to conduct an initial assessment of children/youth whom law enforcement reasonably believes are victims of human trafficking to determine “safety, appropriate and timely placement and appropriate services to meet the immediate needs of the child.”

If you believe you are a victim of human trafficking or may have information about a possible trafficking situation:

  • Call 911 if there is risk of immediate harm
  • Contact the National Human Trafficking hotline: 1-888-373-7888 Or text “befree” at (233733)
  • If the possible human trafficking victim is a minor, also call the Kansas Protection Report Center (KPRC) at 1-800-922-5330.

 

Kansas

Kansas’ Own Little Jerusalem Badlands Park

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America’s State Parks Directors Honor The Nature Conservancy of Kansas

 

TOPEKA – The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) recently honored The Nature Conservancy of Kansas (TNC) with its 2018 President’s Award.

 

In 2016, TNC bought a 330-acre tract of land in Logan County that encompasses 250 acres of Niobrara chalk formations. The property adjoins the Smoky Valley Ranch which is owned by TNC.

 

In 2018, the Kansas Legislature formally designated the chalk formations as Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. The park is projected to be opened by summer 2019.

 

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and TNC are collaborating to design access to the park and build trails to protect the fragile formations and unique ecology of the area.

 

The Niobrara chalk formation is a layer of rock deposited about 85 million years ago. It is composed of a chalk-like sediment that settled at the bottom of an inland ocean called the Western Interior Seaway which covered most of central North America roughly 140 to 70 million years ago. The rock was exposed and eroded over time, creating the tall pillars and rugged canyons that characterize the Little Jerusalem badlands.

 

In addition to breathtaking views, Little Jerusalem is also home to wildlife – from bats and ferruginous hawks to snakes, toads and lizards – and plants found nowhere else in the world.

 

“Without the help of the Conservancy staff, Kansas would not have this beautiful landscape as a part of its state park system,” said Linda Lanterman, NASPD president and Kansas state parks director. “TNC and KDWPT are committed to making this property accessible to visitors, while ensuring that the fragile terrain is protected.”

 

Prominent members of The Nature Conservancy of Kansas who have worked especially diligently to protect and make the Little Jerusalem badlands accessible include Rob Manes, Kris Knight and Matt Bain.

 

Kansas

Life Expectancy Estimates Available by Neighborhood in Kansas

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Census Tract-Level Data can help leaders, advocates, residents create healthier communities

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Office of Vital Statistics, Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics, has partnered with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) to produce life expectancy estimates in each census tract in the United States. Six years of data was used, through 2015, for the calculations of this indicator. Kansas-specific geographic health statistics.

 

“These census tract-level life expectancy estimates—based on state death records and population estimates from the U.S. Bureau of the Census—have previously been unavailable nationwide,” said Lou Saadi, Ph.D., State Registrar and Director of the KDHE Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics. “Access to estimates like these helps public health experts quantify how people living just a few miles apart can have vastly different opportunities for a long life. With this kind of information, community leaders can examine the factors that may be influencing differences in longevity—such as access to health care, safe and affordable housing, educational opportunities and other factors that impact the health of community members—and target solutions more effectively.”

 

In Kansas, the dataset includes “life expectancy at birth” estimates for 723 Kansas Census Tracts. Life expectancy at birth ranges from 62.5 years in Census Tract 041800 (in Wyandotte County) to 89.7 years in Census Tract 962600 (in Gray County).

 

Although county-, city-, and ZIP code-level data have provided similar information, they often don’t tell the full story as neighborhoods right next to each other—located within the same ZIP code, city or county—can provide drastically different opportunities for health and well-being. Census tract-level data offer information on a much smaller and targeted group of people making it easier to create a more complete picture of health at a local level. Census tracts cover an average of 4,000 people who typically have similar characteristics, such as social and economic status. Data available at this very granular level can help to more effectively target efforts to remove the barriers standing in the way of health and opportunity.

 

Hospitals, for example, can use the data to help create community health assessment plans that will identify areas most in need. Community development financial institutions can use these data to help decide which neighborhoods most need their investment dollars to fund health clinics, schools and other projects. Community members can use the data to guide conversations about what is causing life expectancy disparities in their neighborhood and what changes they want to address those challenges, such as better public transportation, access to healthy food or job training opportunities.

 

For more information on the United States Small-Area Life Expectancy Project (USALEEP) and to access life expectancy estimates for your neighborhood, please visit www.naphsis.org/usaleep and http://kic.kdheks.gov/LifeExptncy.html#top.The County Health Rankings’ What Works for Health is a searchable tool that provides evidence-informed policies, programs, systems and environmental changes that can make a difference locally. CDC’s Division of Community Health website also provides examples of communities taking action to improve the health of their residents.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Revenue Up

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August revenue receipts exceed previous year

TOPEKA—Fiscal year tax collections exceeded previous year’s totals by $79.49 million according to data from the latest revenue report released Tuesday.

 

Fiscal year 2019 collections so far total $993.36 million.

 

August tax collections were up $33.99 million, or 7.38 percent over last year.

 

Individual income tax collections totaled $220.78 million which is $25.09 million or 12.82 percent above the same time last year. August sales tax collections exceeded last August’s collections by $537,427.

 

Kansas

Governor Declares Flood Disaster Emergency

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Gov. Jeff Colyer MD has issued a state of disaster emergency declaration for five Kansas counties affected by flooding over the weekend. Named in the declaration are Jewell, Kingman, Marshall, Pratt, and Riley Counties.

Damages in these counties included washed out roads, bridges, culverts and flooding to some businesses and residential properties.

“Here in Kansas we make it a priority to take care of our neighbors,” said Colyer. “Those impacted by the recent flooding have our full support and we will continue to do whatever is needed to help during this time of emergency.”

The state declaration may be amended to include any additional counties that declare due to flooding as damage assessments are conducted. The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria.

Kansas

KDWPT Pratt Operations Office Closed Due to Flooding

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PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) operations office in Pratt will be closed Tuesday, September 4, 2018, due to flooding in Pratt County. The office will remain closed until further notice. It is located on S.E 25th Avenue about one mile east of Pratt, along the Ninnescah River.

As of 4:00 p.m. Monday, portions of the lower level of the building had up to three inches of standing water. In addition, the sewer and water supply for the building may have been compromised.

Customers can obtain licenses and permits and state park reservations online at ksoutdoors.com. Other KDWPT regional and district offices will also be open for business to help with questions. To locate a KDWPT office, go to https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations.

Government, Kansas

Protect Your Dog from Harmful Algae

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Harmful algae bloom.

 

TOPEKA –  Officials with the Kansas Departments of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) and Health and Environment (KDHE) want dog owners to be aware how dangerous harmful algae blooms (HABs) can be to their dogs.

A HAB is an abnormally high population of blue-green algae in a body of water. Whether you hunt with your dog near water or just take it out for a walk, there are things you can do to protect your four-legged partner.

HABs can occur in lakes, ponds, wetlands, creeks or drainage areas, generally coinciding with warm water temperatures and often flourishing in nutrient-laden waters.

Dogs can become seriously ill or die if they swim in, drink or retrieve a bird from water affected by a HAB.

They can even be sickened if they lick their fur after exposure or eat dried algae along the shore or floating in the water.

A HAB may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red.

There may also be a very strong musty odor or the smell of sewage or petroleum.

This season, if the water appears or smells suspicious or if there are decaying algae on the shore, do not let your furry friend drink, swim or retrieve birds in the water.

Blue-green algae are really a type of bacteria called “cyanobacteria,” which occurs naturally in all waters around the globe.

Under the right conditions, the algae can rapidly increase (bloom) and produce toxins. Although HABs typically begin in May, they can occur through October or later.

Algae can wash up on shorelines and in marshy areas and even after they are dead and dry, toxins that were produced can persist for long periods.

Dogs will still be at risk if they drink the HAB-affected water, walk on, roll in, eat decaying algae along the shore or retrieve a bird with algae on its feathers.

Just a small amount of blue-green algae can sicken or kill a dog.

The signs of illness in dogs usually occur within 30 minutes of exposure and include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, convulsions, difficulty breathing and general weakness.

If you suspect your dog has ingested algae or has any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

People may also become ill after contact with algae-produced toxins. Symptoms vary, depending upon the type of exposure (e.g. direct contact, ingestion, inhalation) but can include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, and headache.

If you or your dog come into contact with algae, immediately rinse the contact area with clean, fresh water.  If you or your dog show signs of illness, call your physician or veterinarian.

KDWPT and KDHE offer the following tips to help prevent HAB poisoning in dogs:

·         Carry potable water for yourself and your dog when hunting or going for walks along the shore.

·         Train dogs to come to you for a drink of water.

·         Rinse off your dog with potable water as quickly as possible if your dog swims in a HAB or walks through dried algae.

·         Do not let dogs eat dried algae along the shoreline. A bluish color along the shore indicates dying, toxic blue-green algae.

·         Do not let your dog lick their paws if they have walked through dried algae and remember that waterfowl in HAB-affected water may have toxic cells on their feathers.

 

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential HAB.

When a HAB occurs, KDHE, in cooperation with KDWPT and other lake managers where appropriate, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

KDHE does not sample private bodies of water such as farm ponds or livestock watering tanks but has recommendations on what to look for, how to field test and who to contact for additional assistance on KDHE’s HAB website.

 

For the most up-to-date list of waters currently affected by HABs, or to report a suspected HAB not currently listed, visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness. Hunters and the public can also get current HAB-related lake conditions by calling 1-855-HAB-LAKE (1-855-422-5253).

Government, Kansas

Bats In The House?

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Increase in Questions about Bats and Rabies, State Agencies Offer Guidance

Safety tips provided for coming in contact with bats and other animals

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Departments of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) have had an increase in the number of calls recently from residents who have questions about bats in their homes. Experts from the State agencies encourage Kansans to be aware of the rabies risk associated with exposure to bats.

 

“Although only 3 percent of about 1,000 bats tested over the last five years were positive for rabies in Kansas, they remain an important cause of human rabies cases in the United States,” said Dr. Ingrid Garrison, State Public Health Veterinarian at KDHE. “Contact with bats is a concern because their teeth are so tiny that a bite may not be felt or even leave a noticeable mark. That is why it is important to speak with someone who can evaluate your situation for potential exposure to rabies,” said Dr. Garrison.

 

Rabies is a fatal viral disease in mammals, including people. Infection with the rabies virus can occur from a bite by a rabid animal or when saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with the eyes, inside the mouth, or a fresh, open wound. In Kansas, skunks are the animal that most commonly tests positive for rabies.

 

“We see an increase in bat activity, usually in July and August, as baby bats learn to fly,” said Samantha Pounds, an ecologist with KDWPT. “Of the more than 1,000 species of bats around the world, 15 have been found in Kansas. Bats play a vital role in the Kansas ecosystem by consuming millions of insects each year, including agricultural pests and mosquitoes. They can eat one-half of their body weight in insects each night. However, some bats may also be infected with rabies. We want people to be aware of bats, but not afraid of them,” said Pounds.

 

It is best to exclude bats from your home in the early spring or fall when they are not roosting (giving birth and raising young). Young bats that are not able to fly can get trapped inside, which can lead to an upset mother bat or foul-smelling dead bat. Bats often enter homes through unsealed cracks, gaps or small holes, so filling in these entry points is one way to keep bats out of a home. Another method is to use an exclusion tube or small piece of mesh to create a one-way exit for bats living in an attic. Professional help to exclude or capture bats may be available in your area.

 

KDHE asks that you call your health care provider or local health department if you have had any contact with a bat if a bat is found in the room of a sleeping person, unattended child, or anyone who is unable to tell you about the encounter. If possible, the bat should be captured safely and not released. Tips for safely capturing a bat can be found on the Bat Conservation International website at www.batcon.org. If the bat is not available for rabies testing, the person who was exposed to the bat should seek medical care and receive rabies prevention shots.

KDHE and KDWPT offer the following tips about bats and other animals regarding rabies for your safety:

  • If you wake up in a room with a bat present, regardless if there is evidence of a bite or scratch, seek advice from your health care provider or local health department. If possible, trap the bat for testing. Do not release the bat.
  • If bitten by any animal, seek medical attention and report the bite to your local health department or animal control department immediately.
  • If your animal is bitten, contact your veterinarian for advice.
  • Do not handle or feed wild animals. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; it is both unsafe and illegal.
  • Do not try to nurse sick or injured wild animals back to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
  • Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
  • Have your veterinarian vaccinate all dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and valuable livestock (cattle and sheep) against rabies.

For more information on bats and rabies visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/education/index.html. For more information on excluding or removing of bats: http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-in-buildings/faq.

 

A list of companies that are registered with the Kansas Nuisance Wildlife Damage Control Program (NADC Permit Holders) can be found on the KDWP&T website at https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Damage-Control or by calling 620-672-5911. These companies may charge a fee for their services. For more information on rabies in Kansas: https://keap.kdhe.state.ks.us/Ephtm/PortalPages/ContentData?CID=109.

Government, Kansas

$142 million in Obamacare Fees Ordered Returned to Kansas

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TOPEKA – A federal court in Texas ruled yesterday that money collected as part of Obamacare, known as the Health Insurance Provider fee, be returned to the states by the Federal government. Kansas and five other states were part of this legal action, in which $142-million was ordered to be returned to the state of Kansas.

“This is just another example of the monumental failure of Obamacare and the expensive toll it has taken on our state,” said Governor Jeff Colyer, “This fee has been illegally collected for far too long, and I am grateful to Attorney General Derek Schmidt for going to bat for Kansas and ensuring that a legal remedy was made for returning millions of dollars that should have never been taken from taxpayers in the first place.”

Attorney General Schmidt said in a statement earlier today that an appeal is likely, so the funds should not be counted just yet, but he feels confident in the strength of the case should it be appealed.

Government, Kansas

Nominations For Kansas Health Champion Awards Accepted Until Sept. 30

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Nominations Now Being Accepted for Kansas Health Champion Awards

Exceptional efforts to promote health and fitness in Kansas to be recognized

 

TOPEKA – The Governor’s Council on Fitness is now accepting nominations for its annual Kansas Health Champion Awards. Awards are given to individuals and organizations that make an exceptional effort to model, encourage and promote health and fitness in Kansas. Award recipients will be recognized at the Community Health Promotion Summit on Jan. 24, in Manhattan, Kan. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 30.

 

“The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is proud to partner in this important initiative to improve the health and wellness of Kansans,” said KDHE State Health Officer, Dr. Greg Lakin. “Many people and organizations throughout the state have made healthy living a priority, and it’s important that we recognize their efforts that impact others”.

 

Nominees would be expected to have demonstrated:

  • Work that goes above and beyond what is expected to model, encourage and promote fitness
  • Far-reaching impact
  • Sustainable influence or activity

 

“In addition to promoting effective models for increasing physical activity, nutrition and tobacco-free living for replication by organizations and communities around the state, the awards also allow us the opportunity to honor the outstanding work of one individual and one organization this year,” said Marlou Wegener, Manager of Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

Eligible nominees might include an outstanding volunteer, a school, a local community, a newspaper or individual reporter, a local or State policy maker, or an employer, among others.

 

For more information and to submit a nomination, go to getactivekansas.org, and click on the nomination form link. If you have questions about the nomination process, contact Jennifer Church at 785-296-6801.

The Governor’s Council on Fitness advises the Governor and others on ways to enhance the health of all Kansans through promotion of physical activity, good dietary choices and prevention of tobacco use.

Government, Kansas

Effective Stillbirth Prevention Campaign Launches in Kansas

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“Count the Kicks” goal is to save 60 Kansas babies every year, reduce stillbirth rate by 26 percent

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced today that it has partnered with Count the Kicks, a proven stillbirth prevention public health campaign. Kansas vital statistics show that 232 stillborn babies are born each year in our state. The introduction of Count the Kicks in Kansas has the potential to save 60 babies every year if Kansas’ stillbirth rate decreases by 26 percent, as has happened in neighboring Iowa where the campaign began.

 

Count the Kicks teaches the method for and importance of tracking fetal movement in the third trimester of pregnancy. Scientific studies show that expectant moms should track their baby’s movements once a day in the third trimester and learn how long it normally takes their baby to get to 10 movements. Moms will start to notice a pattern, a normal amount of time it takes their baby to get to 10. If “normal” changes during the third trimester, this could be a sign of potential problems and an indication to call their provider.

 

“We are excited to provide physicians, partners and pregnant women across the state full access to Count the Kicks materials,” said Rachel Sisson, KDHE Bureau of Family Health Director. “KDHE’s Bureau of Family Health remains committed to collaborative efforts to support the healthiest outcome for mothers and infants.”

 

Through KDHE, maternal health providers, birthing hospitals and social service agencies throughout Kansas can order FREE Count the Kicks educational materials at www.countthekicks.org to start using these materials in their practices right away. Moms everywhere can download the FREE Count the Kicks app, which is available in the Google Play and iTunes online stores. The app, available in English and Spanish, allows expectant moms to monitor their baby’s movement, record the history, set a daily reminder, count for single babies and twins. The app already helped save seven Iowa babies in the past year.

 

This project is supported by KDHE with funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under grant number #B04MC31488 and title Maternal and Child Health Services.