The Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children is presenting webinars each Wednesday in April from 10:00 am-11:00 am for Drug Endangered Children Awareness Day.
These webinars are free and certificates of attendance will be provided for continuing education.
Please see the attached flyer for more information on each webinar and registration details. Please feel free to send this to your agencies and to anyone who might be interested in these training opportunities. Thank you!
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to add several states and countries – Delaware, Michigan, Rhode Island and the countries of Hungary and Jordan. One country is removed from the previous list, Mayotte.
A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:
Traveled on or after March 26 to Delaware, Michigan or Rhode Island.
Traveled on or after March 26 to Hungary or Jordan.
Traveled on or after March 12 to New Jersey or New York.
Traveled on or after March 12 to State of Palestine or Estonia.
Traveled on or after Feb. 26 to Czechia, San Marino or Montenegro.
Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.
The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.
For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.
For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:
Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
Are within 6 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
Have remained asymptomatic since the travel
Persons who do not meet all 3 of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.
The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas to Move to Phase 5 of Vaccine Distribution Plan
~Starting Monday, March 29 all Kansans (16+) Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that starting next Monday, March 29, 2021, the State of Kansas will make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all Kansans (16+), entering the final Phase 5 of the Vaccine Prioritization plan.
“With the anticipated increase in supply from the federal government, we must get every dose of vaccine into arms quickly,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I strongly encourage every Kansan to get the COVID-19 vaccine so we can get back to school, back to work, and back to normal.”
Kansas will become the 8th state to make the vaccine available to all adults, joining Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Utah, and West Virginia.
As of March 26, 35.1% of the adult population in Kansas had received at least one dose of the vaccine.
In the early part of the vaccination program (December 2020 – February 2021), limited federal supply led to demand for vaccine consistently outstripping supply. However, the supply increases of recent weeks have reversed this situation. Local Health Departments (LHDs) and providers have started reporting a decline in demand despite the state opening to Phases 3 and 4 populations. To ensure no vaccine goes to waste, the Kelly administration decided to open eligibility to all Kansans.
Kansans are encouraged to use the Vaccine Finder tool to find the nearest location with available vaccine.
About the COVID-19 vaccines:
COVID-19 Vaccines work:New England Journal of Medicine published a study on Feb. 24 that found researchers in Israel and the U.S. report that the vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech was highly effective in protecting against infection with the COVID-19 virus, lowering people’s chances of getting sick with the disease—especially severe disease—and dropping COVID-19 hospitalization rates.
Scientists have been researching mRNA technology, which makes it possible to create a vaccine faster, for years to prepare for potential infectious viruses. This research and the high supply of volunteers for clinical trials led to the relatively quick development of the COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccines must meet rigorous standards and have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. The three COVID-19 vaccines had to meet safety and effectiveness standards to be approved for Emergency Use Authorization and have been evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials.
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to begin work on a U.S. 69 resurfacing project at Fort Scott on Monday, March 29, according to a KDOT press release. The project starts at the south U.S. 54 junction and continues south for six miles, ending ½ mile south of K-7.
Project activity includes a cold mill, concrete patching, and a three-inch asphalt overlay, according to the press release. The contractor will start at Wall Street and work south. Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction at the work zone, with a width restriction of 12 feet. Flaggers will direct traffic on side roads.
Fort Scott City ManagerJeremy Frazier couldn’t be more excited about this street resurfacing project, he said.
Jeremy Frazier. Submitted photo.
“I believe that passers-through, whether right or wrong, assume that the condition of this highway embodies an accurate depiction of the City of Fort Scott,” Frazier said. “Although this highway is a KDOT Highway, there may be an assumption that it is a city-maintained highway. This of course is not the case.”
“To have this highway repaired is great news for Fort Scott,” he said.
” I am ecstatic and believe that this highway repair project lays the groundwork for future plans that we believe will come together with perfect timing,” Frazier said. “We are a long way away from changing the image of this community, but I feel, as I hope that everyone does, that the energy and enthusiasm present in the community will result in turning the corner not only in the downtown area but throughout the community. I am also optimistic that years from now, the community will have progressed in many ways for the better. Thank you KDOT. Thanks to the citizens, Fort Scott City Commission, non-profits, and business community!
KDOT awarded the $2.9 million construction contract to Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc., Topeka, according to the press release. Weather permitting, the road work should be finished this summer.
Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more road conditions and construction details. KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a work zone.
Persons with questions may contact Iola Area Engineer Troy Howard, (620) 901-6557, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433.
Possible Streetscape
“I am additionally excited as I recently began discussions with KDOT to explore resources that might assist in a possible streetscape of HWY 69,” Frazier said. “If this streetscape were designed and constructed after the highway was repaired, it would mean that HWY 69 could become one of the most attractive routes through the community.”
Governor Laura Kelly Announces KDADS Awarded $4 Million Grant to Strengthen Outpatient Treatment Services for Kansans with Serious Mental Illness
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced today the agency has received a federal commitment of $4 million in grant funding to develop Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) services that will enhance outpatient treatment services for people with serious mental illness (SMI) in Kansas. The grant will make $1 million available annually for four years. The funds will support five AOT pilot sites to reduce the incarceration and/or hospitalization of people with SMI in their communities through court ordered outpatient treatment.
“Since day one, my administration has focused on improving services for Kansans who would be better served by treatment than incarceration,” Governor Kelly said. “Using what we learn from these pilot sites, we’re ready to work with state and local partners to develop guidelines to protect Kansans statewide and reduce the number of individuals with mental illness in jails or in hospitals.”
“This grant enhances partnerships with law enforcement, mental health services, courts, hospitals and other community services within the pilot site communities to get Kansans with SMI the help they need in their own communities,” KDADS Secretary Howard said. “The results of the project will inform recommendation to the Kansas Legislature on ways to improve Assisted Outpatient Treatment in Kansas.”
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation, awarded the grant to fund Kansas’ AOT pilot project in five regions and key communities across the state.
“KDADS is excited to be able to implement this grant in Kansas and expand opportunities for Kansans to receive community treatment instead of being admitted to state hospitals for institutional treatment,” KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andy Brown said. “Our goals to work with local courts and CMHCs to reduce both incarcerations and involuntary hospitalizations for people with serious mental illness will be advanced with this funding from SAMHSA.”
This four-year SAMHSA program is intended to implement and evaluate new AOT programs and identify evidence-based practices in order to reduce the incidence and duration of psychiatric hospitalization, homelessness, incarcerations, and interactions with the criminal justice system while improving the health and social outcomes of individuals with an SMI. This program is designed to work with courts to allow these individuals to obtain treatment while continuing to live in the community and their homes.
The intent of the Kansas AOT Project is to create five pilot sites in Kansas to establish process and procedure in support of modification of involuntary commitment laws and transition to the AOT model. The pilot sites include the Kansas counties of Cowley, Douglas, Ellis, Ford and Riley. In a recent report card from the Treatment Advocacy Center, several gaps were identified in Kansas’s current laws – no explicit criteria for psychiatric deterioration, the treatment plan is not shared with the court, duration of initial order is not long enough, duration of continued order is not long enough, and there is no court monitoring of voluntary settlement agreements. These gaps will be addressed during the project through the pilot sites. The result of the pilot project will be recommendations to the Kansas Legislature to amend statutes to support a permanent AOT program in Kansas.
Submitted by Rebecca Johnson, Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Administrator.
The state of disaster emergency declaration will be extended to May 28, 2021. Governor Kelly will re-issue the following order (among several others) and it will remain in effect until rescinded or until the statewide state of disaster emergency expires, whichever is earlier:
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Relaunch of Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Program
~RESEA program will assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and provide career counseling~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program has relaunched to assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and career counseling.
“By connecting unemployed Kansans with the resources needed to secure a high-quality job, the RESEA program will improve our economy, communities, and the livelihoods of Kansans statewide,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “It’s not good enough to return to the days before the pandemic; instead, we must rebuild a healthier, stronger, more resilient workforce and economy.”
RESEA is a collaboration between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Labor to provide early-intervention job search assistance and career counseling to unemployment claimants deemed likely to exhaust their benefits. In order to continue receiving benefits, individuals who are selected are required to participate.
“We’re here to help the people of Kansas find meaningful, in-demand jobs in our state, and the RESEA program is a key resource to make that happen quickly,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “RESEA helps Kansans get jobs, and get them as soon as possible. We’ve experienced an unprecedented employment crisis, and we’re here to provide every resource possible to make sure affected Kansans can provide for themselves and their families.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments will be entirely virtual. If internet access is an issue, case managers will work with participants to find an alternative appointment method.
This program is being reinstated with the following objectives in mind:
Quickly assist unemployed Kansans in finding new, meaningful work in our state;
Strengthen the integrity of Kansas’ unemployment program;
Promote alignment with the vision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA);
Establish RESEA as an entry point to other workforce system partners.
Kansans receiving unemployment who are selected to participate in the RESEA program will receive a letter soon with more information. They will also be assigned a Case Manager who will provide necessary documentation.
Appointment dates for RESEA program participants will begin on March 29.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Emergency Response Bill, Will Re-Issue Executive Orders to Protect COVID-19 Recovery
~Executive orders to be revoked on March 31st will be reissued on April 1st~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed a bill to ensure Kansas can continue providing communities with resources and support critical to the state’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.
Among other provisions, Senate Bill 40 modifies the procedure for the declaration and extension of a state disaster emergency under the Kansas Emergency Management Act, and extends the current disaster declaration to May 28, 2021.
“This bipartisan compromise will extend the State of Disaster Emergency that allows us to provide hospitals with PPE, support food banks and pantries, and otherwise respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Kelly said. “The bill includes provisions that I do not support and that could complicate our emergency response efforts. But I will continue to work with legislators and local leaders to keep Kansans safe and healthy during this pandemic.”
Several executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic were set to expire on March 31 in conjunction with the expiration of the state of disaster emergency. Senate Bill 40 includes a provision that revokes all current executive orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Governor retains the authority to re-issue orders under the new process imposed by the bill.
On April 1, the Governor will re-issue the following orders, which will remain in effect until rescinded or until the statewide state of disaster emergency expires, whichever is earlier:
Next week’s Johnson & Johnson vaccines to be smaller than anticipated
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has learned that the number of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines slated for delivery next week will be smaller than expected. Approximately 16,500 doses are scheduled to arrive next week, rather than the estimated 100,000 that had initially been indicated.
According to national reports, the full supply of vaccine expected from J&J has been delayed due to production issues and may not be ready to ship until the second or third week of April. In an attempt to boost the J&J supply, Merck – another international pharmaceutical company – has agreed to help manufacture J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine.
In addition to the J&J vaccine, Kansas is receiving an increase in Pfizer Prime doses 47,970 and 38,100 Pfizer Boost along with 27,800 Moderna Prime and 27,800 Moderna Boost.
Thank you Mr. Attorney General for taking action against the federal administration for attempting to stop state tax cuts. The administration is trying to block any tax relief even though it was started before federal COVID-19 funds were made available. Myself and other Kansas legislators will continue to work on tax relief.
Emergency Powers
The House and Senate conference committee met to work out agreements on Senate Bill (SB) 40, the emergency powers bill – turning over legislative authority to the Governor and others during the declaration of an emergency. I voted for the Senate version of the bill. It wasn’t perfect but it made some good changes with legislative oversight during an emergency. However, the final version, gave up too many of those checks and balances. That is why I did not support the final version of SB 40. Disappointingly, a majority of Senators voted to support SB 40. It passed 28 to 8.
Fairness in Women’s Sports
The Senate debated SB 208, restricting biological males from playing women’s sports. The bill passed 24 to 10. I voted Yes. Who would have ever dreamed 10 years ago we would be debating such topics in the Kansas legislature?
Help for Military Members and Spouses
House Bill (HB) 2066 would help military members or their spouse by allowing their out-of-state licenses (teachers, realtors, nurse, to name a few) be recognized in Kansas. We passed legislation a few years ago on the same topic. This bill will expand the statute and encourage these individuals to make Kansas their home.
Budget
SB 267, as with any budget, had many reasons to vote no. However, there were some key items that we have never seen in a budget bill before that I wanted to support. Three amendments I offered passed on the senate floor. The first would require department and agencies to submit a performance based budget so the legislature can find duplicate programs and inefficiencies. It was a law passed in 2016 that has not been followed. The amendment would cut the departments budget by 2% next year if they do not submit a performance based budget. The second was to require the Governor to lift the Osawatomie State Hospital (OSH) moratorium. The moratorium was put on a few years ago restricting the number of beds available for mental health patients. Law enforcement and others know how important it is to increase the number of beds. The third amendment, was to reimburse scrap metal dealers who paid a $1,000 and were fingerprinted for a program that didn’t exist. If the House doesn’t take out the language, these business owners will be reimbursed as they should be. Another amendment, offered by a member of the ranking party, would require any state employee or contractor to be verified as a U.S. citizen. The citizenship amendment passed. I voted Yes for it and the budget. The budget passed 24 to 13.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
KCC warns consumers to beware of utility assistance scam
TOPEKA — The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has received reports that an individual, claiming to work for the KCC, is calling Kansans asking if they need assistance paying their natural gas bills. Not much information is currently available about these calls. However, the KCC wants to alert the public that any unsolicited call from a person claiming to be a KCC employee offering utility payment assistance is not legitimate. If you receive a call like this, please do not share any personal or financial information.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces One Million Doses Administered in Kansas; Launches “Roll Up Your Sleeve” Campaign
~ Over 23% of Kansans vaccinated with first dose of COVID-19 vaccine as the State of Kansas launches campaign to encourage additional vaccinations ~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas has administered over one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and launched the “Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign to share the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. This news comes on the heels of Governor Kelly’s announcement that the state will move into Phase 3 and Phase 4 today, March 22, 2021.
“We administered over one million doses and we’ll keep getting vaccines into arms so our kids can get back in the classrooms, Kansans can get back to work, and life can get back to normal” Governor Kelly said. “With the increased vaccine supply coming to Kansas, we are working to make sure every Kansan gets vaccinated. This vaccine campaign is designed to show every Kansas what the science has proven – that vaccines are safe and will protect all of us from COVID-19.”
The “Roll Up Your Sleeves” campaign will feature broadcast, cable, digital and radio ads. The ads, created by Topeka-based company MB Piland, feature local Kansans who are committed to their community. The campaign will run through the end of June. Ads will also be aired in Spanish.
Reminder: Starting today, Kansans in Phase 3 & 4 of the Vaccine Prioritization Plan are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Kansans will not be required to bring medical records or “proof” of their health condition. Instead, they will be asked to abide by the honor system and self-attest that they fall in Phase 3 & 4 based on the following:
Those aged 16 through 64 with serious medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, including:
Cancer;
Down Syndrome;
Certain heart conditions;
Type 2 diabetes;
Other serious illnesses;
And pregnant women.
Those aged 16 through 64 with other medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as:
Asthma;
Cystic fibrosis;
Liver disease;
Type 1 diabetes;
Neurologic conditions like dementia;
And other medical risks.
And other non-health care workers in critical infrastructure who cannot work remotely, including:
Agricultural and food workers not included in previous phases;
Workers performing in-person activities indoors;
Utility workers;
Social service and government workers not included in previous phases;
Logistics workers, such as truck transportation workers and couriers;
Water and wastewater workers;
Shelter, housing, and finance workers;
And information technology and communication workers.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Kansas and to find a local provider with vaccines available, please visit www.KansasVaccine.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
