|
|
|
Program to help pregnant mothers quit smoking
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will launch the SCRIPT program on March 1 to mothers who seek services in the clinic via the Kansas WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program.
|
|
|
Tips to avoid cold weather-related illnesses
With below-freezing temperatures and cold wind-chills forecast for coming days, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department encourages residents to be cautious when outside.
|
|
|
Sept. 5, 2018 Coalition hopes to raise suicide prevention awareness with anchor project (PDF)
In conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the
Douglas County Suicide Prevention Coalition has launched the Find Your Anchor project in the community. The premise behind Find Your Anchor, a grassroots movement created by Chicago-based designer Ali Borowsky, is that everyone needs an anchor. In this case, an anchor is a dependable, stable, secure base that you can hold on to, one that keeps you firmly planted, no matter what winds or storms may come.
|
|
|
Aug. 23, 2018 State agencies offer guidance on bats, rabies (PDF)
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.
|
|
|
Aug. 1, 2018 Vaccination key to helping prevent serious diseases (PDF)
To celebrate the importance of immunizations for people of all ages — and make sure preteens and teens are protected with all the vaccines they need — the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.
|
|
|
Dec. 19, 2017 'Health for the 21st Century' set for Jan. 19 at KU (PDF)
Dr. Karen DeSalvo, a public health expert who served as the former Assistant Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be the Ralph I. Canuteson Memorial Lectureship keynote speaker at the “Health for the 21st Century” summit Jan. 16 in the Kansas Room at the University of Kansas Union, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd. DeSalvo will describe how public health is changing in response to the rise in chronic diseases.
|
|
|
Nov. 13, 2017 Health Department convenes Lawrence Tobacco 21 Task Force (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is convening the first meeting of a Lawrence Tobacco 21 Task Force on Nov. 16, in conjunction with the Great American Smokeout. The meeting will be from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Lawrence College and Career Center, 2910 Haskell Ave., and it is open to the public.
|
|
|
Sept. 7, 2017 Public invited to 'Safe Routes for All' town hall meeting (PDF)
The Lawrence Pedestrian Coalition and the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department are hosting a “Safe Routes for All” town hall meeting from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 21 at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of having bicycle and pedestrian transportation infrastructure that is safe and accessible for all ages and abilities.
|
|
|
July 6, 2017 Fuel Up 4 Summer event with BOOM Comics set for July 14 (PDF)
Lawrence youth are invited to a free lunch with comics and games at the Fuel Up 4
Summer Friday Fun Day scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 14, at BOOM Comics, 2429 Iowa St., Lawrence. The event is part of the Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals to children between the ages of 1 and 18.
|
|
|
April 25, 2017 Suicide Prevention Coalition to host panel discussions about Netflix show (PDF)
The Douglas County Suicide Prevention Coalition is hosting a panel discussion, “Mental Wellness in the News,” in Eudora and Lawrence in conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month. A panel of local experts, who work in the mental health field and suicide prevention, will talk about the Netflix show, “13 Reasons Why,” bullying, suicide prevention and resources that are available in Douglas County.
|
|
|
Jan. 4, 2017 Health Department identifies case of mumps in Lawrence (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have identified one case of mumps in Lawrence. Since mid-December, they also have investigated nine individuals who exhibited mumps-like symptoms, but the illnesses were not confirmed by a laboratory test. All of the individuals investigated are University of Kansas students.
|
|
|
March 23, 2016 Public invited to honor Health Champions Linda Cottin and Marilyn Hull (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will recognize Linda Cottin and Marilyn Hull as the 2016 Douglas County Health Champions during a community breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. April 8 at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine St. The event is open to the public and is part of the Health Department’s celebration of National Public Health Week. The program begins at 8 a.m.
|
|
|
March 21, 2016 Lawrence schools participate in BikeWalkKC BLAST program (PDF)
More than 300 fourth- and fifth-graders at four Lawrence elementary schools have participated in the Bicycle Lesson and Safety Training (BLAST) program this month. BLAST, coordinated by BikeWalkKC, is a bicycle safety training that is taught through physical education classes at schools in the Kansas City region. BikeWalkKC has three mobile classrooms that travel to schools, and they are equipped with helmets and mountain bikes.
|
|
|
March 16, 2016 Report ranks Douglas County as eighth healthiest in Kansas (PDF)
Douglas County is the eighth healthiest county in Kansas for the third consecutive year, according to the County Health Rankings report released today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. When it comes to health outcomes — length of life and quality of life — Douglas County has ranked among the state’s Top 10 counties since the report was first published in 2010.
|
|
|
March 10, 2016 KDHE announces first confirmed case of Zika virus in Kansas (PDF)
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the first person in the state to test positive for Zika virus. The individual is an adult from southwest Kansas and has travel history to a country with local Zika virus transmission. The person subsequently developed an illness consistent with Zika virus infection and was tested per guidance from CDC and KDHE.
|
|
|
March 9, 2016 Health Department sponsors contest, bike parade to promote Bike to School Day (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is looking for Safe Routes superstars to share what biking means to them for a chance to win a free trip to the Youth Bike Summit.
The Health Department is accepting essay/poem, artwork or video entries from Douglas County students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades sharing what they enjoy about biking, the best local places to bike and how biking helps the environment. Grand prize winners will receive a free trip for them and a parent/guardian to the Youth Bike Summit May 27-29 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The
deadline for entries is 5 p.m. April 1.
|
|
|
Feb. 23, 2016 Health Department reports increase in shigellosis cases in Douglas County (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department urges residents to be mindful about good hand-washing to help prevent spread of shigellosis, a highly contagious disease that causes diarrhea. When sick, it’s important to stay home from work, school and day care.
Since Jan. 31, the Health Department has investigated 12 cases of shigellosis in Douglas County. The county had three cases in 2015 and three cases in 2014.
|
|
|
Dec. 8, 2015 Health Department to facilitate listening sessions for state tobacco plan (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will facilitate two one-hour listening sessions next week to get public input on a statewide tobacco control plan.
Douglas County residents are encouraged to attend one of the following sessions:
• Monday, Dec. 14 — 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Community Health Facility, first floor meeting room, 200 Maine St., Lawrence.
• Wednesday, Dec. 16 — 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Lawrence Public Library, meeting room B, 707 Vermont St., Lawrence.
|
|
|
Nov. 30, 2015 Health Department urges residents to get tested for HIV (PDF)
In conjunction with World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department encourages residents to get educated about the disease and to get tested. The Health Department offers free, confidential HIV counseling and testing in its clinic at 200 Maine St. No appointment is necessary. Testing is provided on a walk-in basis during clinic hours.
|
|
|
Nov. 16, 2015 Health Department encourages smokers to participate in Great American Smokeout (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department encourages people to quit smoking as part of the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 19. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the United
States. Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths annually, including nearly 42,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
|
|
|
Nov. 6, 2015 LiveWell Lawrence to host celebration breakfast PDF
LiveWell Lawrence will mark its seventh anniversary with a celebration breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, at the Eldridge Hotel Ballroom, 701 Massachusetts St. The event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the Douglas County Community Foundation. LiveWell Lawrence is coordinated by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.
|
|
|
Oct. 6, 2015 Health Department to offer flu shots in area communities (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will offer flu shots during community clinics in Baldwin City, Eudora and Lecompton this month. The Health Department recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly flu vaccine. Getting the vaccination is the most effective way to avoid getting the flu, a contagious respiratory illness. Influenza can cause mild to severe symptoms and can lead to death.
|
|
|
Oct. 1, 2015 Health Department launches FuelGood brand (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and LiveWell Lawrence will launch the FuelGood brand today to help Douglas County residents identify healthy food and beverage options in public spaces such as concession stands and vending machines.
|
|
|
Aug. 5, 2015 USDA recognizes LDCHD for exemplary support for breastfeeding mothers (PDF)
For the first time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is recognizing exemplary local agencies with the WIC Loving Support Awards of Excellence. Agencies could apply for the honor based on their breastfeeding performance measures, effective peer counseling programs, and community partnerships. Out of 1,900 WIC agencies nationwide, 55 qualified for the award including the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department’s WIC program.
|
|
|
July 21, 2015 LDCHD seeking community members to lead ‘Tools for Better Health’ workshops (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is looking for community members to lead “Tools for Better Health” workshops. The workshops help Douglas County residents who have one or more chronic diseases such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes live a healthier life.
“Chronic disease is a long-lasting condition that can be controlled, but not cured,” Kim Ens, Director of Clinic Services, said. “Group leaders can provide support and information to help participants manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.” Workshop topics include: techniques to deal with problems such as isolation, frustration and pain; exercise; nutrition; appropriate use of medications; communicating effectively with family and doctors; decision-making; and how to evaluate new treatments.
There are no specific education or experience requirements for group leaders.
For more information or to apply to become a group leader, visit the Health Department’s website at ldchealth.org/TFBH or contact Health Promotion Specialist Rebecca Garza at rgarza@ldchealth.org or 785-843-3060. The deadline to apply is Aug. 7.
|
|
|
July 9, 2015 Health Department urges residents to be aware of bats (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has received an increased number of calls regarding bats this summer. If residents see a bat — dead or alive — inside a home or an apartment, it is important to contact the Health Department at 785-843-0721 and ask for a Communicable Disease nurse for guidance.
|
|
|
June 4, 2015 Community invited to celebrate Health Department's national accreditation (PDF)
The City of Lawrence and Douglas County invite the public to join them in recognizing the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department in achieving national accreditation status from the Public Health Accreditation Board. The Community Celebration will be 5-6 p.m. June 18 at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine St. There will be hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and the program will start at 5:30 p.m.
|
|
|
May 14, 2015 Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department awarded national accreditation (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has achieved national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The national accreditation program works to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing the quality and performance of the nation’s public health departments.
“By receiving accredited status, the Health Department has reached an important milestone,” Director Dan Partridge said. “Our pursuit of accreditation has always been grounded in service to our community and the belief that by becoming accredited we would increase our understanding of local health concerns, strengthen our community partnerships and ultimately achieve better health outcomes.”
|
|
|
May 7, 2015 Health Department conducting first assessment of tobacco retail in Douglas County (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is working with Yvonnes Chen, a University of Kansas journalism professor, to conduct the first assessment of tobacco and e-cigarette retail environments in Douglas County. Staff members are surveying about 90 stores that have a tobacco and e-cigarette license to determine if they are marketing to youth.
The assessments take about 15 minutes each and look at items such as the cost of a pack of cigarettes, variety of smokeless tobacco products and the location of advertising inside and outside the stores. The assessments are expected to be complete by June 1 and the results will be shared with the community.
|
|
|
April 27, 2015 Health Department urges families to participate in Bike to School Day (PDF)
he Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department encourages students to walk or bike to school May 6 in celebration of National Bike to School Day. Walking and bicycling to school enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones, muscles and joints, and it decreases the risk of obesity. “The research is pretty clear that kids who walk and bike to school are more active. They will be healthier and perform better in school,” said Community Health Director Chris Tilden.
|
|
|
March 25, 2015 Report ranks Douglas County as eighth healthiest in Kansas (PDF)
Douglas County is the eighth healthiest county in Kansas, the same as last year, according to the County Health Rankings report released today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. When it comes to health outcomes — length of life and quality of life — Douglas County has ranked among the state’s Top 10 counties since the report was first published in 2010.
|
|
|
March 17, 2015 Certified bicycle instructor training offered in Lawrence for first time (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and the City of Lawrence have partnered to bring the League of American Bicyclists’ League Certified Instructor (LCI) Training to Lawrence for the first time.
The training, June 5-7, is open to Douglas County residents, ages 18 and older. Those who earn certification are considered experts in bicycle education and safety, and will be able to teach:
• Basic- to college-level bicycle skills and safety
• Motorist education courses
• Group riding skills
• Commuting skills for work and school
|
|
|
March 16, 2015 Public invited to honor Douglas County Health Champions (PDF)
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will recognize Rick Martin and Di Xie as the 2015 Douglas County Health Champions during a community breakfast April 10.
The breakfast will be from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine St. The event is open to the public and is part of the Health Department’s celebration of National Public Health Week.
Health Board Chair Maley Wilkins said Martin and Xie are being honored for their significant efforts to model, encourage and promote health in the community. “Our Champions have touched thousands of lives through their efforts to encourage healthy eating. We hope residents will join us in thanking them for their contributions.”
|
|
|
March 16, 2015 Public invited to 'Safe Routes for All' town hall meeting (PDF)
The Lawrence Pedestrian Coalition and the Lawrence- Douglas County Health Department are hosting a “Safe Routes for All” town hall meeting 7-9 p.m. March 25 at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of having bicycle and pedestrian transportation infrastructure that is safe and accessible for all ages and abilities.
|
|
|
March 11, 2015 Public invited to City Commission candidate forum (PDF)
The public is invited to a Lawrence City Commission candidate forum 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 30 at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt. The forum will focus on the community health plan, “Roadmap to a Healthier Douglas County,” that has been adopted by the City of Lawrence as a guiding document for policy, system and environmental changes.
|
|
|