Douglas County health order to close bars, to remain in Phase 3

Increase in recent COVID-19 cases tied to bar environments, will reassess decision in two weeks

Five COVID-19 cases who tested positive in recent days report being present at Lawrence bar

Patrons who attended Bullwinkles on June 20 or June 26-27, asked to monitor for symptoms

FAQs for Mask Order in Douglas County

Read these FAQs for more guidance as well on the order that requires people in Douglas County to wear masks in indoor public places or situations where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Douglas County health order requires masks in indoor public spaces beginning July 1

People will be required to wear masks in all indoor public spaces where six feet of separation is not possible — including businesses, workplaces and public facilities such as community centers or libraries — in Douglas County beginning 12:01 a.m. July 1.

LDCPH reopens more clinic services suspended during COVID-19 pandemic

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health continues to reopen clinic services to treat patients after suspending them earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Options for COVID-19 screening, testing on weekends

For Douglas County residents experiencing possible symptoms for COVID-19, there are clinics and sites that do offer weekend testing options.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Statement on Racism and Pursuing Health Equity

We realize we need to be more intentional about what we are doing to help the community address equity and the health disparities that impede the achievement of health for all members of our community, especially the Black community.

We've Changed Our Name

Our promise to the community illustrates so much more than can be confined into four walls of a building.

Douglas County is National Finalist in Culture of Health Prize

Douglas County has advanced to the next round in the annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize.

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Douglas County health order to close bars, to remain in Phase 3

LAWRENCE – After a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, Douglas County’s local health officer will issue a new order to close bars and nightclubs in the county beginning Friday, July 3, for the next two weeks. The county will also ...

Douglas County health order requires masks in indoor public spaces beginning July 1

LAWRENCE – People will be required to wear masks in all indoor public spaces and in situations where six feet of separation is not possible — including businesses, workplaces and public facilities such as community centers or ...

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Statement on Racism and Pursuing Health Equity

Black Lives Matter.

Like many across the country, we are saddened and angered by the recent and horrific deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Their deaths further expose the persistence of racism and racial violence in American society...

Douglas County Reopening Task Force to align with Governor’s phased plan

LAWRENCE – A task force under Douglas County’s Unified Command has decided to align with Gov. Laura Kelly’s phased reopening plans.

“Based on our current number of COVID-19 cases and the health metrics we ar...

Health Department receives national award for breastfeeding support to WIC families

Lawrence – The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is one of only 16 agencies across the country to receive the Gold Premiere Award of Excellence for its breastfeeding support to WIC families.

Leaders with the U.S. Department of Agriculture ...

SCRIPT program to help pregnant mothers quit smoking

Lawrence, Kansas – Smoking during pregnancy can cause several complications for the health of both the mother and child. However, a new evidence-based program will help Douglas County expectant mothers quit smoking and offer healthier futures for them and...

Partnership to provide free health app to Douglas County residents

LAWRENCE — Douglas County, in partnership with the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will provide for free the MyStrength app to Douglas County residents.

MyStrength offers individuals supp...

FAQs for Mask Order in Douglas County

To stop the spread of the coronavirus in Douglas County, a local health order on July 1 began requiring most people to wear masks in indoor public spaces, and for consistency the county has since aligned with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide ...

FAQs for Reopening Phase 3

Gov. Laura Kelly has presented her detailed framework for a phased-in approach to begin reopening the state. Currently, Douglas County has completely aligned with the Governor’s plan, which is currently in Phase 3. And Local Health Offi...

LDCPH Public Health clinic resuming services suspended during COVID-19 pandemic

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health continues to reopen clinic services to treat patients after suspending them earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Monday, all clinic services will be offered daily, and all visits will be available ...

Screening, testing options for COVID-19

For Douglas County residents experiencing possible symptoms for COVID-19, there are clinics and sites that do offer weekend testing options.

Linda Craig, Director of Clinic Services, said anyone experiencing emergency warning signs, such as trouble breathi...

COVID-19 testing, screening still available on weekdays

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health clinic staff are available to administer tests in the future at a drive-up site near the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

We encourage anyone currently experiencing symptoms rel...

Marginalized Douglas County residents identify barriers to quality employment

“Implicit bias is so powerful. Immediately you walk up, and people are already making assumptions about you.” 

 “I’m who I am, but I can’t be completely who I am because of who I work with.” 

 "Because I'm a woman of...

Kansas Supreme Court OKs local Tobacco 21 policies

The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday ruled that local governments could institute ordinances that ban the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to people under 21, known as Tobacco 21 legislation.

“It’s really exciting because the Supreme Court clear...

Douglas County, Health Department offering new online resource for wellness, mental health

Douglas County and eight community agencies now offer residents a new online resource for wellness and mental health. Livongo for Behavioral Health by myStrength, an innovative leader in digital behavioral health care, provides digital self-care resources...

Community Forum Focuses on Vaping Among Youth

Electronic cigarettes, otherwise known as e-cigarettes or vapes, have become extremely popular among young people in recent years. The National Youth Tobacco Survey showed an alarming 78% increase in vaping from just 11% in 2017 to 20.8% in 2018.

It&rs...

Health Department urges residents to be aware of bats

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has recently received an increase in the number of calls regarding bats. Public health officials urge residents to take precaution if they encounter them because bats are the main cause of human rabies cases i...