WellCommons

Vicki Collie-Akers talks about the results of Community Health Assessment report during a public forum Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the Community Health Facility. Collie-Akers, of Kansas University's Kansas Work Group for Community Health and Development, was a key researcher for the assessment which was released earlier this month by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. by Karrey Britt

Inadequate mental health services emerged as the top concern at a public health forum Thursday evening in Lawrence that was attended by about 50 people.

Among the messages: “Lack of psychiatrists in area,” “our hospital does not do enough for residents who are in mental health crisis,” and “lack of mental health services delivered in the home.”

Melissa Hoffman, a community education specialist at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, said she offers a perinatal mood support group for women who are suffering either in pregnancy or after pregnancy.

“I often find that they have a hard time accessing health care outside that group whether it be a therapist or psychiatrist or doctor. There’s not a network of providers in place,” she said.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department hosted the forum to present the results of its 38-page Community Health Assessment, which identified 13 areas that were of concern to residents. Then, attendees were asked to help narrow down the list. Here’s how: There were 13 poster boards that had an area of concern written on them and there was a glass jar nearby. Participants were given two pennies and then asked to place them in the jars of most concern.

Here’s their list from the highest priority to the least followed by the number of votes each received, and the second number is the total votes from all four public forums:

• Inadequate access to mental health services: 19, 36

• Poverty and few job opportunities (tied for second): 11, 20

• Disparities in health outcomes and quality of life: 6, 12

• Insufficient access to health care and other services: 5, 16

• Lack of physical activity: 5, 13

• Limited knowledge of available health and other services: 4, 12

• Limited access to safe and affordable housing: 3, 9

• Inadequate transportation linking people to services, jobs and recreation: 3, 8

• Limited access to dental services: 3, 6

• Lack of access to health insurance coverage: 2, 13

• Inadequate access to affordable, nutritious food: 2, 11

• Abuse of alcohol: 0, 8

• Prevalence of abuse and intimate partner violence: 0, 2

Lawrence resident Bob Oakes said his top concerns were few job opportunities and lack of health insurance coverage, which he said are closely tied together and wonders if they should be.

"Employment often can get you health insurance but is that the right model to deal with?" he asked. "There have been a lot of people railing, 'Obamacare, Obamacare, Obamacare,' but what other options do people have other than working or going without?"

His wife, Diane, voted for the same issues.

"I think poverty is a key driver in most of the difficulties that folks face in trying to live a healthy lifestyle," she said. "My other concern is access to insurance which goes right along with that."

Christina Holt, of Kansas University's Work Group For Community Health and Development, was a key researcher for the assessment. While collecting information for the report, she spoke to residents in one-on-one interviews and small focus groups about the challenges they face.

"There's a lot of disparity in health outcomes and in quality of life here among different groups of people," she said. "Even though statistics tell one story when you hear personal stories from people in their daily experiences, it tells another story."

Holt said there were several that stood out. Among them:

• A Haskell Indian Nations University student, who worked in downtown Lawrence until late at night, said she had to walk home to campus because there was no bus available. She said there are no sidewalks on part of the route home and some areas have poor lighting. She described the walk home as very scary.

• Several East Lawrence residents said the only way they could get to the city pool was by taking the bus, and the only route available was 90 minutes.

• A North Lawrence resident, who didn't have a vehicle, said she used the Dollar General for her grocery store. She knows it's not ideal but she doesn't have the means to go elsewhere.

"I think the assessment underscored community members' concerns about a number of issues ranging from access to affordable and healthy food to things that we don't necessarily even think about every day like walkability and bikeability or infrastructure of our community and whether it supports health," Holt said.

At Thursday's forum, she listened to residents' concerns about mental health services. She said they included lack of services for people in mental health crisis and a lack of in-patient care.

"There's been some tragic outcomes of that recently in our community and I learned about that," she said.

If you were unable to attend a forum, the health department is accepting comments at Continue-the-Conversation.org.

Residents weighed in on their top health concerns during a public forum Thursday, May 19, 2012, by placing votes and messages on poster boards. The forum was hosted by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. by Karrey Britt

Ann Gabel, left, an employee of Lawrence Memorial Hospital, visits with Kim Ens, director of clinic services at the Lawrence-Dougas County Health Department, during a public health forum Thursday, May 19, 2012, at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine. by Karrey Britt

An HIV clinic was held Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, at the Kansas Union. A simple oral swab is used for the testing. by Kevin Anderson

Friday is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment encourages all Kansans to get tested for HIV regardless of risk.

In 2010, 57 percent of the newly diagnosed HIV cases in Kansas were also diagnosed with AIDS.

“The first step in preventing HIV from becoming AIDS is to be tested and be tested early,” said Brenda Walker, director of KDHE’s Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention. “Those who first learn of their HIV status when they already have AIDS have less likelihood of keeping their immune systems healthy long term. Testing is crucial for people who are at risk for acquiring HIV. Knowing your HIV status is critical.”

Douglas County AIDS Project will be providing free and confidential HIV testing from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt. The testing will be provided on a walk-in basis; no appointments are necessary.

If you can’t make the event, DCAP provides free testing at its office, 2518 Ridge Court, Suite 101. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call 843-0040.

Free testing also is available in Lawrence at:

• Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, 200 Maine, Suite B, 843-0721.

• Haskell Health Center, 2415 Mass., 843-3750.

To find other locations, visit www.hivtest.org.

Each year, residents help raise awareness about the continued search for an HIV vaccine by wearing the red AIDS ribbon upside down so the ends of the ribbon form a ‘V’ for vaccine. 

For information about HIV/AIDS awareness events in Kansas, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/hiv.

In foreground, Charlotte Marthaler, assistant director of the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, left, visits with the Rev. Verdell Taylor during a public health forum Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine. They were visiting while people weighed in on their top health concerns by placing votes and messages on poster boards. by Karrey Britt

Residents gave their two cents about Douglas County’s top health issues, and they said limited access to mental health services was the No. 1 concern.

“So critical to thousands,” “We need a mental health ward in our hospital,” and “When you need mental health help, you need it now” were some of their messages.

About 60 people attended a 90-minute public forum Wednesday afternoon at the Community Health Facility that was hosted by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. During the first hour, they heard about the results of a 38-page Community Health Assessment that was released last week by the health department.

The assessment identified 13 areas that were of concern to residents. Now, the department is holding public forums to narrow down the list.

“The rubber will hit the road after this is over with,” said Paul Liechti, health department board member. “Right now, we are gathering all of this information so that we can prioritize these priorities or at least get a priority amongst these. I think we will look at the interconnectedness and whether we can work on some of them simultaneously.”

At the forum, there were 13 poster boards that had an area of concern written on them and there was a glass jar nearby. Participants were given two pennies and then asked to place them in the jars of most concern. They also were given yellow sticky notes to write down their concerns and then place them on the board.

Here’s their list from the highest priority to the least followed by the number of votes each received:

• Inadequate access to mental health services: 12

• Poverty and few job opportunities: 9

• Insufficient access to health care and other services: 9

• Limited knowledge of available health and other services: 8

• Inadequate access to affordable nutritious food: 8

• Limited access to safe and affordable housing: 6

• Abuse of alcohol: 6

• Lack of physical activity: 6

• Disparities in health outcomes and quality of life: 6

• Inadequate transportation linking people to services, jobs and recreation: 3

• Limited access to dental services: 2

• Prevalence of abuse and intimate partner violence: 2

• Lack of access to health insurance coverage: 0

Shirley Martin-Smith, health department board member, monitored the mental health board and listened to concerns. Some people said there was a lack of knowledge about available services while others said they had to leave town for higher levels of care. Others mentioned programs and services that had been cut. She said the comments were valuable and would help drive change.

“This is not just another exercise and a report that’s going to sit on a shelf. This is going to be our life’s work for many years to come,” she said. “The board is just really driven by the idea that we are going to be able to make a difference in the health of this community through the health department and its focus and all of its partners.”

Martin-Smith and other members of the health board said the Community Heath Assessment clearly showed the connection between poverty and health. Martin-Smith said she sees it every day as owner of Martin-Smith Personnel Services, an employment agency.

“When I look at all of those issues, there’s not one where a good job can make a difference for someone even in mental health,” she said. “If you have a good job, you have the income to address it. You are probably working for an employer who has a benefit that will address it. The connectivity with a job to these issues is really powerful.”

Health department Director Dan Partridge agreed.

“My personal opinion is that your health status is primarily determined upon your income,” he said.

Paula Hladky said she put both of her pennies into the jar for limited access to dental care. She’s seen the need for dental care firsthand by volunteering at the Douglas County Dental Clinic’s annual Free Dental Day. Each year people start lining up about midnight to receive an appointment, which is given on a first-come, first-served basis.

“It’s so pitiful seeing the people of Douglas County that are suffering,” she said. “Elderly, kids, teens, young adults — none of them have dental care. It’s sad.”

Vicki Collie-Akers talks about the results of new Community Health Assessment report during a public forum Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at the Community Health Facility. Collie-Akers, of Kansas University's Kansas Work Group for Community Health and Development, was a key researcher for the assessment which was released last week by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. by Karrey Britt

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has scheduled several public forums to discuss the findings of its Community Health Assessment. The remaining ones will be:

• May 15 — 7 p.m., Eudora Community Center, 1630 Elm St.

• May 16 — 7 p.m., Baldwin City Library, 800 Seventh St.

• May 17 — 7 p.m., Lawrence’s Community Health Facility, 200 Maine.

To view the full report, visit the health department’s website at ldchealth.org.

If you would like to weigh in on the issues, vote in our poll at WellCommons/polls, leave comments on this story, and/or visit Continue-the-Conversation.org. The health department is collecting information from all of the sources.

Debbie Souders 38, and her daughter Brandie Roberts 19, try to sleep at 4:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, in the parking lot of the Douglas County Dental Clinic, 316 Maine. They were in line for the third annual Free Dental Day, a day when the clinic provides care for free for the first 70 people in line. by Richard Gwin

The ability for adults to access basic health care services has declined in nearly every state, including Kansas, during the last decade, according to a new report released early today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Researchers at the Urban Institute looked at three indicators for adults ages 19 to 64:

• having a routine checkup during the previous year.

• having a dental visit during the previous year.

• having unmet medical needs because of cost.

Researchers found a decline across all three measures between 2000 and 2010. Nationally, they found:

• 63 percent — had a routine checkup in 2010, down from 68 percent in 2000. In Kansas, it was 66 percent down from 68 percent.

• 65 percent — had a dental visit, down from 69 percent. In Kansas, it was 68 percent, down from 72 percent.

• 18 percent — had unmet medical needs because of cost, up from 12 percent. In Kansas, it was 15 percent, up from 10 percent.

It’s the first report to provide a state-by-state look at changes in access and the first to compare access in every state for those with insurance to those without insurance.

“Our study shows that the uninsured experience substantially worse access to care relative to the insured in all states,” said Genevieve Kenney, the study’s lead author. “This indicates that the health care safety net is not acting as an effective substitute for health insurance coverage when it comes to providing basic health care to the uninsured.”

Among the uninsured in Kansas in 2010:

• 42 — percent had a routine checkup.

• 37 — percent had dental visit.

• 45 — percent had unmet medical needs because of costs.

When people don’t have access to preventive care, the consequences can be devastating financially and physically, Kenney said.

“The kinds of things that would concern me are whether it leads to later diagnosis of health problems, and that could have morbidity and mortality implications,” she said. “It also could lead to higher costs down the road.”

For people who don’t access dental care, she fears there could be unnecessary pain and suffering.

“Oral health issues are of particular interest because so many of them are preventable and yet, if not attended to, they can lead to severe problems,” she said. “There’s an economic dimension to that too. If you have real problems with your teeth, it can mean you may have a harder time in the job market.”

The results of the report were no surprise to Julie Branstrom, executive director of Douglas County Dental Clinic, which provides dental care for low-income residents who don’t have private insurance. She said the wait for a nonemergency appointment is mid-July.

“We continue to see an increase in the number of uninsured adults and especially the number of adults who qualify for the services at our lowest fee level,” she said. The clinic charges patients on a sliding scale based on household income. The lowest fee level is 100 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $10,890 annual income for an individual or $22,350 for a family of four.

She said the clinic is struggling to meet the growing needs because the clinic has received no increase in state funding and it lost $8,000 in United Way of Douglas County funding this year.

“I am trying to figure out a way to pay the bills and keep the doors open,” she said.

In 2011, the clinic had 6,816 patient visits. It provided care for 3,676 patients and of those 1,466 were uninsured.

Inadequate access to dental services was among the top challenges unveiled in a 38-page Community Health Assessment released last week by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. It found one in five residents had not seen a dentist in the past year. Insufficient access to health care also was mentioned. Thirty-five percent of adults said they had not had a checkup in the past year.

Kenney thinks a number of factors are causing the decline in access to care. Among them:

• A decline in health insurance coverage.

• For those with insurance, there have been rising costs for co-payments and premiums.

• For those with Medicaid coverage, she thinks there is a lack of providers because more people are qualifying for services.

• For the uninsured, there has been a lack of funding for safety net clinics and therefore, they can’t keep up with demand.

“It’s interesting because we know some states have been more aggressive about trying to support the safety net clinics to provide direct care to the uninsured, but it looks like that just doesn’t substitute for having health insurance coverage,” Kenney said.

From left, Dr. Cheryl Biesterfeld, and dental assistant Steve Frost, provide care Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, for Calum Ochsner 8, Lawrence, at the Douglas County Dental Clinic, 316 Maine. The clinic provided free dental care for uninsured children Friday as part of "Give Kids A Smile Day." by Richard Gwin

Inadequate access to affordable nutritious foods and dental services are among the top challenges that Douglas County residents face when it comes to living a healthy life.

They were among 13 areas identified as needing improvement according to a new 38-page Community Health Assessment report released Monday by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

The department along with partner agencies have been collecting data since October 2011, and more than 1,500 Douglas County residents provided information for the report by taking part in an online survey, focus groups and one-on-one interviews.

Health Department Director Dan Partridge said the report helps provide a better understanding of the issues affecting the community’s health.

“The results of the assessment point out that future health status is not just about health care. Themes around employment, personal safety and transportation were just some of the themes repeatedly mentioned,” he said.

When it comes to access to healthy foods, residents listed transportation as being a barrier. Other comments included in the report:

• Eudora doesn’t have a farmers’ market.

• North and east Lawrence neighborhoods lack grocery stores and/or restaurants that offer healthy foods.

• The food pantry lacks healthy offerings.

Eighty-one percent of residents reported consuming fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

As for dental care, the report found one in five residents had not seen a dentist in the past 12 months. In 2011, there were more than 470 cases of preventable emergency room visits at Lawrence Memorial Hospital due to dental problems.

Baldwin City residents said that couldn’t afford to take off work to visit the Douglas County Dental Clinic in Lawrence, which provides services based on a sliding-income scale.

Partridge said the report is the first community health assessment that has been done in about two decades. He said the report tracked where emergency room visits came from for dental, asthma, diabetes and alcohol treatment, and most came from areas associated with poor housing and poverty.

Cover of report, uploaded by kbritt

Other areas identified as needing improvement:

• Insufficient access to health care and other services. Thirty-five percent of adults have not had a general checkup in the past year and 20 percent do not have an identified primary care physician.

• Poverty and few job opportunities. Between 20 and 30 percent of the population lives in poverty. The rate exceeds the state average.

• Limited access to safe and affordable housing. It is estimated that 13 percent of homes have an increased risk of lead exposure.

• Abuse of alcohol. Fourteen percent of youths and 10 percent of adults had engaged in binge drinking in the past 30 days. More than 250 cases of preventable ER visits in 2011 were due to excessive alcohol use.

• Lack of access to health insurance coverage. Nearly 15 percent of residents do not have health coverage.

• Disparities in health care outcomes and quality of life. There are schools where 10 percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch and others where 75 percent of children qualify. One resident commented: “Health depends on who you are and where you live.”

• Inadequate access to mental health services. About one-third of residents reported having one or more days in the past 30 days in which their mental health was not good.

• Limited knowledge of available health and other services. Residents in Eudora, Baldwin City and Lecompton noted a lack of communication venues for events, activities and services.

• Lack of physical activity. More than 50 percent of residents do not meet recommendations for weekly exercise. Many residents noted a lack of sidewalks and recreational facilities.

• Inadequate transportation linking people to services, jobs and recreation.

• Prevalence of abuse and intimate partner violence.

In May, the health department will be hosting four 90-minute public forums to discuss the Community Health Assessment and to prioritize the 13 areas. Partridge said the plan is to have participants vote on their top two issues of concern.

Partridge said the health department can’t change any of the areas on its own and neither can the hospital or even the safety net clinics.

“We are going to have to do it collectively — as a community. I may be a dreamer but that’s the goal we are shooting for, anyway,” Partridge said.

PUBLIC HEALTH FORUMS

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will be hosting a series of public forums to discuss the findings of its Community Health Assessment. They will be:

• May 9 — 3:30 p.m., Lawrence's Community Health Facility, 200 Maine.

• May 15 — 7 p.m., Eudora Community Center, 1630 Elm St.

• May 16 — 7 p.m., Baldwin City Library, 800 Seventh St.

• May 17 — 7 p.m., Lawrence's Community Health Facility, 200 Maine.

To view the full report, visit the health department's website at ldchealth.org.

Willard Epling and Paula Hladky of the Douglas County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) will be recognized today for their volunteerism at the the Celebration of Volunteers party, hosted by the United Way Roger Hill Volunteer Center.

During the celebration, nominees for the Galluzzi Award and agency volunteers of the year will be honored. Willard and Paula have been MRC volunteers for more than six years. The Douglas County Medical Reserve Corps, based at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, is a community-based volunteer organization of people who wish to engage in response and public health-based volunteerism.

Volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, not just health professionals, are needed, including interpreters, chaplains, office workers, legal advisors or those that simply want to be involved in healthy living and disaster preparedness and response. Currently, 18 MRC units are located throughout the state, including one statewide Kansas Veterinary MRC unit.

The 2009 H1N1 vaccination clinics kept Paula and Willard especially busy.

“We met practically everyone in Douglas County then,” Paula laughed, explaining that one of the best rewards of being a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer is the opportunity to meet people.

Another great benefit that volunteers receive is, “training, training, training,” as Paula puts it.

She said that being a part of the MRC is, “not only good for preparing you for things that might happen in your own homes, but your family and community as well.”

Through the program, they have learned skills that will be critical in many different types of situations. Becoming a part of the MRC also opened the door to many other organizations that they have volunteered with over the years.

"After you start, you catch the bug,” Paula explained. Their work in the MRC has led Paula and Willard to volunteer with Keep America Beautiful, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) of Douglas County and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.

Paula and Willard are certainly familiar faces around the community and do absolutely everything they can to make a difference in the county they live in.

“The secret of retirement,” Paula explains, “is to appreciate what you have and to share it with others.”

Paula Hladky is one of two Douglas County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers who will be recognized as volunteer of the year. She and Willard Epling will be honored today at the Celebration of Volunteers party, hosted by the Roger Hill Volunteer Center. by ldchealth

Skunks dig for grubs and can even take up residence on your property under your porch or garden shed. To avoid this, spray your lawn with a grub-treating product and secure any opening underneath your porch or around your foundation. Skunks are the most common animal to get rabies and often pass the infection to other animals such as cats, dogs and horses.

There has been an increase in rabid animals in Kansas this year, and health officials are warning residents to get their pets vaccinated and to stay away from wild animals.

So far this year, 13 animals have tested positive for rabies, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment: four skunks, two bats, two horses, two cows, one cat, one coyote and one raccoon. None of the domestic animals were vaccinated against rabies.

During the same period in 2011, there were four rabid animals. Since 2007, there have been an average of 68 cases per year.

Ingrid Garrison, KDHE state public health veterinarian, said animal rabies is common in Kansas, and skunks are the animals most likely to have the disease. However, skunks can pass the virus to other animals, such as dogs, cats, cattle and horses.

Garrison said human rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from stray and wild animals, and getting prompt treatment if exposed.

“Vaccinating animals against rabies not only protects our pets, but our families as well,” Garrison said.

The last case of rabies in Douglas County was reported in 2004 and it was a bat.

Kim Ens, director of clinical services for the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, said, “We haven’t had any animals that have shown positive but that doesn’t mean that they are not out there.”

She said humans can get rabies through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. If a person is bitten or scratched, he or she should contact a doctor and police. If possible, health professionals prefer to locate the animal and monitor it for 10 days to see whether it has rabies. If it does, then they will start a series of four shots to treat the infection in the person. If the animal can’t be located, then a doctor will discuss the case and determine whether treatment needs to be given.

Ens said if a person wakes up and sees a bat in the room, he or she should call a doctor. She said bats have such tiny teeth that a person wouldn’t feel a bite.

“Bats do tend to be pretty high carriers of rabies, so anytime a person wakes up with a bat in their room we generally would recommend starting them on the vaccine, especially if it’s a child in a room,” she said. “So, people need to keep bats out of their house. They are nasty.”

Ens said human rabies are very rare but generally fatal. The period between infection and the first flu-like symptoms is normally two to 12 weeks, but can be as long as two years.

“Don’t take any chances,” Ens said, advising people to stay away from wild and stray animals, to teach children to stay away from them, and to get pets vaccinated, especially if you live in the country.

For more information about rabies, contact the Lawrence health department clinic at 843-0721 or KDHE at 877-427-7317.

Two bats roost together from a clematis inside a garden arbor in the front yard of an east Lawrence house. by Mike Yoder

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department released its 2011 annual report and a new 5-minute video on Tuesday. The theme for both: "Let's Start a Conversation."

Director Dan Partridge said the department can't improve community health on its own because there are many factors that contribute to health: jobs, transportation, child care, walkable neighborhoods, access to food, and education to name a few.

"We don't do this work in isolation. It's really the work of the community and just a whole bunch of folks and until we have this common ground that starts with a conversation, we will not make progress," he said.

One year ago, Partridge said the health department kick started the conversation by publishing its first Community Health Data Report. Among the report's findings:

• 81 — percent of county residents do not eat the recommended five fruits and vegetables per day.

• 50 — percent of adults had not exercised in the past 30 days.

In December, it hosted a daylong assessment of the community's public health system. It was attended by about 60 community health partners. Partridge said they asked questions like:

• How are we doing on monitoring our community?

• How well are we doing with diagnosing and investigating diseases?

• How well are we linking people to care?

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department Director Dan Partridge, second from right, takes notes during the Public Health System Assessment on Dec. 9 in the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine. About 60 people participated in the all-day assessment. The health department released the results late Friday. It learned the local public health system was lacking in three areas: mobilizing partnerships, evaluating services and having a confident work force.

This year, Partridge said the department is building off that conversation. In the first two months, it had an online survey, focus group meetings and one-on-one interviews. During the next couple of months, it plans to have community forums.

"This summer and fall, hopefully we will be able to take all of that information and have a similar dialogue with agencies and policymakers in the community to then say, "What can we do about these things? How can we improve the quality of life in Douglas County? And, then lay out some overarching strategies that we can all kind of connect to," Partridge said.

Here's a by-the-numbers look at the health department in 2011 according to its annual report:

• $3.3 million — total revenue.

• $792,882 — received in federal funding.

• $919,566 — received in county funding.

• $648,929 — received in city funding.

• $371,178 — collected in fees for services.

• $3.2 million — total expenditures.

• $1.7 million — spent on salaries.

• $94,626 — net revenue.

• 2 — whooping cough outbreaks in Lawrence were responded to. They primarily involved unvaccinated children.

• 504 — flu vaccinations were administered during a community drive-through clinic in October.

• 52 — child-care complaints were responded to. The most common complaint was providers caring for children without a license.

• 121 — adult clients saved $4,889 by taking advantage of new vaccination programs offered at a discounted rate for the uninsured or underinsured.

• 10 — interns, a record high, worked at the department, collecting and analyzing data and providing community outreach.

To view the full report and video, visit the department's website ldchealth.org.

Cover of annual report. by kbritt

Because he received all his recommended immunizations before his second birthday, Carlisle Sanchez's name was entered into the annual "Immunize and Win a Prize" contest. The winner from each county receives a $400 utility bill credit.

Each time Carlisle was vaccinated at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, he earned a "prize," such as a thermometer, sippy cup or children's acetaminophen for his family's medicine cabinet. His parents also received peace of mind, knowing that he would be protected against diseases that can severely affect children.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is one of several providers in the state that participates in the Kansas Vaccines for Children program. Click here to learn more about vaccines for infants and children. For more information on childhood immunizations or the Vaccines for Children program, call the Health Department at (785) 843-0721.

Gina Cabanas and her son Carlisle, 2, are the recipients of this year's Immunize and Win a Prize program. by ldchealth

Adam Braun, left, and Kelly John Clark, both of Lawrence, exercise on treadmills Wednesday at the Community Building, 115 W. 11th St. Douglas County is the eighth healthiest county in Kansas, according to a report released late Tuesday. But that's a four-spot drop from last year. by Mike Yoder

Calling on men!

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department needs you to fill out its community concerns survey. The department's goal is to have at least 1,200 people complete the 40-question survey by month's end and they are hoping it reflects the county's demographics.

About 700 people have completed the survey, and the biggest problem thus far is that more women — 3 to 1 — are participating.

Director Dan Partridge said during Monday evening's board meeting that he also would like to reach more of the following populations:

• Ages 18 to 24.

• Ages 75 and older.

• Education of high school degree only.

To take the survey, visit www.healthylawrence.org or pick up a form at the library, 707 Vt.

If you have questions about the survey or what the health department is doing to improve community health, submit a question for Partridge at WellCommons/chats. Partridge will be answering questions during a live chat at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department Director Dan Partridge, second from right, takes notes during the Public Health System Assessment on Dec. 9 in the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine. About 60 people participated in the all-day assessment. The health department released the results late Friday. It learned the local public health system was lacking in three areas: mobilizing partnerships, evaluating services and having a confident work force.

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department director Dan Partridge will be available Wednesday, Feb. 22, to discuss the department’s services and role in community health.

He will be participating in an online chat at 11 a.m. on WellCommons.com. You can submit questions anytime at WellCommons/chats. Make sure to log back to WellCommons.com during or after the chat to see if your question was answered.

The department is gathering information from the public about its health concerns through focus groups, an online survey and one-on-one interviews so it can do a better job of providing services.

Partridge has spent nearly 20 years in public health and became the director of the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department in 2007.

He previously served as director of administrative services for the Reno County Health Department in Hutchinson, where he also served as director of environmental health and as an environmental health sanitarian.

He has bachelor’s degrees in fisheries biology and chemical science and milling science and management from Kansas State University. He obtained a master’s degree in public health from the Kansas University School of Medicine-Wichita in 2007.

Margaret Fuston, a volunteer with K-State Research and Extension — Douglas County, points out that peanut butter and jelly sandwich contains a half teaspoon of salt during the health and wellness fair Saturday, 24, 2011, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine. by Karrey Britt

A report, released today, shows clear evidence of the sodium overload in most Americans' diets.

Nearly all Americans consume much more sodium than they should, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And most of the sodium comes from common restaurant or grocery store items.

The latest Vital Signs report finds that 10 types of foods are responsible for more than 40 percent of people’s sodium intake. The most common sources are breads and rolls, luncheon meat such as deli ham or turkey, pizza, poultry, soups, cheeseburgers and other sandwiches, cheese, pasta dishes, meat dishes such as meat loaf and snack foods such as potato chips, pretzels and popcorn. Some foods that are consumed several times a day, such as bread, add up to a lot of sodium even though a serving on its own is not high in sodium.

K-State Research and Extension — Douglas County offered this nugget of health education during the LMH health fair. by Karrey Britt

“Too much sodium raises blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. in a release. “These diseases kill more than 800,000 Americans each year and contribute an estimated $273 billion in health care costs.”

The report notes that the average person consumes about 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day, not including any salt added at the table, which is more than twice the recommended limit for about half of Americans and six of every 10 adults. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, with 1,500 milligrams per day recommended for people aged 51 and older and anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease and African Americans.

Some food companies have plans to reduce sodium content in their products.

“We’re encouraged that some food manufacturers are already taking steps to reduce sodium,” Frieden said. “Kraft Foods has committed to an average 10 percent reduction of sodium in their products over a two-year period, and dozens of companies have joined a national initiative to reduce sodium. The leading supplier of cheese for pizza, Leprino Foods, is actively working on providing customers and consumers with healthier options. We are confident that more manufacturers will do the same.”

To learn ways to reduce your sodium intake and for more report highlights, click here.

About 90 percent of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet. by ldchealth

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department Director Dan Partridge, second from right, takes notes during the Public Health System Assessment on Dec. 9 in the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine. About 60 people participated in the all-day assessment. The health department released the results late Friday. It learned the local public health system was lacking in three areas: mobilizing partnerships, evaluating services and having a confident work force.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is gathering statistics and information to determine the community’s health concerns. It’s compiling the information through an online survey, focus groups and one-on-one interviews.

Director Dan Partridge said he plans to have the data compiled and ready to present to the public in forums in April or May. The health department has hired a full-time analyst, Vince Romero, to help translate the information.

“My hope is that he can help us frame issues in ways that people can understand and connect to and grasp why it’s important because you can get lost in the fog of too much information,” Partridge said.

During Monday evening’s board meeting, Partridge talked about the results of an all-day assessment on Dec. 9, when about 60 community stakeholders evaluated the local public health system, which includes the health department, local clinics, the hospital, law enforcement, drug treatment and policymakers.

The local public health system received low marks for:

• Community partnerships. There are a lot of partnerships between organizations in the community, and they meet often and do a lot of talking, but that’s kind of where it ends. They aren’t doing much to identify problems and, more importantly, solve them.

• Evaluating services. They aren’t making specific health goals and then measuring their progress. The Local Public Health Assessment is a step in the right direction because this is the first time it has been done.

• Confident workforce. Partridge said the participants felt that training was lacking across the system, whether it be doctors or nonprofit clinic staff. For the health department staff, Partridge said they need to be sure they are culturally competent and sensitive to clients’ needs.

The health system received high marks for:

• Diagnosing and investigating health problems, such as the H1N1 flu outbreak.

• Informing and empowering people about health issues. An example would be a health department nurse sharing nutrition information with a family.

• Enforcing public health laws and regulations, such as child care licenses.

Partridge said the high marks were no surprise because they are considered the public health system’s traditional core services.

“The challenge that the board and department has is to branch out from these core three,” Partridge said.

The health department’s goal is to do a better job of providing all 10 essential public health services listed under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among them are evaluation of effectiveness, accessibility and quality of health services.

In order to help achieve this, the health department is seeking input from the community through a 40-question “Community Health Concerns” survey. It’s available at healthylawrence.org.

Only about 40 people have filled out the survey so far; organizers are hoping for 1,200.

“My fear is that no men will fill it out,” Partridge said with a chuckle. “I can only do it once, and I’ve already done it.”

Besides the survey, the health department is hosting 11 focus groups in various areas throughout the county. They have groups that specifically target Spanish-speaking residents, blacks and the low-income population. There are between nine and 12 people in each group, and they will discuss five or six questions. Those same questions also are being asked to about 30 individuals in one-on-one interviews.

Partridge said it’s important for the public health system to put the information that’s collected to use.

“For me, it’s going to be for naught if we don’t link it to performance outcomes. We have to focus on moving the dial,” he said.

Ugh.

You can feel it coming: the sore throat, the stuffy nose, the coughing. Your kids, spouse and co-workers have had the dreaded winter cold and now you are coming down with it, too.

To help deter a cold, some guzzle orange juice while others swear by echinacea.

But what really works? Anything? We turned to Lawrence’s health experts to get their opinions.

Many said those same home remedies that Grandma used still hold true today: chicken soup or broth, hot bath or shower, Vick’s VapoRub. And plenty of rest; that’s No. 1.

“If you feel a cold coming on, listen to your body and take a little bit of extra rest and maybe stay home a day from work. So many of us just kind of work through it, and that doesn’t help,” said Kim Ens, a registered nurse and director of clinic services at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

She also advises eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are packed with vitamins, and discourages people from popping pills, although she knows some people swear by echinancea and zinc.

“Some think that if they take zinc throat lozenges, it helps,” she said. “If it seems to help, then take it, but a little; don’t go overboard.”

Ens said it’s always good to talk with a pharmacist or doctor before taking herbs or over-the-counter medications because there can be damaging side effects if you have a chronic health condition, take other medications or take too much.

Pat Hubbell, pharmacist and co-owner of Sigler Pharmacy, recommends four products to his clients to help ward off colds, although he admits there’s plenty of debate about whether any of them truly help shorten or lessen a cold. They are:

• Vitamin C, 500 milligrams twice a day. “It’s just tried-and-true.”

• Zinc lozenges. “The idea behind the lozenge is that it will help reduce the replication of the virus in the throat area, thus decreasing the length of cold.”

• Echinacea, an herb that Hubbell takes himself. “I swear that I feel better.”

• Airborne, a product that claims to boost the immune system. Hubbell said it contains zinc, echinacea and other vitamins. He described it as a “plethora of goodness.”

He said these are the popular products now, but it can soon change.

“Some seasons I can’t keep certain things on the shelf, and other seasons I can. I think it has more to do with whether Dr. Oz has suggested it,” he said. “That’s the unfortunate factor. It’s like the Oprah Winfrey Book Club. If you get on that list, you are golden.”

Karen Duggan, a certified holistic nutrition coach, recently taught a class “Eating for Winter Wellness” in Lawrence.

She said, “The body is self healing and it’s better if you don’t grab cold medicines but try to use natural things to help support your body while it heals itself.”

Among her recommendations:

• Rest. “If you feel a cold coming on, take the day off, and you can kick it early. What happens if you don’t take the one day off, you end up taking more because the cold worsens.”

• Stay off sugar and dairy because they suppress the immune system like smoking and coffee.

• Bundle up, so the body can use its energy helping to heal instead of keeping warm. “That’s a message my grandmother always told me, but it’s kind of gotten lost in today’s culture,” she said. “I see people who are out and about and they’ve got a cold and they are hardly wrapped up.”

• Eat fruits, vegetables, soups and whole grains, like brown rice and quinoa.

• Drink green tea and consume garlic because they are known to build the immune system. She suggests cooking garlic and using it in soups.

Duggan said it’s helped her to think of a cold as a friend and not as an enemy, something she learned by reading “Food and Healing.”

“Don’t view a cold as a threat or something bad but as more of a loving friend that’s coming to warn us or set the imbalance in the body right,” she said.

Lawrence Memorial Hospital clinical pharmacist Becky Rutledge said there’s nothing revolutionary that’s going to help.

“Everybody I know wants to find something that works really well, but just taking time out is the most effective thing. If you can somehow find a way to sleep for 12 hours, that’s probably the most effective.”

Growing up today is a lot different than what parents of adolescents experienced when they were young. A tweet or photo — posted in a matter of seconds — can result in days or years of regret. And though just about any question can be answered online, with that access comes a virtual world that can threaten and exploit young people.

Parents more than ever need to be the primary teachers of sexuality education of their children, but often do not how to teach them. “Kids Need to Know,” the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department’s Family-Based Sexuality Education program, is now enrolling.

The upcoming class, geared for fifth- and sixth-grade girls, meets for two hours once a week for five weeks. The course begins with a “parents only” night where curriculum and materials are discussed and any questions are answered. Following Parents’ Night, the class continues with weekly parent-child sessions for four more weeks. One parent or guardian accompanies the child to each class. A boys' class is planned for this spring.

Lawrence resident Shannon Oury attended the course with her daughters when they were in sixth grade. She said "Kids Need to Know" helped open the door to discussing some tough topics.

"What we got out of the class was that it started that dialogue so that the uncomfortable conversations really weren't that uncomfortable," Oury said. "One of the best parts about it was... right after each class on the drive home was the opportunity to ask follow up questions, which really made a difference."

Reproductive body parts and purposes, puberty, pregnancy, childbirth and sexually-transmitted diseases are discussed. Decision-making skills are emphasized. Videos, games and other interactive activities help make the classes fun and interesting.

The girls class will be held Tuesdays, Jan. 17- Feb. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost is $50 per family. Sign up by Thursday, Jan. 12. For more information or to register, visit the Health Department's web site or call (785) 843-3060.

Kids Need to Know by ldchealth

Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, 200 Maine, is a nonprofit agency that serves Douglas County. It provides a variety of services that range from helping someone who is in crisis to helping someone with depression or anxiety. by Nick Krug

Judy Bellome, executive director of Douglas County Visiting Nurses, Rehabilitation and Hospice Care, is concerned that Gov. Sam Brownback’s new plan for a managed care Medicare system will manage costs but not better outcomes.

Dan Partridge, director of the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department worries about a group from Wichita that wants to relax the standard for those who can be exempt from vaccinations.

And, David Johnson, executive director of the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, said that no community mental health center in the state had been hit as hard by budget cuts for safety net funding than the one in Lawrence.

The three health officials were part of a meeting with state legislators Friday afternoon. They shared their concerns and fears with state Sens. Marci Francisco and Tom Holland and Reps. Barbara Ballard and Paul Davis.

The group hoped the lawmakers would take their concerns into the upcoming legislative session.

As for the state’s managed care system, Davis said the devil is in how it is implemented. “There are models that managed care has been successful in achieving better outcomes. And there are models out there where managed care has been an absolute disaster,” Davis said.

When talking about managed care, the group agreed better health outcomes are a must. “In diabetes care you can do things up front to help people manage their diabetes and help them avoid surgeries and complications. So, I think we insist that we see those kind of outcomes and really strive for that kind of health,” Francisco said.

As for the woes with funding for mental health, Davis said that perhaps some of the money from the recent $200 million budget surplus could help.

“We have to go back and look at areas that we have cut too far and begin to restore those cuts. And, I think mental health care has to be on top of that list,” he said.

The Local Public Health System Assessment by ChristineMetz

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department gathered more than 50 people Friday and provided one ground rule: Have a conversation about the public health system that’s not focused on the public health department.

Known as The Local Public Health System Assessment, the meeting took a broad community-based look at what factors translate into a healthy population.

In the opening remarks, Stephen Fawcett, director of Kansas University’s Work Group for Community Health and Development, laid out what contributed to better outcomes in health. Ten percent was attributed to availability of health care services, 10 percent to the physical environment, 40 percent to lifestyle factors and behaviors and another 40 percent to social and economic conditions.

“A conversation about the public health system is a conversation about how all of us can work together,” Fawcett said.

The participants at Friday’s meeting included community health leaders, but it was also intended for those in law enforcement, economic development, community politics and education.

The session is part of the health department’s process to become accredited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is the first step in gathering community feedback. During January and February, 11 focus groups will be convened throughout Douglas County, and other interviews will be conducted. One of the goals is to reach people who don’t have much of a voice in the community’s health care system.

During Friday’s meeting, community members were divided into groups to examine the strengths, weaknesses and gaps in 10 matters:

• Monitor health.
• Diagnose and investigate.
• Inform, educate and empower.
• Mobilize community partnerships.
• Develop policies.
• Enforce laws.
• Link to and provide care.
• Assure a competent workforce.
• Evaluate.
• Research.

The Wyandotte County Public Health Department is going through the same accreditation process as the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and held a similar meeting in October.

The director of the Wyandotte health department, Joe Connor, said the process will help provide direction on where to focus funding and a chance to promote the goals of public health.

“We saw real gaps and real needs,” he said of Wyandotte County’s experience.

— Reporter Christine Metz can be reached at 832-6352.

Parents need and want to be involved in the sexuality education of their children, but often do not how to teach them. “Kids Need to Know,” the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department’s family-based sexuality education program, is now enrolling.

The class, geared for fifth- and sixth-graders, meets for two hours once a week for five weeks. The course begins with a “parents only” night where curriculum and materials are discussed and any questions are answered. Following Parents’ Night, the class continues with weekly parent-child sessions for four more weeks. One parent accompanies the child to each class.

Reproductive body parts and purposes, puberty, pregnancy, childbirth and sexually-transmitted diseases are discussed. Decision-making skills are emphasized. Videos, games and other interactive activities help make the classes fun and interesting.

The girls class will be held Tuesdays, Jan. 17- Feb. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost is $50 per family.Registrations must be received one week prior to the first night of class. For more information or to register, visit www.ldchealth.org or call (785) 843-3060.

Kids Need to Know logo by ldchealth

Conner Liakos, 8, waits for the stick of the needle from volunteer Nola Bienoff. The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department organized the drive-thru flu shot clinic Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, as part of a training exercise to test the community public health emergency response plans. Health department director Dan Partridge said he doesn't anticipate having a drive-thru clinic in 2012 due to costs. by Kevin Anderson

It’s not too late.

That’s the message that Kansas health officials are delivering this week to folks who have procrastinated about getting a flu shot.

Thousands of people already have been vaccinated this year in Douglas County. But Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department spokeswoman Lisa Horn is asking those who haven’t received one to get a shot now.

“That way, they will have immunity by the time Christmas rolls around when they are mingling with friends and family,” Horn said.

And the flu shot will provide protection later in the season, too, when flu activity is at its highest.

Here are some numbers to gauge how this year’s flu season is shaping up:

2,124

The number of people who have received flu shots from the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department since Sept. 1.

2,055

The number of people who received flu shots from the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department during the 2010-2011 flu season.

6

The number of clinics the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department held for flu vaccines this year.

2

The number of weeks it takes before a flu shot provides optimal protection.

46.2 percent

The vaccine coverage area the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported for Kansas residents during the 2010-2011 flu season.

200,000

The number of people in the United States hospitalized each year with flu complications, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

14

Number of Kansans who died from influenza during the 2010-11 flu season. The year before, 31 people died, according to KDHE.

5 to 20

The percent of population that contracts the flu yearly.

29

The number of states where sporadic influenza activity has been reported, according to the CDC’s weekly influenza surveillance report. Nearby states include Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas and Texas.

21

The number of states where no flu activity has been reported as of the Nov. 26 CDC report. Kansas is among those states.

6 months and older

Who the CDC recommends should get a flu shot.

$28

The cost of a flu shot at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department for people 3 and older. Shots are available during regular clinic hours. For more information and to print out forms, go to www.ldchealth.org/flu.htm.

$23

The cost of a flu shot at the Lawrence Douglas County Health Department for people between the ages of 6 months and 35 months.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will host a live Twitter chat about flu prevention from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday. You can follow @KDHE and search for the hashtag #KSflu, where you can get information about flu vaccines, prevention methods and symptoms.

At Monday night’s Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department board meeting, director Dan Partridge urged the group to watch a YouTube video.

It’s not what you think. There were no piano-playing cats or talking twin babies.

Instead, it was what Partridge called a “stump speech for public health.”

The video, which is called “Let’s start a conversation about health … and not talk about health care at all,” asks viewers to consider the dynamics of an entire community when finding ways to promote healthy people. Sudbury and District Health Unit, which is in Ontario, Canada, commissioned the video, which used community statistics throughout the piece.

“It’s story is remarkably similar to the American story and the Douglas County story,” Partridge said.

Reading to a child for 30 minutes a day from infancy on helps prepare him or her for learning. Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department staff will read to preschoolers at eight child care facilities during Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Week (Nov. 13-19).

“There are so many reasons we need to read to children,” said Karen Flanders, Child Care Licensing Coordinator at the Health Department. “One of the primary benefits of reading to toddlers and preschoolers is a higher aptitude for learning in all areas such as math, science and social concepts.”

This year’s book, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” by Kansas native Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, emphasizes the alphabet. Staff will read the book and lead the children in an activity emphasizing movement that corresponds to letters of the alphabet.

“The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has participated in this program for the past few years because it’s an important program to promote and it’s fun,” Flanders added. “We encourage child care providers and parents to read to their children on a daily basis.”

For more information on Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, click here.

Dee Evans, Health Department clinic office assistant, reads to a preschool class at the Children's Learning Center during Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Week in 2010. by ldchealth

Ciggy knows firsthand what it's like to be addicted to nicotine and how hard it is to quit (it's especially hard when you actually are a cigarette). So, as part of the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department's current tobacco prevention campaign, the friendly "cancer stick" was found passing out quit info on Massachusetts street today.

If you or a loved one is trying to quit or is ramping up for the Great American Smokeout — Nov. 17 — go to healthylawrence.org for information to end your relationship with Ciggy — and his friends. He's a nice guy and all, but even Ciggy knows that addictive relationships are no good.

Health Department intern Emily Miller and Ciggy hand out quit smoking info to passersby Friday on Mass. St. Special thanks to Douglas County CHIP for letting us borrow Ciggy. by ldchealth

Jennifer Person, an emergency medical technician with Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical, gets a flu shot from Dan Franke, also of the fire and medical team, Friday morning, Oct. 28, 2011. The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and the city of Lawrence teamed up to provide flu shots to city employees and their families in a drive-thru clinic setting at a fire station. by Mike Yoder

For the first time, the city of Lawrence and the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department have teamed to offer drive-thru flu shot clinics for city employees.

The clinics were offered in Fire Station 5 at 1911 Stewart Ave., and the immunizations were administered by paramedics.

It was all part of a drill to see if such clinics could be used in a public health emergency.

Health department spokeswoman Lisa Horn said during the H1N1 outbreak of 2009, fire and medical personnel had some interest in helping with the mass vaccination efforts. At the time, it was not feasible because they had never done one before.

“We decided to do it as a drill as part of the city’s annual employee flu clinic. It’s gone really well so far,” Horn said.

About 410 people have been vaccinated through clinics on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The last one will be Saturday morning.

“Certainly if we have another pandemic like H1N1, we need vaccinators and being able to use the paramedic skills as vaccinators is just fantastic,” she said.

Megan Gilliland, communications manager for the city, said they typically have between 400 and 500 people take advantage of flu shots offered through the city. She said they plan to survey the employees to see how the process went for them.

Gilliland said she thought it was an efficient process, especially for those working out in the field.

“It was very quick,” she said.

Pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among vaccine-preventable diseases, pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring ones in the United States.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department reported Thursday that there have been six cases of whooping cough in Lawrence during the past month.

Lisa Horn, spokeswoman, said all of the cases involve children who are younger than school age but do not attend a day care. She said some of the children are related, but not all of them. Four of the cases involve unvaccinated children.

It’s the second outbreak this year. In March, there were seven cases and six of them involved unvaccinated children.

Pertussis — more commonly called whooping cough — is a contagious, bacterial, respiratory disease spread by coughing or sneezing in close contact with others.

Horn said parents, older siblings or other caregivers, who may not know they have pertussis, can infect infants with the illness.

The symptoms of pertussis begin much like a common cold:

• Runny nose or congestion.

• Sneezing.

• Occasionally a mild cough or fever.

• Infants and children with the disease may cough violently and rapidly, over and over, until the air is gone from their lungs and they’re forced to inhale with a loud “whooping” sound.

The health department said whooping cough may be mild in older children and adults, but in younger children, the illness can be complicated by pneumonia and occasionally brain inflammation. In rare cases — one out of 200 — pertussis can cause death, especially in children age 1 or younger.

Horn said the best protection is vaccination, and the health department has vaccine available at its clinic, 200 Maine.

If you have any questions about vaccination or if you or your child is experiencing pertussis symptoms, contact your physician or the health department at 843-0721 and ask for a communicable disease nurse.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department board on Monday evening approved a $3.17 million budget for 2012, up from $2.94 million in 2011.

During discussion of the budget, director Dan Partridge said the health department anticipates it will lose a $37,708 Local Environment Protection grant in July. To help make up for the grant, the health department plans to raise fees for items that fall under enforcement of the sanitary code and pool licenses.

Among the fee increases set to go into effect Jan. 1, along with the number of activities projected in 2012, are:

• Initial septic site evaluation — $135, up from $75; 22.

• Septic repair permit — $265, up from $165; 25.

• Septic installer’s license — $100, up from $35; 30.

• Room addition inspection — $140, up from $75; 11.

• Pool license — $165, up from $160; 76.

The increases are expected to net about $7,000.

Partridge said he doesn’t expect any changes in the department’s services during 2012. 

The department likely will add four new positions in 2012, compared with a year earlier. The budget included a 1 percent cost of living adjustment for employees along with the possibility for a 2 or 4 percent merit salary increase.

Besides the environment grant, the health department is not foreseeing any significant cuts in funding. 

“Sometimes it makes me nervous that we are bucking the trend, but we have been on a tight rein. We have tried to control costs for a lot of years so I think we reacted sooner than some other agencies to the economy,” Partridge said.

Conner Liakos, 8, waits for the stick of the needle from volunteer Nola Bienoff. The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department organized the drive-thru flu shot clinic Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, as part of a training exercise to test the community public health emergency response plans. Health department director Dan Partridge said he doesn't anticipate having a drive-thru clinic in 2012 due to costs. by Kevin Anderson

Also, during the meeting:

• The board approved paying $19,900 to the Kansas University Center for Research to conduct a health assessment of Douglas County and provide a report. The assessment will pull data from Lawrence Memorial Hospital. It also will include information from public forums and surveys. The report is expected to be complete by Nov. 1, 2012.

• Partridge said he doesn’t anticipate providing a drive-thru flu vaccine clinic next year because of costs. He said the cost of this year's Oct. 8 clinic was $12,000 — or about $23.80 per individual. The clinic was provided this year and last year as part of an emergency training exercise, but he said more training was not needed. The department did ask the 505 participants if they would be willing to pay for services and if so, how much. They received 64 responses and the average amount was $13.95. Only four said they would pay nothing.

Besides the drive-thru clinic, the department has provided 157 flu shots at three community clinics: LINK, 30; Eudora, 55; and Baldwin City, 72.

• Kim Ens, director of clinic services, talked about the health department’s new client advisory group. The group will have an orientation in November and then it will meet quarterly and provide guidance. The eight clients range from age 19 to 80.

Sitting on the step of the family van, Evan Liakos, 8, gets his flu shot from volunteer Nola Bienoff under the watchful eye of his twin brother Conner. Evan received a free flu shot during a drive-thru flu shot clinic Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, that was organized by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. by Kevin Anderson

A flu vaccination clinic will be offered in downtown Lawrence from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 22, in front of the U.S. Bank building at Ninth and Massachusetts streets. If there’s inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors.

Vaccinations will cost $23 for children ages 6 months to 35 months, and $28 for anyone ages 3 and older. Clients eligible for Medicare Part-B, Medicaid, HealthWave and Blue Cross/Blue Shield and bring their cards will have their insurance billed.

The clinic is being provided by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, Heartland Community Health Center and Downtown Lawrence Inc.

For more information or to fill out a consent form ahead of time, visit www.ldchealth.org/flu.

Conner Liakos, 8, waits for the stick of the needle from volunteer Nola Bienoff. The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department organized the drive-thru flu shot clinic Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, as part of a training exercise to test the community public health emergency response plans. Health department director Dan Partridge said he doesn't anticipate having a drive-thru clinic in 2012 due to costs. by Kevin Anderson

By ANDY HYLAND

A drive-thru clinic that offered free flu shots in Lawrence on Saturday provided not only a cost-saver for the community but also good practice for the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and its many partners in case of an actual flu outbreak.

“If we had an emergency, we would really need the help of these different agencies,” said Lisa Horn, communications coordinator for the health department.

Nurses from Lawrence Memorial Hospital, pharmacy students from Kansas University and other volunteers from other community groups pitched in to help with the clinic. It was the second year for the event, but more marketing this year helped increase the turnout, Horn said.

The health department had 500 free vaccines to give away Saturday at KU’s Park and Ride lot near the Shank Recreational Sports Complex. The allure of free vaccines, which typically cost about $30, attracted a number of people. A small number even came on bicycles. Some brought their families by the vanload.

“One van came through with eight kids,” said Dan Partridge, Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department director. “At 30 bucks a pop, it was a pretty good deal for them.” Kelli Shaw, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Salina, said she appreciated the opportunity to get in some practice to keep her skills sharp.

“In Kansas, pharmacists can vaccinate,” she said. “You come away with some confidence in your technique.”

Stephanie Walker, a Lawrence resident, brought her three children to the event — her 1-year-old twin daughters and another 10-year-old daughter. Because her insurance won’t cover the shots, she decided to try out the free clinic. Walker said she was impressed with how smoothly the event operated. The children didn’t even seem to mind the prick of the needle.

“I’m bribing them with pizza,” she said. “That works.”

Travis Rickford, healthy communities coordinator for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, spoke during the fifth annual Built Environment and the Outdoors Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, at the Holiday Inn Lawrence. He talked about how to reverse the burden of chronic disease in Kansas. by Richard Gwin

Travis Rickford said Kansas communities need to focus on creating an environment that’s conducive to exercising and eating well. If not, he said, the obesity rate — 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 5 children — is just going to keep growing.

Rickford, healthy communities coordinator for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, spoke to about 190 people during the “Built Environment and The Outdoors Summit” on Wednesday at Holiday Inn Lawrence. The two-day summit continues today.

Rickford began by talking about the need for change:

• 70 percent — of all deaths in Kansas are caused by chronic diseases. Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes.

• 24 million — Americans have diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower-extremity amputations and blindness among adults.

• 57 million — American adults have pre-diabetes.

Rickford said it’s estimated that one-third of all American children born in 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes during their lifetime if our current trends continue.

He said 20 Kansas communities, including Lawrence, are working to reverse these trends through a new evidence- and practice-based tool that was approved in 2010 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s called CHANGE, which stands for Community Health Assessment and Group Evaluation.

It’s a step-by-step action guide for communities that begins with an assessment and ends with an action plan. The assessment looks at physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use in five sectors: community at-large, school, work, institutions and organizations, and health care.

“The goal is to improve the way we work, eat and play, and to make people happier,” Rickford said.

Sue Evans, of Colby, talks about her community's effort to open its first walking trail. She spoke during the Built Environment and the Outdoors Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, in Lawrence. by Richard Gwin

Making headway

The small western Kansas town of Colby is the first community to complete the CHANGE process and already is seeing improvements.

Sue Evans, a Colby native and member of the Northwest Kansas Council on Substance Abuse Inc., said during the conference that wellness really wasn’t on the minds of its residents or leaders just three years ago. The leaders focused on reducing substance use and were happy with that. She said city and county leaders weren’t involved in health initiatives.

She said the CHANGE tool forced its newly structured Healthy Communities Coalition to go out and talk about wellness, and it quickly learned that there were no health-based initiatives in workplaces. The town of 5,300 is mostly an agricultural community and has a lot of jobs in farming, construction and banking.

“There was no access to nutritious snacks. No policies that encourage health. Nothing,” Evans said. “They (employers) had never thought about it before.”

She said they are making headway, but it’s not easy. "There are a lot of guys who do physical labor stuff, and they eat horrible when they go out."

Evans said she served on a committee that had talked for years about building the town’s first walking trail. But they didn’t give up and with a new focus on health, the city agreed to donate land for a half-mile trail.

Then, there were two public meetings that were attended by 68 people.

“We found that people really wanted it,” she said. “There was this huge movement and everybody started getting on board.”

Evans said the project grew to include a farmer, the town’s largest business owner, and a Rotary club, and within three weeks, 29 organizations and 58 households donated $91,200 for a two-mile trail.

Evans said its leaders are no longer on that Ferris wheel going around and around and achieving nothing. They are working together and have an action plan.

“We do believe that one day Colby will be one of the most walkable communities in Kansas,” she said.

Participants in the fifth annual Built Environment and the Outdoors Summit listen to Travis Rickford, healthy communities coordinator from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, talk about how communities can help improve the health of its residents through changes in policy and environment. by Richard Gwin

In Lawrence

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is using the CHANGE tool as part of a bigger community health assessment and action plan.

Charlotte Marthaler, assistant director, said in a telephone interview it has helped the department think about physical activity, tobacco use and nutrition from more of a policy and environment standpoint.

She said they spoke with about 20 entities last spring ranging from medical safety net clinics to businesses like Hallmark and the Kansas University Endowment Association.

Among the things they learned:

• Health providers often don’t access patients’ physical activity like they do tobacco use.

• Tobacco users often aren’t referred to cessation programs.

• The community needs a Complete Streets policy that creates a safer environment for pedestrians, bikers and the disabled.

Marthaler said the health department is using the information that it collected to help guide strategies to reduce chronic diseases, and it’s working with health groups such as LiveWell Lawrence, the Douglas County Food Policy Council and Douglas County Community Improvement Partnership.

She said the health department is looking at policy and system changes that are going to make a bigger impact on the community’s health, similar to the city’s smoking ban.

“With one big swoop, we made a lot of changes and I believe that has helped us to bring down the smoking rate among adults. It’s helped to reduce the people who start smoking,” she said. “When we can make changes like that through policy and system changes, that’s how we are going to improve health in our community.”

Sixth-year Kansas University pharmacy student, Andy Fikan, Atwood, Kan., administers a flu shot to Andrew Garcia, 80, Lawrence, during a flu clinic organized by Walgreens and the Kansas University School of Pharmacy, Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at the Lawrence Senior Center, 745 Vt. Local health professionals are encouraging anyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot this year. by Nick Krug

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department announced Wednesday that it will offer the flu vaccine at a handful of community clinics in October.

It recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them. Each year, more than 30,000 people die from seasonal influenza complications, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized.

The clinics will be in:

• Lawrence — noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 11, First Christian Church, 1000 Ky.

• Eudora — 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 12, Eudora High School, 2203 Church St.

• Baldwin City — 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 14, Baldwin Elementary School’s Primary Center, 500 Lawrence.

• Lecompton — 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Oct. 18, Lecompton United Methodist Church, 401 Elmore.

• Stull — 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 18, Stull United Methodist Church, 251 N. 1600 Road.

The cost is $23 for children, 6 months to 35 months, and $28 for people 3 years and older. Clients eligible for Medicare Part-B, HealthWave, Medicaid and Blue Cross/Blue Shield can receive the flu shot at no charge if they bring their card at the time of vaccination.

The health department also provides the flu vaccine in its clinic, 200 Maine.

Volunteer Tiffany Belland, a student in Kansas University's School of Pharmacy, gets a flu shot ready during a drive-thru flu shot clinic in 2010 at KU's Park and Ride Lot, Clinton Parkway and Iowa Street. by Kevin Anderson

Also, the health department is organizing a drive-thru flu vaccine clinic that will be Oct. 8 at the Kansas University Park and Ride lots at the northwest corner of Iowa Street and Clinton Parkway.

The clinic will begin at 9 a.m. and end when all 500 doses of vaccine have been given. The drive-thru clinic is being held to test community public health emergency response plans, and so the vaccine will be provided at no charge.

For more information, visit www.ldchealth.org or call 843-0721.

Nancy Reese, center, and her husband, Jim, stopped to get their flu shots from volunteer Barbara Schnitker Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, during Lawrence's first drive-through flu shot clinic. by Kevin Anderson

A drive-thru flu vaccine clinic will be offered Oct. 8 at the Kansas University Park and Ride lots at the northwest corner of Iowa Street and Clinton Parkway.

The clinic will begin at 9 a.m. and end when all 500 doses of vaccine have been given.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is organizing the clinic and it is being held to test community public health emergency response plans. Sixteen other agencies will be helping with the clinic, including the Lawrence Police Department, Heartland Community Health Center and KU Hawks for Health.

Vaccine will be provided at no charge. Residents are encouraged to wear loose sleeves that roll up easily and to fill out a vaccine consent form beforehand to expedite the process. Forms are available at the health department’s website at www.ldchealth.org.

This is the second year the health department has organized a drive-thru event. Last year's event drew 402 people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine.

Driver Tena Santaularia, Lawrence, received an "I was brave" sticker after getting a flu shot Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at a drive-through clinic at the Kansas University's Park and Ride Lots. by Kevin Anderson

Immunizations are not just important for children as they head back to school — they’re important for adults, too.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reminding families about the importance of vaccines as part of National Immunization Awareness Month.

Each year, immunizations:

• Save 42,000 lives.

• Prevent 20 million cases of disease.

• Save $13.6 billion in direct costs.

“We all need a variety of immunizations to not only help protect us throughout our lifetime, but to also help protect those around us,” said Mike Parsons, immunization outreach coordinator with KDHE’s Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention.

Everyone over age 6 months needs to be vaccinated against seasonal flu every year. Other vaccinations work best when they are given at certain ages.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Children need a series of vaccinations from birth to age 6.

• Pre-teens need recommended vaccinations at age 11 or 12, as well as teenagers as they enter into high school and college.

• All adults need a variety of vaccinations to prevent diseases such as whooping cough, pneumonia, flu, shingles and more.

Carole Rehder, a retired nurse, gives Leslie Ostronic, 9, her second dose of the H1N1 flu vaccine in January at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department clinic. In the background is Leslie’s mother, Laurie, who is holding siblings Brecken, 4, and Dallas, 5. The children all received an immunization. by Richard Gwin

There are new immunization requirements for the 2011-2012 school year. According to the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, they are:

• Kindergartners, first-graders, second-graders and seventh-graders must have two chicken pox shots or a written note from their physician stating that they have had chicken pox.

• Seventh-graders must have a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine.

For the latest immunization requirements, visit www.kdheks.gov/immunize or call your local health care provider.

The health department offers vaccines in its clinic at 200 Maine on a walk-in basis. Prices vary depending on health insurance and possible qualifications for low-income programs. For more information contact the health department at 843-0721.

Urinal deodorizer screen.

When men use the urinals in bars and restaurants around town, a message about tobacco use will be glaring up at them from cherry-scented deodorizer screens.

“Can you still get it up?”

The deodorizer screens are part of an in-your-face tobacco prevention campaign by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department that targets residents between the ages of 18 and 30. The $21,000 campaign will begin in mid-August.

“It’s pretty edgy,” director Dan Partridge said with a grin.

The message lets men know that smoking can cause impotence. In women’s bathrooms, stickers near the mirrors will remind them about the effects of smoking on skin: wrinkles.

In addition to the urinal screens and stickers, there will be stark promotions on TV, radio and websites like lawrence.com and kusports.com. There also will anti-smoking messages delivered on top of Pizza Shuttle boxes.

“It’s unlike anything we’ve done before,” said Lisa Horn, communications director.

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department website. by kbritt

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is recruiting members for its new client advisory council.

The council will consist of about 12 people from Douglas County who access services provided by the health department.

Plans call for quarterly meetings. The council will collaborate with the health department board to improve services and processes. Director Dan Partridge hopes to have the council in place by September.

To learn more, call the health department at 843-3060.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has hired Jeremy Fite as a community health specialist.

He will be working to educate the community about what services the health department offers, in addition to explaining health policies.

Fite said he plans to do that through social media and face-to-face conversations at events like health fairs. He also will be an active participant in a number of LiveWell Lawrence initiatives that aim to get people moving more and eating healthier.

Jeremy Fite

Fite, 32, previously worked for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, where he oversaw operations of the research and training facility called Haslam Family Club University. It had about 300 children per day. He did grant writing in addition to serving as the community liaison.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health education, and is originally from Indianapolis.

Fite said he and his family — wife and 2-year-old son — try to stay as active as possible by running, swimming and walking. They like the outdoors.

“I run between four and five nights a week, depending on my son’s behavior,” he said, laughing.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department reported Tuesday that there has been one case of measles in an unvaccinated child at Quail Run School.

The child is isolated and recovering from the illness.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It causes fever, runny nose, cough and a rash all over the body. Potential complications include pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea and brain inflammation.

With the creation and use of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, measles cases are rare in the United States. This is the first case the Douglas County health department has investigated since the mid-1990s.

The disease is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears.

Vaccination is the best protection against the disease. Children need to receive the MMR vaccine when they are between 12 and 15 months old and again before they enter kindergarten.

State regulations require up-to-date immunizations before a child enters school. A couple of exceptions are allowed: a family’s religious beliefs or a doctor’s signature that it would endanger the child’s life.

Lisa Horn, health department communications coordinator, said the child who is sick is the only Quail Run student who had not received any vaccination. Four other students had only received the first dose. The health department notified their families and they are taking appropriate action.

For more information, call the health department at 843-0721 and ask for a communicable disease nurse, or visit its website at www.ldchealth.org.

CDC's homepage for measles. by kbritt

All incoming seventh graders are required to have two doses of the varicella vaccine — more commonly known as the chicken pox vaccine — for the 2011-2012 school year.

Parents of sixth-graders have been notified by Lawrence public school nurses.

A federal grant through the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has made the vaccine available at school clinics at no cost for students who need the first or second dose and have no history of the illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses for all children.

The vaccine, which typically costs $85, is being offered for $14 through the end of June at the health department, 200 Maine. The reduced cost is available through the federal grant. No appointment is necessary.

Clinic hours:

• Weekdays — 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for

• Tuesdays open at 9:30 a.m.

• Mondays open until 8 p.m.

For more information, call 843-0721 or visit the health department’s website at ldchealth.org.

Dan Partridge by Mike Yoder

Dan Partridge, director of the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, will be available today to answer questions as part of National Public Health Week.

He will be participating in an online chat at 10:30 a.m. April 4 on WellCommons. And, you can submit your questions anonymously at anytime at WellCommons.com/chats.

Make sure to log back to WellCommons.com either during or after the chat to see if your questions were answered.

The health department works to protect and serve the community by:

• Safeguarding community health and safety through swift response to illness outbreaks.

• Identifying urgent and everyday health problems.

• Assessing health problems and promoting wellness by fostering community health initiatives.

• Collaborating with community partners to protect health and control the costs associated with health problems.

Partridge has been director since 2007. Previously, he was associate director with the Reno County Health Department.

Douglas County has dropped to the eighth healthiest county in Kansas, according to a study released late Tuesday. Riley County ranked first.

Madison Vaughn, 12, picks out some kumquats Wednesday, March 2, 2011, at the Community Mercantile while shopping for groceries with her mother. by Mike Yoder

We are not eating enough fruits and veggies or getting adequate exercise.

That’s according to a new community health assessment released Wednesday by the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

Eighty-one percent of county residents do not eat the recommended five fruits and vegetables per day.

When asked about physical activity during the past 30 days, half of the population hadn’t done anything to get their heart rate up, like running, aerobics, or heavy yard work, and 16 percent hadn’t done leisure exercise like brisk walking or bicycling.

Dan Partridge, health department director, said these likely contributed to the rise in diabetes, which now affects nearly 8 percent of the population.

On the flip side, we are breathing better. Our smoking rates — teen, smoking during pregnancy, current smokers — have declined. The biggest decline was in the number of residents who allow smoking in their home. It went from 23 percent of the population in 2005 to 8 percent in 2008, compared to 20 percent statewide.

The health department paid the Kansas Health Institute $7,400 to help compile the report, which looks at demographics, health factors like behavior and income, and health outcomes.

“We hope this report will spur not only discussion, but action among Douglas County residents, organizations, community coalitions and policymakers to make the changes necessary to have a healthier community.”

— Dan Partridge

Highlights from the report:

DOUGLAS COUNTY DEMOGRAPHICS IN 2009:

• 116,383 — residents.

• 58,990 — female.

• 57,393 — male.

• 86 percent — white.

• 4 percent — multiracial.

• 4 percent — Asian.

• 3 percent — black.

• 2 percent — American Indian or Alaskan Native.

• 1 percent — Other.

• Median age — 26.4.

• 79 percent — of the population lives in Lawrence.

by Nick Krug

HEALTH FACTORS

Here’s how Douglas County residents are doing compared with the previous year and how we stack up against the rest of the state. The data compares 2009 with 2008 unless noted. (Note: I bolded the Douglas County and Kansas numbers for easier comparison).

Behavior

• Teen smoking — 8.5 percent in 2010, down from 9.3; 12.6 percent.

• Teen pregnancy — 12.8 percent in 2010, down from 14.2; 26.9 percent.

• Teen binge drinking — 11.7 percent in 2010, down from 14.4; 13.7 percent.

• Teen substance abuse — 17.7 percent in 2010, down from 20.8; 16.8 percent.

• No leisure exercise in past 30 days — 16.5 percent, down from 25; 23.2 percent.

• Didn’t get enough sleep for one night in past 30 days — 76.7 percent, up from 72.9; 68.1 percent.

• Don’t eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day — 81.8 percent, up from 78; 79.8 percent.

• Smokers — 15.1 percent, down from 15.2; 17.8 percent.

• Daily smokers — 12.4 percent; up from 11.7; 13.9 percent.

• Drank alcohol within past 30 days — 53.7 percent, down from 61; 50 percent.

• Heavy drinkers (two drinks per day for females; three for males) — 5.9 percent, up from 4; 4.1 percent.

• Binge drinking in past 30 days — 14.4 percent, down from 16; 14.5 percent.

Kansas University students participate in a beer drinking game in March 2010 outside a student rental house just off campus. by Mike Yoder

Social and economic

• Single parent households — 28.1 percent, down from 31.4; 30.5 percent.

• Average family size — 4.76, down from 5; 3.9.

• Children below poverty — 15.9 percent, up from 13; 17.1 percent.

• People with no income — 10.6 percent, up from 8.2 percent; 9.1 percent.

• Median income — $20,624, down from $21,333; $24,699.

• Median household income — $47,614, up from $44,580; $50,174.

• Households receiving food stamps — 5.43 percent, up from 4.38; 8.26 percent.

• High school graduation rate — 88.2 percent, up from 85.7; 89.7 percent.

• Those with college degrees — 50.1 percent, up from 47.6; 29.5 percent.

• Domestic violence — For every 1,000 residents, there are 6.8 incidence reports, up from 5.8; 8.5.

• Violent crime — For every 1,000 residents, there are 4.3 offenses, up from 4.0; 4.0.

Lawrence resident Ansib Chaudhry has his vitals taken by Health Care Access volunteer Nan Wang before being checked out by a doctor for some potentially fractured facial bones Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, at Health Care Access, 330 Maine. The clinic provides medical care for low-income, uninsured Douglas County residents. by Nick Krug

Health care

• Uninsured under age 65 — 17.7 percent in 2007, down from 19.7 percent; 13.7 percent.

• Children fully immunized by age 2 — 56 percent in 2008, up 31 percent; 63 percent.

• Population per primary care doctor — 2,148 residents per doctor, up from 1,975; 1,715.

• Adults without flu shots — 67.6 percent in 2006, no comparison; 64.6.

• Adults seen by doctor within past year — 64.6 percent, down from 73.8; 71.2 percent.

• Did not seek care due to cost — 9.6 percent; up from 8.6; 11.2 percent.

• Population per primary care dentist — 2,288 residents per dentist in 2008, down from 2,744 in 2006; 2,606.

• Had not been to the dentist in more than 12 months — 19.9 percent in 2008, down from 26.2 in 2006; 28 percent.

• Never had blood cholesterol checked — 19.8 percent, up from 15.9; 21.5.

• Women, ages 40 and older, who haven’t had a mammogram — 6.5 percent in 2008, down from 8.6 in 2006; 9 percent.

• Men, ages 40 and older, who haven’t had a prostate screening — 29.4 percent in 2008, down from 41.6 in 2006; 34 percent.

• People ages 50 and older who haven’t had a colonoscopy — 32.9 percent in 2008, down from 34.1 in 2006; 38.3 percent.

• Never had an HIV test — 67.2 percent, up from 61.3 percent; 65.4 percent.

OUTCOMES

• Overweight — 59.2 percent, up from 57.9; 64.6.

• Obese — 27.8 percent, up from 22.9; 28.8.

• High blood pressure — 24 percent, down from 26.6; 28.7 percent.

• Disability — 16.9 percent, down from 24.7; 18.9.

• Mortality — 5.1 deaths per 1,000 people in 2008, up from 4.8; 8.5.

• Infant mortality — 9.4 deaths per 1,000 births in 2008, up from 7.6; 7.2.

Leading causes of death in Douglas County in 2009:

1. Cancer

2. Heart disease

3. Chronic lower respiratory disease

4. Stroke

5. Accidents other than motor vehicle

The Lawrence-Douglas Health Department clinic provides about 4,000 condoms a year as part of its family planning services, which are the target of federal funding cuts. Roxie Dohogne is a public health nurse in the clinic, 200 Maine. by Richard Gwin

Family planning and related preventive services for low-income women across the nation are in jeopardy.

These services include birth control, breast exams, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy testing, and they are used by tens of thousands of women in Kansas and millions nationwide.

“These are important services for the women who use them,” said Kari Bruffett, assistant secretary for Policy and External Affairs in the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “For some women, it may be their primary care provider.”

Since 1970, the federal government has provided funding for these services through the Title X Family Planning Program. In mid-February, the House of Representatives voted to eliminate the program, which cost $317 million last year, as part of a massive spending bill that sets budget levels for the remainder of the fiscal year which ends Sept. 30.

That bill is now under negotiation in the Senate.

“We are watching it very carefully,” Bruffett said.

Here’s why:

• 45,000 — Kansans using family planning services.

KDHE gets $2.5 million in federal money each year and $97,000 in state funding to provide them. They do this through 55 contracts with health departments and clinics.

• 4,000 — Douglas County residents using the services. The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department receives $198,000 from KDHE. Its family planning clinic operates on about $300,000, and the rest of the money comes from service fees and local taxes.

Dan Partridge, director of the local health department, said the clinic couldn’t provide the same services if federal funding were eliminated. That’s more than half of its budget. They may have to go to a fee-for-service system, which he said would be unfortunate.

“Those with low income or limited means will get disenfranchised from the system,” he said.

There was a legislative amendment to the House bill that specifically targeted Planned Parenthood. Besides losing Title X funding, it would be ineligible for any federal funding, including Medicaid.

Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri has 10 health centers that provide the same family planning and preventative services as health departments. In 2009, they provided 18,000 STD tests, 3,000 pap tests, 3,000 breast exams and birth control for 9,000 clients.

Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri has an $8 million budget, and $1 million comes from federal funding.

“We don’t know of any way we could sustain that kind of reduction without reducing the services for women and families,” CEO Peter Brownlie said.

The rest of its funding comes from fundraisers and service fees, which are provided on a sliding-income scale. Anyone can access services regardless of their ability to pay.

At two centers — Overland Park and Columbia, Mo. — it provides abortion services. By law, no public funding is used for these services.

Representatives for U.S. Reps. Lynn Jenkins and Kevin Yoder said by e-mail that they voted to eliminate Title X funding because they don’t support abortion. No response was given when they were notified it doesn’t support such services.

“This kind of action in Congress actually goes counter to the objectives of those who say they are opposed to abortion because by having less family planning, there will be more unintended pregnancies and there will be more abortions,” Brownlie said.

Also, Title X saves the government money. Studies have shown that for every dollar spent, $3.74 is saved in medical costs.

Here’s a dose of health news from WellCommons, around town and elsewhere:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RebsrbRzoJM

Community benefit

As Kevin Bacon’s character said in Footloose, “Let’s dance!”

Trinity-In Home Care is having a benefit “Dancing through the Decades” on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Eldridge Hotel, 701 Mass.

They will be featuring music hits from the past eight decades:

• 7 p.m.-8 p.m. — 30s and 40s.

• 8 p.m.-9 p.m. — 50s and 60s.

• 9 p.m.-10 p.m. — 70s and 80s (my personal favorite).

• 10 p.m.-11 p.m. — 90s through today.

Tickets are $20 each, and a cash bar will be available. Decade-appropriate dress is optional. For ideas, check out the clever YouTube video that features community residents and was produced by Free State High School students.

So are you ready to get your groove on? Call 842-3159 for tickets.

Trinity provides nonmedical supportive services to individuals of all ages as well as child care services at Imagine Drop-In Childcare.

Age discrimination — does it exist in Lawrence? by kbritt

Age discrimination

The Kaw Valley Chapter of the Older Women’s League will have a panel discussion about age discrimination from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, in the Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vt.

Up for discussion:

• Does it exist?

• Have you experienced it?

• Where are the effects?

• How can it be acknowledged and changed?

There will be refreshments and a social from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact president Donna Swall at 843-6319.

Driver Tena Santaularia, Lawrence, received an "I was brave" sticker after getting a flu shot Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, at a drive-through clinic at the Kansas University's Park and Ride Lots. by Kevin Anderson

Flu vaccines

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has seen a steady decline in the number of seasonal flu vaccines it provides.

So far, it has provided 2,312 vaccines, a 44 percent decrease since the 2007-2008 season. Here’s a look at the numbers:

• 2007-2008 — 4,125.

• 2008-2009 — 3,055.

• 2009-2010 — 2,643.

The majority of this year’s clients — 87 percent — have received them at the department’s clinic, 200 Maine, or during the community’s first drive-through clinic. Director Dan Partridge questions whether the area clinics are worth the time, effort and money.

Here’s a breakdown of where people are getting their shots:

• Lecompton (Oct. 6) — 73.

• Eudora (Oct. 12) — 33.

• Drive-through clinic (Oct. 16) — 388.

• Stull (Oct. 19) — 19.

• Baldwin City (Oct. 20) — 42.

• First Step House (Oct. 21) — 17.

• Lawrence Public Library (Dec. 7) — 4.

• Health department clinic (all season) — 1,627.

With so many pharmacies, stores and doctors providing seasonal flu vaccine, board members thought it would be good idea to target low-income residents and the uninsured.

— Know of something happening on the health beat? Send me a tip at kbritt@ljworld.com.

Dan Partridge by Mike Yoder

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department’s top legislative priority is to preserve the smoking ban.

Dan Partridge, director, said the ban saves the state money in health care costs and, more importantly, it saves lives.

“It’s nonsensical in my mind to even go there,” Partridge said.

The department also supports preservation of the Affordable Care Act. Partridge said he hopes legislators discuss how to implement the bill rather than how to repeal it because it contains much-needed changes. He said the state needs to continue to be proactive in applying for federal grant money and in setting up its own health insurance exchange.

“I hope we, as a state, don’t take a short-sided view of this and try to prove a point politically at the expense of people’s health care,” Partridge said.

David Johnson

Mental health

David Johnson, CEO of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, agrees. One of the hallmarks of the Affordable Care Act is going to be more equal treatment for mental illnesses.

“I hope they don’t spend too much time trying to derail health care reform because I don’t think it will happen,” he said.

Johnson was encouraged to hear Gov.-elect Sam Brownback talk about reforming Medicaid.

Johnson said changing Medicaid to more of a managed care program would save money and provide better services.

About 50 percent of the people who get mental health services, first get them at an expensive state hospital because that’s what Medicaid pays for. If Medicaid paid for early intervention, education and prevention, then those high hospitalization costs could be reduced, he said.

When it comes to the budget, he hopes legislators take a look at the specific ramifications of any cuts they make. He said reduced mental health services can cause growing jail populations. It also can affect the economy as workers are unable to get help for their illnesses.

Johnson said mental health services have been cut year after year, and he’s getting an indication that 2011 will be no different.

Mitzi McFatrich

Senior care

Mitzi McFatrich, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, hopes the Legislature doesn’t cut funding for any long-term care services.

She said elders and individuals with disabilities thrive when they have the supports and services that allow them to maintain their highest level of independence and ability. Unless a person requires 24-hour care, in-home services are more economical than care in a nursing home.

McFatrich said a lot of times the Legislature cuts the home health services because they don’t fall under an entitlement program, like nursing homes.

“It just allows people to have more independence, more freedom, and the ability to stay within their social network. That’s where most of us want to get our care, instead of going to a nursing home,” McFatrich said.

Last year, the state passed a nursing home provider fee assessment. The federal government matches $3 for every dollar that is collected on the assessment. She expects it to generate $60 million. She hopes the money is used to increase nursing staff who provide direct care to residents. Nursing homes provide access to care 24/7, but are only required to provide care two hours a day.

“You don’t have to talk to very many people to understand that sometimes they wait 15 minutes and sometimes they wait 45 minutes for somebody to answer their call bell if they need help to the bathroom, getting dressed, or anything else,” she said.

McFatrich also would like to see that two-hour minimum requirement, which has been in place for about 20 years, raised. The U.S. Government Accountability Office did a study and suggested 4.15 or 4.85 hours of care per day per resident.

She also would like to see the state implement an ombudsmen program for community- and home-based services. There is a federal and state mandate that nursing home residents have access to an ombudsman, but that’s not available to people who receive services elsewhere.

McFatrich also would like the Legislature to implement regulations regarding nursing home residents who have a felony background. Currently, nursing homes don’t have to separate the populations or notify other residents. So, a resident may have shot, raped or beaten someone, and others don’t know. McFatrich said other states have taken up the issue legislatively.

Janet Williams

Home health

Janet Williams, founder of communityworks inc., also hopes funding isn’t cut for home- and community-based services. These services help people get the training to become more independent and, as a result, reduce health care costs.

For example, she said the state is required to pay for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, which is $25,000 a month more in a hospital than in the community or at home. There are 22 people with brain injuries receiving care at a hospital outside of Kansas. The state is paying about $350,000 a year for each of them.

“So, every time someone comes home or comes out of one of those expensive hospitals, we provide the services in the community and that’s when they get the assistance they need at a much lower cost,” she said. I believe people can come home sooner and even avoid going at all if there is a concerted effort to make it happen. That is one cost saving idea I plan to share with the new administration.”

Williams believes Gov.-elect Sam Brownback understands the importance of home health agencies.

“I think the greatest challenge is going to be educating all of the new legislators about the good that these programs do,” she said.

Gene Meyer

Hospital

Lawrence Memorial Hospital President and CEO Gene Meyer hopes the state adequately funds Medicaid, especially with the health reform initiatives and expansion of eligibility for Medicaid.

He said health care providers and the hospital already are not adequately reimbursed for the costs of providing care to Medicaid patients.

“This is huge because if they don’t, the availability of providers who will accept Medicaid becomes limited, thus creating significant backlog in the system,” Meyer said.

Tort reform is another concern. Currently, there is a case before the Kansas Supreme Court that challenges malpractice limits. If the current limits are found to be unconstitutional, he said the Legislature may be forced to make some changes that would expand the limits of awards. And that, he fears, would create significant increases in malpractice premiums for providers.

“Kansas has been able to recruit physicians because of what’s termed a favorable malpractice climate. If this becomes not so favorable by legislative activity, it’s going to be another big problem with development of providers to meet future needs.”

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is offering a family-based sexuality education program called “Kids Needs to Know.”

The program is geared toward fifth- and sixth-graders and begins with a parents-only night, where curriculum and materials are discussed and questions are answered.

The program continues with weekly parent-child sessions for four more weeks.

Reproductive body parts and purposes, puberty, pregnancy, childbirth and sexually transmitted diseases are discussed. Videos, games and other interactive activities are used during the program.

The classes meet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, and the cost is $50 per family.

The class for girls will meet Jan. 18 through Feb. 15, and the class for boys will meet March 29 through April 26.

Another class for girls will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays from March 31 to April 28. Registration must be received one week before the first night of class. For more information or to register, visit ldchealth.org or call 843-0721.

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and Lawrence Memorial Hospital have received a $6,940 grant from United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to start an evening breast-feeding support group in Lawrence.

“The goal of the grant is to increase breast-feeding rates across the community,” said Lisa Horn, communications director for the health department. She announced the grant during Monday’s board meeting.

Horn said the organizations want to help pregnant women and new mothers who may be in school or at work.

It would be similar to a daytime breast-feeding support group that has been meeting at LMH for about 10 years. That group meets at 10 a.m. every Monday and offers infant weigh-ins and is staffed by maternal/child nurses with lactation training. So far this year, it has had 893 mother and baby visits.

Horn said they hope to start the weekly Douglas County Evening Breastfeeding Support Group in the spring. It also would offer nurses and peer counselors to facilitate the meetings. They still need to decide where to meet and are hoping to get the community’s input.

The goal is for the group to continue once the one-year grant runs out. That’s because having support is so important.

Horn said research has shown women are more likely to breast-feed because of peer support.

“It makes a huge difference, especially if your mother didn’t breast-feed or your sister or grandma,” she said.

Denise Martinek, director of Maternal Child Services at LMH, said women often hear that breastfeeding should be easy because it is natural, but that’s not true.

“It just doesn’t always come easy to moms and babies, so it’s important to have that support from other moms who have been there,” she said.

There are just over 1,000 babies born at LMH each year, and about 85 percent of new mothers leave LMH as breast-feeding moms. But sometimes those moms give up once home.

“It’s a lot easier when you are surrounded by nurses and the lactation consultants who are helping you, but once you go home there’s not that encouragement there and someone helping you with your feedings,” Martinek said.

LMH and the health department promote breast-feeding because of the benefits for mothers and babies. Research has shown breast-fed babies are less likely to be sick or develop infections.

To weigh in on the new support group, contact Horn at 856-7362 or lhorn@ldchealth.org.

Here’s a dose of health news from WellCommons, around town and elsewhere:

The Willow Domestic Violence Center website by kbritt

INCREASED DEMAND

The Willow Domestic Violence Center saw the need for its services increase during the past year. Kathy Perkins, board president, said that, unfortunately, an increase in domestic violence is common during times of national economic uncertainty.

Statistics for the center’s fiscal year — July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 — were released last week during its annual meeting:

• 1,683 — Crisis calls answered.

• 1,483 — Community-based service recipients.

• 148 — Women sheltered.

• 118 — Children sheltered.

• 316 — Adult and children group counseling sessions.

• 4,390 — Volunteer hours of service.

• $693,756 — revenue.

• $582,978 — expenses.

Also, the center honored three volunteers:

• Sarah Campbell — for designing and implementing its website.

• Gordon Fitch — for providing his expertise in organizational development.

• Maurice Joy — for providing expertise in financial management.

HEALTH BOARD

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department board meets at 5:30 tonight on the second floor of the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine (across from the LMH emergency room). Its meetings are open to the public.

Trish Unruh is scheduled to give a report about LiveWell EatWell.

Also on the agenda: LiveWell Lawrence, Berry Plastics, Family Planning grant, 2010 year-end financial projection, local legislative pre-session hearing, 2 percent cost of living adjustment for 2011.

23rd Street Brewery offers several healthy entrées, including Tilapia Florentine. The dish is pan seared tilapia topped with toasted almonds and feta cheese, and served with sauteed spinach and artichokes. Such dishes are part of a new LiveWell EatWell intiative in Lawrence. by Richard Gwin

GIVE THE GIFT ... OF YOUR BODY?

I’ve done a number of stories about the importance of donating organs, but never the entire body ... until now.

Kansas University’s School of Medicine students depend on such donations to learn the human anatomy in great detail, and to practice procedures. Ultimately, body donations help patients like you and me.

To learn more, check out my story on WellCommons.

The cremated remains of bodies donated to Kansas University Medical Center for research and education purposes are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Several dozen cremains were buried about six weeks ago. by Mike Yoder

DENTIST'S FEEDBACK

Dr. Justin Anderson, a Lawrence dentist, called after reading my story about a state need for dentists and a proposal to introduce dental therapists as part of the solution.

He talked to me about why he doesn’t take Medicaid patients, his volunteer work, and his feelings about dental therapists.

Anderson said he accepted Medicaid patients when he first started practicing, but quit because of the high amount of paperwork and low reimbursement rate.

“It was just too much a hassle. You are better off doing it for free,” he said.

Anderson said his practice — Wilkerson, Saunders & Anderson at 831 Vt. — provides free services through the Kansas Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped.

Anderson also volunteers by serving on the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Assocation board, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Endowment Board and at Lawrence schools, among other things.

As for his thoughts on dental therapists: “As long as it provides more care at decreased costs for our patients but it doesn’t take away from the health of the patients, I think it’s great.”

Justin Anderson by kbritt

HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY

Reporter Shaun Hittle posted Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical’s safety tips on WellCommons.

— Know of something happening on the health beat? Send me a tip at kbritt@ljworld.com.

The executive director of the Community Health Improvement Partnership, commonly called CHIP, will move to a new office next month.

The move from Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department to Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s community outreach department will allow Janelle Martin to spend more time on a variety of health issues and less on preventing tobacco use.

Her salary is currently paid by LMH and a state Chronic Disease Risk Reduction grant that the health department receives. That grant dictates how she reached out to the community.

Starting Jan. 1, LMH will pay her entire salary, so Martin will center on areas such as physical activity, nutrition and health reform.

Madeline Finch, left, and Janelle Martin volunteer to help at the check-in area of the second "World's Largest Community Workout" this summer at KU's Shenk Fields. by Karrey Britt

“I am somewhat sad to let go of some of the tobacco issues that we’ve been working on, but it’s exciting to have a new challenge,” she said.

CHIP was created in 1997 to provide direction and strategies for improving health in Douglas County. Leaders from health organizations and community agencies in Douglas County lead CHIP and provide Martin with direction. These leaders include Dan Partridge, director of the health department; Gene Meyer, LMH president and CEO; David Johnson, CEO of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center; and Rick Doll, Lawrence schools superintendent.

Meyer said there will be no changes in CHIP’s function or structure.

“We aren’t trying to take over CHIP, we are just trying to make sure it’s sustainable,” he said. “Janelle will continue to focus on bringing together as many local health care organizations as we can to create meaningful dialogue about how we can improve the community’s health while not duplicating efforts.”

As for the health department’s tobacco grant, Partridge said Rebecca Lo, an intern, will take over those responsibilities through July, when the new grant year begins. He said the grant was worth about $170,000 three years ago, and this year, it is about $65,000. He said the department won’t know how much next year’s grant will be worth until June.

Partridge said he would like to hire a full-time worker to assume the obligations of the grant. He also would like to see if they can use the grant to focus on more than tobacco prevention.

“We will see how far we can push that envelope,” he said.

Douglas County residents who are interested in learning more about operating a child care are encouraged to attend a licensing orientation meeting at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

The meeting begins at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, in the first floor meeting room at the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine.

The meeting will provide information regarding licensing of family day care homes. Kansas law 65-501 requires that homes be licensed or have a temporary permit when child care is provided away from the child’s own home for one or two children more than 20 hours a week (total time) or for three or more children.

Total time is determined by adding together the time each child is cared for weekly. Licensing is not required when a family member provides care for a relative.

To register for the orientation, call the health department at 843-3060.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is having community flu vaccination clinic Tuesday, Dec. 7.

The clinic will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt., as part of National Influenza Vaccination Week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive a flu shot.

Flu vaccine is $22 for children 6 months to 35 months and $26 for anyone who is older than 3. Clients eligible for Medicare Part B, Medicaid, HealthWave and Blue Cross/Blue Shield will have their insurance billed.

And, here's a fun incentive: FREE indoor aquatic center passes from Lawrence Parks and Recreation will be given to children ages 5-17 who are vaccinated at the clinic.

The first day of spring, Saturday March 20, 2010, wasn't looking so spring-like. About five inches of snow fell in the Lawrence area, leaving a white blanket on everything in sight. by Richard Gwin

Snow. Ice. Power outages. Yuck!

Learn about severe winter weather and how to be prepared at a special forum next week.

The FREE community event will be:

• from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7.

• on the second floor of the Community Health Facility, 200 Maine St.

Matt Elwell, chief meteorologist for 6News, will be the featured speaker. Charlie Bryan, Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department community health planner, and Teri Smith, Douglas County emergency management director, will lead a tabletop exercise following Elwell’s presentation.

If interested in attending, please contact Rebecca Lo, of the health department, at 843-3060 or e-mail togetherprepared@ldchealth.org.

The event is sponsored by Together Prepared, a coalition of agencies working to prepare vulnerable populations for disasters.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is doing a good job of getting children vaccinated.

Seventy-nine percent of their clients, ages 2 and under, were up-to-date on their vaccinations in 2009. Nationally, the average was 70 percent, and statewide, it was 77 percent.

The health department already has improved its rate to 83 percent, but its goal is 90 percent.

“If you have a 90 percent immunization rate, then you would have good protection for those children who are not able to be immunized for whatever reason,” Kathy Colson, immunization team leader, said. She gave a report during Monday night’s board meeting.

She said vaccines are required to attend school, but there are medical and religious exemptions.

“So, not all children are vaccinated in school,” she said.

It’s important to get children immunized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, because it protects them from dangerous childhood diseases, which can have serious complications and even be deadly.

During the past year, 395 children, ages 2 and under, received vaccines at the health department.

Colson said studies tend to compare immunization rates for children, ages 2 and under, because they should have received all of the recommended vaccines by then. She said they actually could be done at age 1.

The vaccine recommendations are referred to as the 431331 series:

• 4 Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP).

• 3 inactivated or oral polio.

• 1 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR).

• 3 Haemophilus influenza.

• 3 Hepatitus B.

• 1 varicella (chickenpox).

Health department leaders hope to increase their childhood immunization rates by having the nursing staff emphasize the importance of vaccines at every visit. The front desk staff also will work to obtain and print outlying records at every visit.

The health department will immunize any child in Douglas County, but a majority of its clients are low-income. These families tend to be focused on providing food and shelter and sometimes overlook vaccinations.

“I think we’ve done well, but we can do better,” Colson said.

That nasty seasonal flu bug has arrived in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported two confirmed cases on Monday. One is in northeast Kansas, but not Douglas County, and the other is in the southcentral portion of the state.

Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, state health officer, encourages Kansans to get their yearly vaccination against the flu, if they haven’t already done so.

“Although flu activity is normally highest around February and influenza can continue to circulate through spring, the flu can be unpredictable. Now is an excellent time for everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones and the community.”

— Eberhart-Phillips

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people 6 months and older get a vaccination.

Flu is a serious disease that can lead to complications such as pneumonia and even death. Symptoms include: fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough and muscle aches. Complications can include pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of other chronic conditions.

Every year, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die.

Officials with the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department and Lawrence public schools say they haven’t seen any cases of flu — yet.

But, they encourage residents to take these preventative measures:

• Get a vaccination.

• Cover coughs and sneezes.

• Wash hands.

• Stay home when sick.

U.S. flu activity by kbritt

FLU SHOTS

Seasonal flu vaccines are available at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department's clinic, 200 Maine.

The cost is $26 for anyone older than 3, and $22 for anyone between 3 and 6 months. But people aren’t turned away because of inability to pay. For more information, call the health department at 843-0721.

The vaccine is available at a number of Lawrence pharmacies and doctors’ offices as well.