Diane Creek, Riley County health director, asked commissioners to approve refilling the maternal-and-child-health public health nurse position after an employee retirement effective Oct. 10.

“The nurse provides direct client services, including prenatal and postpartum assessments, developmental screenings, home visits, health education, childbirth classes, care coordination and referrals to community resources,” Creek said. She told the commission the role is tied to grant deliverables in the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s aid-to-local agreement and that leaving the post vacant could jeopardize required staffing and performance metrics.

Creek said the position is supported by KDHE-approved fiscal year 2026 aid-to-local MCH grant funds and Riley County matching funds as previously approved by the commissioners, so refilling the post creates no new negative budget impact.

Commission action: A motion to approve refilling the public health nurse position was seconded and authorized by the commission during the meeting.

Ending: Creek said staff would proceed with recruiting the replacement and that the health department would continue to monitor grant deliverables and staffing to ensure compliance.