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Saline County Health Department reports disease surveillance, grant funding updates and preparedness work
Summary
The health department gave a June–August update covering the end of a measles outbreak, vaccine clinics, MCH funding, staffing needs, grant timing shifts and preparedness planning related to next summer's FIFA World Cup.
The Saline County Health Department presented a June–August report at the Sept. 2 commission meeting highlighting disease surveillance, immunization and grant developments.
Health staff reported the Kansas measles outbreak has been declared over and noted continuing infectious-disease monitoring and back-to-school immunization clinics; an October flu clinic is scheduled for Oct. 1. The department emphasized caution around bats as potential rabies vectors and pointed residents to an online risk assessment from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for guidance on possible exposures.
The report described program activity across WIC, child-care licensing, home health and maternal and child health (MCH). The MCH program and county partners will host a community baby shower; the MCH grant approved in the consent agenda adds $40,000 for regional perinatal infrastructure and capacity building, staff said. The department also provided technical assistance to Rice County for restarting its MCH program.
Home health recently underwent a state surveyor review, with minor improvements identified and a formal report expected in the coming weeks. The department continues to recruit for laboratory and home health registered nurse positions and will onboard a University of Kansas Master of Public Health student for an internship and capstone through spring 2026.
Staff reviewed grant funding and fiscal timing changes. Several programs (WIC, Ryan White) operate on a federal fiscal year while other state grants run on the state fiscal year; the department noted an upcoming transition for a statewide database used by Ryan White programs effective Oct. 1 that may cause short-term administrative delays. The department said available indicators point to largely level funding for upcoming grant years but flagged uncertainty for FEP regional funding, which the state projects will be delivered in two installments (50% now, remainder expected in spring).
The department also highlighted earned media, staff training and preparedness coordination: staff completed CPR training, public information work was recognized by the Kansas Health Institute and a podcast produced by the department received a NACO achievement award. Health staff are participating in regional planning for potential health-care surge related to the FIFA World Cup matches next summer and will continue preparedness activities.
Budget-to-date figures in the report showed year-to-date revenue at about 73% of projections and expenses at about 55%, reflecting some vacant positions and grant timing; staff said final grant award figures for some programs remain to be determined. No commission action was required; commissioners thanked staff for the update and noted appreciation for department outreach and the podcast.
