Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Early Childhood topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ellis County extension rolls out prenatal, hypertension and wellness programs for 2025
Summary
Cottonwood Extension District outlined classes and community events for 2025 including a four‑month hypertension self‑monitoring program, a new six‑week "Becoming a Mom" prenatal series with incentives and a community baby shower on April 5 that will distribute portable cribs.
Monique Kerner, Cottonwood Extension District family and community wellness agent, told the Ellis County Commission on Jan. 21 that the extension is expanding health and early‑childhood services in 2025.
Kerner said the district will run a four‑month hypertension awareness and prevention program beginning in February for people diagnosed with high blood pressure or on hypertension medication. Participants will receive a validated home blood‑pressure monitor and meet with Kerner for coaching sessions twice a month; monthly nutrition classes are also planned. "They will receive a free validated blood pressure monitor," Kerner said.
Kerner also announced a new six‑week prenatal education series, Becoming a Mom, to begin in February at the Hays Public Library. The program uses curriculum from the March of Dimes and Kansas Department of Health and Environment and involves local partners including Hays Medical Center, First Care Clinic, High Plains Mental Health and an outreach midwife. Grants from Midwest Energy and Heartland Community Foundation will fund incentives; participants who attend at least four of six classes will receive larger items such as a portable crib or play mat. Kerner said the extension has funding to support roughly 10 family units for the pilot.
On April 5 the extension plans a community baby shower tied to Week of the Young Child. Kerner said attendees who complete a pre‑ and post‑test at the event will receive a portable crib to promote safe infant sleep. The event will include community partners and was described as a kickoff and celebration rather than a direct part of the prenatal class.
Tamara Robertson, Cottonwood Extension District 4‑H development agent, updated the commission on 4‑H activities. Robertson said about 50 youths, ranging from ages 5 to 18, are enrolled in county 4‑H with about 50 volunteers who serve as club leaders, fair superintendents and project leaders. The county fair remains a major annual showcase for youth projects.
Commissioners asked about program reach into smaller communities; Kerner said staff already visit early‑childhood programs and preschools across the county, including in Victoria, and she described work with local partners such as Early Childhood Connections and the Hays rec center.
The extension emphasized outreach to families and collaboration with health and emergency services. Kerner said more details will be available after a subcommittee meeting later in the month, and she left printed flyers on program schedules for commissioners.
