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Health department reports measles preparedness, WIC outreach and grant uncertainty
Summary
Saline County Health Department updated commissioners on clinic recertification, WIC outreach, measles preparedness, mosquito/tick surveillance plans and uncertainty around some state and federal grant funding. Staff reported program activity and requested the public check immunization records if unsure of MMR status.
Jason Tiller, director of the Saline County Health Department, gave a broad program update May 27 covering clinic activities, WIC outreach, immunization preparedness, home health audit procedures, maternal and child health programs, Ryan White HIV/AIDS staff attendance at a national conference, a mental health block party and preparedness work including mosquito and upcoming tick surveillance.
Tiller said clinic staff completed annual recertification for the 340B program (a federal drug discount program for qualified providers for TB, STD and family planning medicines) and conducted internal planning for a potential measles case in the county. He said the United States has recorded more than 1,000 measles cases recently and Kansas had 58 cases at the last KDHE dashboard update; Tiller urged residents uncertain of their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) status to contact the health department for verification or vaccinations.
WIC staff held a fatherhood-focused event and conducted an outreach campaign for "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" with local downtown businesses; Tiller said 16 of 26 businesses visited had committed to a pledge. Maternal Child Health staff received KDHE feedback after a site visit; MCH is planning a community baby shower in the fall and operates a "Bosom Buddies" lending closet program for new nursing mothers.
Tiller said an upcoming focus includes Kansas Department of Health and Environment-led tick surveillance in collaboration with local staff. He also reported that home health completed an audit (results pending) and the department is recruiting a nurse to replace one who is relocating.
On budget and grants, Tiller said the department's year-to-date revenue sits at roughly 46% of projections and expenses at about 34%, with a positive difference of approximately $384,000 at the time of the report. He noted some federal grant programs are awaiting national budget reconciliation and that KDHE advised departments to proceed with normal grant planning until definitive guidance arrives; he promised to update the commission if contract timing or funding availability changes.
Tiller also described local preparedness work, PIO/social media activity, continuing education and training, stop-the-bleed classes for county staff, and the county podcast's reach. He said the department has used opioid settlement funds on Narcan purchases, an opioid dashboard, and a needs assessment.
