Geary County health director reports grant uncertainty, low flu and little COVID activity

Charles Martinez, director of the Geary County Health Department, briefed commissioners on local public-health activity and finances, noting the department had a near-term grant uncertainty that appears to be resolved.

Martinez said in late November the department — along with 14 other health departments — received notice that a workforce development grant was being pulled, but KDHE later offered the departments an opportunity to reapply so funds would not be removed automatically. “Fifteen health departments received a letter saying they were pulling one of our grants from us,” Martinez said; he added the county re-submitted a proposal and expected a response from KDHE.

On seasonal illness, Martinez reported Geary County’s influenza activity was extremely low for December — the department recorded no flu cases for the month — and acute-respiratory illness visits were down compared with the previous month and last year. He said COVID-related emergency-room visits were roughly 1 percent for November. Martinez also identified sexually transmitted infections as an ongoing challenge in the county and said the department has begun new outreach and education efforts.

On finance items, Martinez said VaxCare payments for November show amounts of about $1,300 and $1,317, and that deposits and reconciliations have been tracked with supporting paperwork. He closed by saying the public-health facility is in good condition after a recent walk-through and that the department will continue outreach and monitoring.