Health

Johnson County Department of Health and Environment becomes an official milk donation site

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:18:52 +0000

Johnson County Department of Health and Environment becomes an official milk donation site tim.dodderidge… Thu, 02/19/2026 - 11:18 February 19, 2026

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is now an official human milk donation drop-off site in partnership with the Oklahoma Mothers’ Milk Bank and the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition. The new location expands access to lifesaving donor milk for premature and medically fragile infants in our community and region.

JCDHE was invited to participate after existing Johnson County drop-off sites began reaching freezer capacity before their monthly pickups. Donations are accepted at the Olathe Health Services Building (11875 S. Sunset Dr., Olathe, KS) Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., helping ensure donor milk continues to be collected safely and efficiently as community support for milk donation grows.

Each month, representatives from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition collect donations from approved sites across the state and transport them to Wichita, where the Oklahoma Mothers’ Milk Bank gathers the milk for screening, pasteurization and safety testing. After processing, the milk is distributed back to hospitals in our region, ensuring donations made locally help babies and families close to home.

“Adding this donation site reflects our community’s commitment to supporting infant health,” said Charlie Hunt, Director of JCDHE. “Every baby deserves a healthy start, and this effort helps expand access to critical nutrition for infants facing medical challenges.”

Individuals interested in becoming milk donors must complete a screening process through the Oklahoma Mothers’ Milk Bank before donating. For more information about donor eligibility and the milk donation process, visit okmilkbank.org.

Department:

Health

Health and Environment

Category:

News Releases

JCDHE, Sheriff's Office urge e-wheel safety ahead of holidays

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:21:46 +0000

JCDHE, Sheriff's Office urge e-wheel safety ahead of holidays tim.dodderidge… Thu, 12/18/2025 - 09:21 December 18, 2025

With the rising popularity of electric rideables—and with the holiday season approaching—the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office are reminding families to keep safety top of mind when it comes to e-scooters, e-bikes and e-motos.

“These devices can make fun gifts for the appropriate age group, but they can travel at high speeds and pose serious injury risks, especially to kids and teens,” said Charlie Hunt, Director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. “We want families to enjoy the holidays safely.”

What Parents Need to Know

Kids 10–15 are five times more likely to crash on an e-bike than other age groups.
Injuries can include concussions, broken bones and long-term trauma—even with a helmet.
E-wheels can be modified to exceed legal speed limits, increasing danger.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children under 16 should not operate or ride e-scooters, e-bikes and e-motos.

Safety First

Use a certified helmet, obey traffic laws and ride predictably.
One rider per machine—no passengers.
Avoid distractions like earbuds or phones while riding.
Practice in a safe, car-free space before riding in public areas.

“These devices require more responsibility than many people realize,” said Sheriff Byron Roberson. “Know the laws, wear safety gear and talk with your kids before they ride.”

For full safety guidance, visit this webpage.

Department:

Health

Health and Environment

Sheriff

Category:

News Releases

Johnson County Board of County Commissioners extends funding timeline for WIC program during federal government shutdown

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 22:18:05 +0000

Johnson County Board of County Commissioners extends funding timeline for WIC program during federal government shutdown tim.dodderidge… Thu, 11/06/2025 - 16:18 November 6, 2025

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners has extended to Dec. 6 its authorization to use county funding to help keep a nutrition program for women, infants and children operational.

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s WIC program is provided through federal funds from the United States Department of Agriculture.

On Oct. 9, the Board authorized up to $121,000 in Department of Health and Environment reserve funding to be spent if needed in support of the WIC program for an initial 30-day time frame. No county funding was spent during that time, due to contingency funding from the United States Department of Agriculture becoming available. Thursday’s BOCC action extended the time frame during which the county funding would be available to Dec. 6.

Funding approved on Thursday would be used to fund personnel costs for the WIC program; food benefit costs are provided through the state of Kansas.

The WIC program provides nutrition education, healthy foods, breastfeeding support and referrals to healthcare services for low-income new mothers, pregnant women, infants and children up to 5 years old. Fathers, step-parents, foster parents, grandparents and guardians also can apply for these benefits for any eligible children in the household.

“Feeding vulnerable children and the parents or guardians who support them is one of the most important roles of government,” said Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly. “We will do whatever we can to continue WIC benefits in Johnson County despite what may be occurring in Washington, D.C.”

The WIC program and funding are separate from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, and the action taken by the Board has no direct impact on those receiving SNAP benefits.

The Board’s action calls for the county to use reserve funding only if it is necessary, and to shift back to federal WIC funding if it is restored.

For more information about the WIC program and other food assistance resources in Johnson County, please go to this webpage.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Health

Health and Environment

Category:

News Releases

Stronger Together

Jennifer.Dunlay@jocogov.org — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 20:18:53 +0000

Stronger Together Jennifer.Dunla… Thu, 11/06/2025 - 14:18

Application Closed

Due to overwhelming response, we are closing the Stronger Together application, as the number of applications we received has exceeded the grant funds available at this time. We are making the Stronger Together toolkit available online to help neighbors plan and host their own block parties. Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm. We hope to offer this program again in the future.

When neighbors know each other, communities thrive. Stronger Together is a Johnson County Department of Health and Environment initiative that helps Johnson County, Kansas, neighborhoods host block parties and community events that bring people together, strengthen relationships and build a greater sense of belonging.

Neighborhoods with strong connections are more resilient, inclusive and supportive. When people know and trust their neighbors, they’re better prepared to respond to and recover from disasters or other emergencies.

What It’s All About

Stronger Together provides funding, tools and templates to make it easy for neighbors to plan and host gatherings. Whether it’s a cookout, a movie night or a neighborhood clean-up, these simple moments help foster:

Connection – When we look out for one another, we build safer, happier communities.
Inclusion – Everyone is welcome and valued.
Neighborhood Pride – Every neighborhood has a story worth celebrating.

How It Works

Apply for Funding – Johnson County neighborhood groups can apply for $400 grants to help cover event expenses. Grants are provided by the Kansas Health Foundation, Kansas Gas Service and The Andersons, Inc.
Use the Stronger Together Toolkit – Access free planning templates, checklists and outreach materials to make organizing easy. JCDHE will assist with the city permit process and cover any associated fees, if necessary.
Host Your Event – Celebrate your neighborhood, invite everyone and have fun!
Share Your Story – Take pictures and tell us about your event so we can inspire others to get involved.

What’s Included in the Stronger Together Toolkit

Step-by-step instructions for hosting a neighborhood block party.
Ready-to-use flyers and invitation templates.
Accessibility and inclusion tips to ensure everyone can participate.
Guidance on safety and cleanup.

Questions or need help getting started? Send an email to Evelyn Dubey, Community Resilience Coordinator.

Kansas Infectious Disease Symposium 2026

Jennifer.Dunlay@jocogov.org — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 18:40:16 +0000

Kansas Infectious Disease Symposium 2026 Jennifer.Dunla… Fri, 09/26/2025 - 13:40

Join us May 14-15, 2026 at the Ball Event Center in Olathe, Kansas where you’ll hear experts from the public and private sectors discuss emerging public health issues.

Expand your knowledge of how infectious diseases are contained and managed. Connect with local, state and federal partners to share the latest information on disease prevention and how to improve health outcomes.

APRNs, RNs, LPNs and CNAs who attend the entire two-day event will be awarded 11.75 CNE contact hours.

If you have questions or require additional information, please email the conference planners.

Registration Information

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT.

Register before April 1, 2026: $150
Register on or after April 1, 2026: $175
Students: $100

Selected poster presenters will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee. A convenience fee of 2.4% will be applied for online credit card payments. Your registration is not finalized until payment has been received. Cancellations accepted and fees refunded through April 27, 2026.

Presentation Topics

Preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Arboviral Diseases
Zoonotic Fungal Infections
Candida auris (C. auris)
Tuberculosis
Immunizations
Respiratory Outbreaks and Infection Control

View the full agenda for the 2026 Symposium. Agenda topics, speakers and continuing education credits are subject to change.

Call for Abstracts

The Kansas Infectious Disease Symposium invites you to submit abstracts that explore innovative approaches, cutting-edge research and impactful strategies to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease threats. We welcome abstracts from undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, practitioners and professionals that showcase original research, case studies or best practices.

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Abstracts are limited to 400 words, not including title, authors, and headers. Abstracts should contain the presenting author's name and affiliation and the following headers:

Title
Background
Method/Intervention
Results
Conclusion/Discussion

Poster Presentation

A visual illustration on a poster board summarizing findings using graphics, diagrams, photographs and limited text. Presentations are limited to only one presenting author. Presenters are responsible for transporting the poster to the Symposium.

Presenters will provide an informal presentation (information sharing and discussion) of 30 minutes (15 minutes before the Symposium starts and 15 minutes during the afternoon break) on both days of the Symposium.

Poster Size and Material

No larger than 42 in. (length) x 30 in. (height)
The preferred material for the poster is foam board
If you bring a traditional poster, a foam board will be provided to clip the poster onto
An easel will be provided

Presenter Disclosure

Presenting authors must disclose to participants prior to speaking any significant financial interest or other relationships with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) or provider(s) of any commercial services discussed in a session presentation and with any commercial supports of the activity. This pertains to relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers or other corporations whose products or services are related to the subject matter of the presentation topic. Having an interest or affiliation with a corporate organization does not prevent a speaker from making a presentation, but the relationship must be made known in advance to the audience.

Important Dates

March 31, 2026: Abstract submissions closed
April 3, 2026: Submitters are notified of their selection for poster presentation. Selected poster presenters will receive a 50% discount on the Symposium registration fee.

Submission Process

Submit your abstract through our online portal by 5 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

If you have questions about submitting an abstract or need additional information, send an email to KIDSConference@jocogov.org.

May 14, 2026 - 08:00am May 15, 2026 - 04:30pm

Training and Classes

Health

Health and Environment

Safe Kids Johnson County hosts free car seat checkup event in celebration of Child Passenger Safety Week

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:39:40 +0000

Safe Kids Johnson County hosts free car seat checkup event in celebration of Child Passenger Safety Week tim.dodderidge… Fri, 09/26/2025 - 09:39 September 26, 2025

Safe Kids Johnson County, in partnership with State Farm® and McCarthy Chevrolet, invites families, caregivers, grandparents and anyone who transports children to a free Community Buckle Up Event on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at McCarthy Chevrolet, 675 N. Rawhide, Olathe, Kansas 66061 (inside the service department—just drive in).

This event is held in celebration of Child Passenger Safety Week, a national initiative to raise awareness about the importance of correctly using car seats, booster seats and seatbelts to protect children in vehicles.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) will be on-site to inspect car seats and their installation. The event is first-come, first-served, and aims to ensure every child leaves safer than when they arrived. Technicians will check for expired or recalled seats, missing parts, incorrect fit for a child’s size or age, improper installation and counterfeit products.

“Every time you buckle up your child the right way, you’re taking a powerful step to keep them safe,” said Marty Vinson, CPST at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. “It might seem small, but it’s one of the most important things you do each day.”

National data shows that three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, correctly used child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger vehicles.

This free event is part of Safe Kids Johnson County's Buckle Up Program, which works year-round to keep children safe on the road. Safe Kids Johnson County is a children’s injury prevention coalition committed to reducing the risk of preventable injuries in kids from birth through age 18.

Department:

Health

Health and Environment

Category:

News Releases

Johnson County celebrates Health Services Building groundbreaking

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:09:05 +0000

Johnson County celebrates Health Services Building groundbreaking tim.dodderidge… Mon, 08/25/2025 - 14:09 August 25, 2025

Left to right: Commissioner Jeff Meyers, Commissioner Michael Ashcraft, Commissioner Julie Brewer, Commissioner Janeé Hanzlick, Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly, Commissioner Becky Fast and Deputy County Manager Julie Karins

Johnson County Government officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Aug. 22 to celebrate work beginning on a new Health Services Building, located at the county’s Sunset Drive campus at 119th Street and Ridgeview Road in Olathe.

Scheduled for completion in October 2027, this facility will bring together under one roof three departments that are focused on the health and wellbeing of Johnson County residents.

Attendees at the ceremony heard remarks from Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly, Facilities Director Tony Barron, Department of Health and Environment Director Charlie Hunt, Mental Health Deputy Director Liz Worth and Aging and Human Services Director Tim Wholf. Among the attendees were clients who have received services from the county departments that will eventually be housed within the facility.

The Health Services Building will bring together services from the Johnson County Mental Health Center, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment and Johnson County Aging and Human Services.

Spanning 140,000 square feet, this facility will include private consultation spaces, multi-purpose rooms to support group therapy and community health events, increased daylight and connection to nature, and welcoming features that promote wellbeing, comfort and dignity. About 30% of the total square footage will be collaborative workspaces to promote teamwork and communication among the different departments.

In addition to an adaptable and flexible design that accommodates future growth and changes in service needs, the facility has been designed to be LEED-certified, a designation provided by the U.S. Green Building Council to mean “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.”

The Health Services Building includes enhanced energy efficient and cost-conscious sustainability features, including a water reclamation system which will save approximately 232,000 gallons of fresh water each year and rooftop solar panels that will cover 70% of the roof and produce nearly 100% of the building’s electrical demand.

Learn more about the Health Services Building construction project online.

Department:

Aging and Human Services

Facilities Management

Health

Health and Environment

Mental Health

Category:

News Releases

3 Reasons Students Should Walk, Bike or Roll to School

ashley.follett@jocogov.org — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 18:00:18 +0000

3 Reasons Students Should Walk, Bike or Roll to School ashley.follett… Mon, 08/11/2025 - 13:00

Walking and bike riding are healthy ways to get to and from school. Skipping the school drop-off traffic for more active commutes can contribute to the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity kids need each day. Here are 3 reasons and a bonus benefit of walking and biking to school.

Healthier Students

Walking, biking and rolling to school is a great way for children to get their daily dose of physical activity while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones, muscles and joints, and it decreases the risk of obesity. In contrast, insufficient physical activity can contribute to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke.

Research suggests that physically active kids are more likely to become healthy, physically active adults, underscoring the importance of developing the habit of regular physical activity early.

Improved Academic Performance

The small investment of time to walk, bike or roll to school, rather than drive, pays off in the classroom as well. Research cited by the CDC states that kids who are physically active tend to concentrate better, remember what they learned, and have more on-task time than their inactive peers.

Improved Mental Health

With mental health issues rising in children throughout the past decade, it’s important to find small ways to combat these issues and improve mental health on a daily basis. Spending time outside is linked to many positive mental health outcomes – improved focus, lower stress, better mood, and reduced risk of developing a mental health condition. Walking can help to reduce the severity of mental health issues, too. Just an hour of physical activity a day can help reduce stress and reduce depression and anxiety.

Bonus Benefit – It’s Good for You, too!

It’s recommended that children under ten walk or bike to school by a parent, trusted adult, or as a part of a walkpool (like carpools but walking instead of driving). By walking or biking with your child to school, you can reap the physical and mental health benefits, too!

Physical activity for just 30 minutes a day can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, depression, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s and dementia, osteoporosis. It can also improve your blood pressure, increase strength, and boost endorphins. Walking your child to school can make you healthier and happier! 

Worried About Safety?

Children usually aren't ready to start walking or biking to school without an adult until about fifth grade, or around age 10. Younger children are more impulsive and less cautious around traffic, and they often don't fully understand other potential dangers they could come across.

By walking or biking with your children to and from school, you can help them learn the neighborhood, teach them about traffic signs, street signs and directions, and model correct behaviors when crossing streets. Walking and biking in groups and adopting a buddy system can also increase safety. Walkers should also avoid using electronics that could distract them during their route. 

A Salad Bar in Your Fridge

ashley.follett@jocogov.org — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:39:49 +0000

A Salad Bar in Your Fridge ashley.follett… Mon, 08/11/2025 - 12:39

Life can get hectic, between work, school, sports, and other commitments, it’s easy to rely on quick, less healthy options when mealtime sneaks up on you. But even during the busiest seasons, you can still set yourself and your family up for success by having fresh, healthy ingredients ready to go. With just a little prep, you can make it simple to enjoy a crisp, colorful salad any day of the week, without the stress or extra mess.

Choose your favorite salad bar toppings—vegetables, fruits, toasted nuts, cheeses, proteins, and dressings—and portion them into small containers. Arrange them in a 9×13 pan or large container in the refrigerator. At mealtime, simply pull out the pan, build your salad, and put it back in one motion. This quick system saves time, reduces mess, and makes it easier to enjoy crisp, colorful salads all week long.

You can also use this method to create quick, nourishing bowls. Keep cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice ready in the fridge, then mix and match with your prepped toppings for a warm or cold meal in minutes. It’s a simple way to enjoy variety while still eating healthy, even on your busiest days.

Simple Salad Dressing

1 pkg. dry Italian dressing mix

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

½ cup Olive or Canola Oil

3 Tbs. water

¼ cup raspberry jelly, warmed in microwave,

(Note: any flavor of jam or jelly may be substituted)

Shake all ingredients in cruet or whisk together in a small bowl until well blended.

Romaine Salad with Toppings:

1 heart of Romaine lettuce, chopped

½ cup roasted soy nuts

½ cup dried cranberries, or cherries, or raisins

1 package, 4 ounces of feta cheese, can use different flavors

½ cup toasted almonds, or walnuts, or pecans

Wasabi peas to taste (1/2 cup or so)

Mix all in salad bowl, add dressing and toss.

Other good “toppers” include:

Fresh fruit of any kind chopped

Mandarin orange slices or other canned fruits in juice pack

Sesame sticks

Cheddar or mozzarella, gorgonzola, goat or any type of cheese

While calories, carbohydrate, protein, fat, and even fiber are similar between iceberg and Romaine lettuce, there are also important differences! Namely, Romaine has 2.5 times the calcium and double the potassium and magnesium of iceberg lettuce. Romaine also has 8 times the vitamin A and almost 4 times the folate of iceberg lettuce.

JCDHE walk-in vaccination clinics aim to prevent illness and school absences

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:26:48 +0000

JCDHE walk-in vaccination clinics aim to prevent illness and school absences tim.dodderidge… Mon, 07/21/2025 - 12:26 July 21, 2025

With the first day of school less than a month away, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is offering three walk-in vaccination clinics to help students, from preschool through 12th grade, get caught up on the shots they need to attend school and stay healthy.

These convenient clinics provide all recommended and required immunizations for the 2025–2026 school year, protecting students from serious diseases like measles, whooping cough and meningitis.

Under Kansas Department of Health and Environment guidelines, students must be up to date on vaccinations to attend school and participate in school activities. These clinics aim to make compliance simple and stress-free for families.

“Back-to-school season is already busy enough—our clinics take the stress out of vaccinations,” said Charlie Hunt, department director. “We’re here to help families knock this off their list early, so students stay healthy and ready to learn.”

Clinic Dates and Locations

July 25 and Aug. 1

July 25, 1-4 p.m.
August 1, 1-4 p.m.
Health Services Building, 11875 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, Kansas 66061

Aug. 8

Aug. 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Northeast Office Building, Room 500, 6000 Lamar Ave., Mission, KS 66202

Parents/guardians must accompany their student to the clinic and are encouraged to complete paperwork online by the Wednesday before the clinic. Additional items to bring to the clinic include the student’s health insurance information, vaccination record and letter from school, if available. Translation services will be available at each clinic, and no one will be turned away for inability to pay.

For more information about the clinics, call 913-826-1261 or send an email to jcdhe@jocogov.org.

Department:

Health

Health and Environment

Category:

News Releases