Half of Kansas Identified as High Risk for West Nile Virus

KDHE Press Release

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Kansas West Nile Virus Risk

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a high-risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for northcentral, southcentral, and southwest Kansas. Northeast, southeast, and northwest Kansas are at moderate risk for WNV infections.

West Nile virus can be spread to people through mosquito bites, but it is not spread from person to person. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop swelling of the brain or brain tissue, that in some cases, can result in death. There are no vaccines or medications to treat WNV. People who have had WNV before are considered immune.

“Know your risk and take action to prevent mosquito bites to protect yourself and your family against West Nile virus”, said Dr. Greg Lakin, State Health Officer.” 

KDHE recommends the following prevention measures:

• Visit the KDHE WNV website weekly to learn about the current WNV risk level; http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm
• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times, or consider staying indoors during these hours.
• The elderly or those with a weakened immune system should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn when the Culex species mosquitos are most active.
• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.
• Horses can also be infected with WNV. Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinating your horse to protect them against WNV.

Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Although there have been no cases of WNV reported to KDHE in 2018 there have been more than 600 cases of the most severe form of WNV and 30 deaths in Kansas from 1999-2017.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this webpage with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/.  For questions about West Nile virus or other Arboviral diseases contact the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.

Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad

KDHE Press Release

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TOPEKA –The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE), public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating a multistate outbreak ofSalmonellaSandiego infections. Spring Pasta Salad purchased at Hy-Vee grocery stores is a likely source of the outbreak.

The KDHE says HyVee Spring Pasta Salad
is linked to a salmonella outbreak.

As of July 17, the CDC reported 21 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Sandiego from five states. On July 20, KDHE and JCDHE identified one infected person, an adult resident of Johnson County.

“Any individuals who have this in their refrigerator should return the recalled Spring Pasta Salad to the store for a refund or throw it away,” said KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Greg Lakin. “Even if some of it was eaten and no one got sick, do not eat it. If you stored recalled pasta salad in another container, throw the pasta salad away. Thoroughly wash the container with warm, soapy water before using it again, to remove harmful germs that could contaminate other food,” Lakin said.

The Spring Pasta Salad was sold in Kansas Hy-Vee stores before Hy-Vee removed it from all its locations on July 16. Kansans should check their refrigerators to ensure they do not eat the recalled pasta salad. The Spring Pasta Salad includes shell pasta, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green pepper, onion, and mayonnaise. It was sold in one-pound (16 oz.) and three-pound (48 oz.) plastic containers or may have been scooped at the deli counter into clear plastic containers. The recalled pasta salad was sold in all Hy-Vee grocery stores in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The expiration dates for the recalled pasta salad range from June 22, 2018, to Aug. 3, 2018.

Contact a health care provider if you think you got sick from eating recalled Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps 12 to 96 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some people; the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body. Children younger than five years, adults older than 65 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

From the KDHE

Press Release

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KDHE Announces Recipients of Waste Tire Recycling Grants  

51 individual grants distributed to recipients across Kansas

TOPEKA –  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management has announced the recipients of waste tire recycling grants. These annual solid waste grants are awarded to municipalities and school districts across the state. The grants total nearly $468,000 for 2018.

The waste tire recycling grants go toward funding safe surfacing at playgrounds, running tracks, picnic tables and benches made from waste tires. This year’s 51 individual waste tire recycling grants range from $209 to $61,213.50. The grants are funded through a 25-cent tax paid on the purchase of new tires. The list of grantees can be found at http://www.kdheks.gov/waste/grants/SFY18WTGSpreadsheetFinal.pdf.

For more information on KDHE’s waste reduction grant opportunities and application procedures, visit www.kdheks.gov/waste.  

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Measles Outbreak Declared Over

TOPEKA – Nearly three months after the initial outbreak of measles at a Johnson County day care, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) declares the outbreak over. The conclusion of the outbreak was made official on May 28, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided final specimen testing results. A measles outbreak is considered over when no additional cases have been identified, and two incubation periods (42 days) have passed. Counties affected by the outbreak included Johnson, Linn, and Miami.

“We are happy and relieved that this outbreak has concluded,” said KDHE State Epidemiologist Dr. Farah Ahmed. “Because of the unfortunate circumstance of this starting in a daycare environment where many children were too young to be vaccinated, we and local health departments were challenged to track those infected and make sure the public took appropriate precautions. Most people followed instructions, and we were able to contain the outbreak without major health complications,” Dr. Ahmed said.

KDHE emphasizes that the best way to prevent measles and many other diseases is through vaccinations. KDHE provides vaccines through a network of local public and private providers across the state, through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. VFC is a federally-funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay. A child is eligible for the VFC program if he/she is younger than 19 years of age and is one of the following:

·         Medicaid-eligible

·         Uninsured

·         Underinsured (has insurance that does not cover vaccines, does not cover a particular vaccine or has a dollar cap on vaccines and that cap has been reached)

·         American Indian or Alaska Native

There is no cost for the vaccine; however, there may be an office visit charge or an administration fee. For a list of Kansas VFC providers, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/immunize/vfc_program.html.

Uninsured adults may find vaccines available at Federally Qualified Health Centers or Rural Health Centers and at some local health departments. Many private providers and pharmacies provide vaccine for insured people. HealthMap Vaccine Finder is a resource for locating vaccines in communities https://vaccinefinder.org/. 

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KDHE Posts Overview of Plan and Invites Comments for VW Settlement  

Comment period runs from June 1 – July 2

TOPEKA – Beginning, Friday, June 1, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will post online the Kansas Plan for the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and will collect comments on the content through July 2. The trust was created pursuant to the 2016 U.S. Department of Justice partial consent decree to settle claims against the automaker Volkswagen. As part of the settlement, Volkswagen is required to allocate $2.7 billion toward an Environmental Mitigation Trust to fund diesel emission reduction projects.

In 2017, KDHE was designated as the lead agency to act on behalf of the trust for the state of Kansas. This includes distributing funds totaling more than $15 million, which may be used on eligible projects ranging from the replacement of older diesel-fueled equipment to the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging stations.

To view the plan and for more information about the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust, visit www.kdheks.gov/bar/air-monitor/dieselgrant/dieselvw.html. To submit comments via email, send to kdhe.ksvwsettlement@ks.gov. Comments must be received by July 2.

CDC Report: Kansas ranks 19th in Sucide Rates, experiencing dramatic increase

Press Release

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TOPEKA – Suicide is a tragic reality in our state and throughout the rest of the country. Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released its latest Vital Signs series, which addresses a single, important public health topic each month. This month’s edition looks at suicide rates across the United States. The report details a dramatic increase in incidents of suicide in Kansas, particularly among females. The state ranked 19th overall, and fifth for an overall change. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) also tracks this cause of death through its division of Vital Statistics. This information is shared with our federal partners for reports such as this.

“Many of us have been personally impacted by this unfortunate reality,” said Dr. Greg Lakin, KDHE Chief Medical Officer. “It’s important that everyone, whether it’s a medical professional, family, friends or co-workers, take an active role in offering help before it’s too late.”

The CDC report indicates the following:
In 2016, nearly 45,000 suicides occurred in the U.S. among people 10 years and older. From 1999-2016, suicide rates increased in nearly every state, with 25 states experiencing increases of more than 30 percent each.
Data from 27 states participating in the National Violent Death Reporting System in 2015 indicate that more than half of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.
A range of factors contributes to suicide beyond mental health conditions alone, including relationship, substance use, physical health, job, financial and legal problems.
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) offers programs and services to address suicide. It also heads the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council, that produced the Kansas Suicide Prevention Subcommittee 2017 Annual Report, which outlines steps the State is taking to regarding this issue.

“Too many Kansans are lost to suicide each year,” said KDADS Secretary Tim Keck. “It’s imperative that we continue to make suicide prevention a top priority, by promoting public awareness of the issue, evaluating risk factors and encouraging appropriate treatments and interventions.”

• Suicide warning signs include the following:
• Feeling like a burden
• Being isolated
• Increased anxiety
• Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Increased substance use
• Looking for a way to access lethal means
• Increased anger or rage
• Extreme mood swings
• Expressing hopelessness
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Talking or posting about wanting to die
• Making plans for suicide

Suicide has risk and protective factors similar to other behavioral health issues. Kansas has many resources available, ranging from prevention and behavioral health promotion strategies to guidance in responding effectively to suicidal thoughts, plans, and actions. Learn more about how to support friends, family, and neighbors after a suicide attempt. To learn more, visit the Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Kansas at 785-841-2345, or 800-273-8255. Free and confidential crisis counseling is available 24/7. Other resources include Kansas chat, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and Lifeline Chat.
For behavioral health, mental health or medical resources in your area, please visit the Local Resources page of KansasSuicidePrevention.org or dial 211. KDADS also offers training regarding suicide prevention. 

Kansas Expert Clears up Confusion About Palliative Care

Press Release by Jennifer Amundson | Associate Director, Regional Media Advocacy American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc.

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – Janelle Williamson, APRN/NP-C, has seen first-hand how patients can react when they are offered palliative care. She is a nurse practitioner in pain and palliative care services at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

"The biggest barrier to patients receiving palliative care is not knowing what it is," explained Williamson, "I've developed a special way of introducing myself so patients won't immediately think they are dying. I wish more people knew: palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with serious illness. Even providers need a reminder on that."

Palliative care focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness – whatever the stage of life. It is provided by a team of doctors, nurses, and other specialists who work together with a patient's other doctors to provide an extra layer of support. Common diagnoses include cancer, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney failure, liver failure or ALS (Lou Gehrig disease).

Williamson provided a list of the top four misconceptions she hears about palliative care, and the responses she gives to set patients and family members at ease.

Myth #1: Palliative care is for patients who are dying.

This is the number one barrier to patients receiving palliative care. People don't know what it is or think they are being offered hospice care. People who are offered palliative care are often expected to live for a long time with the symptoms of their disease. The more people understand the elements of the care, the more positively they respond. Even in high-tech treatments, people still want their care team to know what their personal goals are for their life and that's a huge part of palliative care.

Myth #2: Palliative care isn't covered by my insurance.

This is another common and unfounded fear in most cases, said Williamson. According to the Center to Advance Palliative Care: "Most private insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care services in the hospital, in rehabilitation and skilled nursing or hospice facilities. Medicare and Medicaid don't use the word 'palliative' but the services are the same."

Myth #3: I have to give up medical treatment to get palliative care.

Palliative care is not hospice care, a valuable discipline in its own right. Currently, patients must be willing to give up curative treatments to receive Medicare coverage for hospice care, which provides support to patients who are expected to live less than six months. Palliative care is designed to work alongside curative treatment, to help a patient cope with a life-changing diagnosis.

Myth #4: I have had enough medical treatment already, and I don't need more appointments.

Palliative care helps to streamline patient care and reduce the emotional and physical burdens patients face. It reduces the likelihood a patient will need to be admitted to the hospital for emergency care and improves a patient's ability to focus on what matters most to them. While it's possible palliative care may not reduce the patient's number of appointments, it will certainly make their medical journey less overwhelming.

"Confusion about palliative care is one of the reasons I'm working with American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and others to advance legislation on the topic," said Williamson. "We are working to educate lawmakers about a bill that would establish an advisory council on palliative care, to make recommendations about how our laws and policies can support this important care. I have the best job ever. I get to help people facing life-changing illness figure out how to keep their life goals at the center of their care. Public education and support for this work will help more Kansans access palliative care."

 

Kansas Ranks as #37 Most Sexually Diseased State in U.S.A.

Press Release

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Just in time for a little Halloween horror, BackgroundChecks.org has updated their Most Sexually Diseased States in America report. Since we first looked at the data, the CDC has published new findings, with new data from 2016 available.

The 10 most sexually diseased states are currently:
1. Alaska (no change)
2. Mississippi (+2)
3. Louisiana (-1)
4. Georgia (+3)
5. New Mexico (no change)
6. North Carolina (-3)
7. South Carolina (-1)
8. Arkansas (+1)
9. Delaware (+5)
10. Oklahoma (-2)

The 10 least sexually problematic states are currently:
1. Vermont (-3)
2. New Hampshire (+1)
3. West Virginia (+1)
4. Maine (+1)
5. Utah (no change)
6. Idaho (no change)
7. Wyoming (no change)
8. Connecticut (-1)
9. Massachusetts (+1)
10. New Jersey (no change)

Also worth mentioning is the increase in reported gonorrhea cases. The top ten worst states experienced a rise in the rate of gonorrhea per 100k residents. In Alaska (#1), Mississippi (#2) and Georgia (#4), the rate rose by more than 40 per 100k. The across-the-board increase in gonorrhea infection is startling, and many experts attribute it to the rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains of the disease.  With Oklahoma being the worst =, coming in at number ten.

According to the report, Kansas ranks thirty-seventh.  Of the states surrounding Kansas, the state of Kansas ranks the best, with the lowest number of incidents per 100,000 residents. 

37.  Kansas

33. Nebraska

30. Colorado

15.Missouri

10.Oklahoma

Originally released on February 7, 2017, the ranking was created from local county and state health data, social media surveys, and CDC data on the rate of incidents per 100,000 residents for the two most common STDs; gonorrhea and chlamydia. 

LDCHD news release about community flu clinics

Press Release

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Lawrence, KS – The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has scheduled three
community flu vaccination clinics. They will be:
• Tuesday, Oct. 17 — 4-6 p.m., Eudora City Hall, 4 E. Seventh St., Eudora.
• Thursday, Nov. 2 — 3:30-5:45 p.m., Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St.,
Lawrence.
• Wednesday, Nov. 8 — 4-6 p.m. Baldwin City Public Library, 800 Seventh St., Baldwin
City.
Participants should bring health insurance information or cash, credit card or check. The flu shot is:
• $28 for children ages 6 months to 35 months.
• $35 for individuals 3 years and older.
• $62 for the high-dose vaccine for individuals 65 years and older.
The Health Department recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a
yearly flu vaccine. Getting the vaccination is the most effective way to avoid getting the flu, a
contagious respiratory illness.
Influenza can cause mild to severe symptoms and can lead to hospitalizations and death.
During the 2016-17 flu season, influenza was a contributing factor or directly caused 1,205
deaths in Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Those
most at risk are infants and young children, older adults and pregnant women; however, flu is
unpredictable and even healthy children and adults can get flu.
Clinic Supervisor Kathy Colson said it’s not only important to get vaccinated to protect yourself,
but also your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. “People can be infected with the flu
virus and not be showing symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus
to others.”
For more information about flu or to view Douglas County flu activity, visit ldchealth.org/flu.

Leading Autism Advocate Appointed to International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards Executive Board

NewsWire

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  - The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the world’s leading training and certification provider for autism and cognitive disorders, announced today the appointment of award-winning disability advocate Kerry Magro to their executive panel of board members.

“IBCCES does incredible work around the world,” said Magro. “It’s wonderful now to be part of this team as a board member.”

As a self-advocate, Magro was completely non-verbal until the age of two and a half and was diagnosed with autism at 4-years-old. He is now a best-selling author of three books, a movie consultant of two autism films and a nonprofit founder that has given over 45 scholarships for students with autism for college. Magro additionally presented at the International Symposium on Cognitive Disorders in February and is expected to speak at the 2018 event held at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida.

“Working with the great team at IBCCES, I can use my expertise and knowledge to help make the world a more accommodating place for everyone,” said Magro. “Inclusion is key in our society today.”

IBCCES focuses on cognitive disorder training and certification around the world, with members now in 42 countries and expanding. IBCCES just launched AutismTravel.com, of which Magro will be a regular guest contributor in order to bring greater knowledge and options for families traveling with autism. IBCCES additionally trains and certifies school districts, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement worldwide.

“Kerry’s expertise in autism and enthusiasm for creating positive change is aligned with our goal to increase awareness and education in cognitive disorders throughout the world, and we are excited to have him on our team,” said IBCCES Board Chairman Myron Pincomb.

Magro added that he is looking forward to collaborative opportunities with IBCCES. “We have the opportunity to impact the lives of so many,” he explained. “There are exciting times ahead.”

Magro currently travels around the country as a motivational speaker and disability advocate, including presenting at two TEDx Talks. In 2014, he received accreditation from the National Speakers Association as one of the only professionally certified speakers with autism in the country. Magro is now the host of a local cable program that focuses on individuals who overcome adversity called the "Different is Beautiful Show," and has begun interviewing individuals for a new video series that highlights people with special needs, disease and those who have overcome obstacles in their lives called “A Special Community of Love and Acceptance.” Magro has additionally worked with brands including CBS News, Inside Edition, Upworthy, BBC News, HuffPost Live, HuffPost, American Express, J.P Morgan Chase, NBA.com and more.

“It’s been a dream to travel the world as a professional speaker, but the greatest achievement is being able to mentor and work with people with special needs,” said Magro. “I didn’t have any role models with autism growing up, so being able to help the next generation of kids is what I love.”

Douglas County Residents Urged to Provide Feedback at Community Health Forums in August

Press Release

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Lawrence, KS – Findings from the Douglas County Community Health
Assessment will be presented at four forums in August. Residents are urged to
attend the forums to provide input on the results and to suggest next steps in the
process, which will involve creation of a Community Health Improvement Plan.
The plan will be used as a guiding document for community leaders and
policymakers in Douglas County.
Forum dates are:
• Wednesday, Aug. 16 — 5-7 p.m., Baldwin City Library, 800 Seventh St.,
Baldwin City.
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 — 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Community Health Facility,
200 Maine St., Lawrence.
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 — 6:30-8:30 p.m., Eudora Community Recreation
Center, 1630 Elm St., Eudora.
• Thursday, Aug. 24 — 5-7 p.m., Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707
Vermont St., Lawrence.
The forums are free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be
provided.
“Results from the assessment show that our health status is not just about health
care. It’s about creating job opportunities, providing safe and affordable housing,
and ensuring children and youth are free from abuse and neglect,” said Director
Dan Partridge, of the Lawrence-Douglas Health Department. “If we’re going to
improve our health moving forward, we have to include all community
perspectives in the conversation.”
Lawrence Memorial Hospital President and CEO Russ Johnson agrees. “In our
Destination Health strategic plan, we identified population health as an important
initiative,” Johnson said. “Partnering with other organizations and the community
to improve health more broadly is population health. LMH is strongly committed
to our purpose of being ‘A Partner for Lifelong Health.’ A collaborative approach
is essential, and it begins with conversations and feedback.”
The Community Health Assessment was developed to specifically include
residents typically underrepresented. The assessment includes: a survey that
was completed by 2,000 Douglas County residents; newly-analyzed data about
life expectancy, leading causes of death and other health outcomes in Douglas
County; and a PhotoVoice project where area youth used photography to identify
health concerns and strengths.
Through the Community Health Assessment process, common health challenges
emerged:
• Access to affordable housing
• Alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Barriers to accessing healthy foods and food insecurity
• Child abuse and neglect
• Discrimination
• Mental health
• Physical activity
• Preventive care services and clinical linkages
• Poverty and good-paying jobs
“These are big challenges affecting our health, and that’s why we need to work
together to make progress on them,” Partridge said. “I’m looking forward to
hearing the community’s thoughts about how we can best tackle these
challenges.”
A Steering Committee, representing agencies across Douglas County, is leading
the Community Health Assessment process. Those agencies include: Douglas
County, City of Lawrence, City of Eudora, Baldwin City, City of Lecompton, KU
Center for Community Health and Development, Lawrence-Douglas County
Health Department, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, LiveWell Lawrence, Heartland
Community Health Center, Health Care Access, Douglas County Dental Clinic,
Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, DCCCA, Haskell Indian Health
Center, Douglas County Community Foundation, The Lawrence Chamber, KState
Research and Extension — Douglas County, Lawrence-Douglas County
Housing Authority, Peaslee Tech and Saint Luke’s AME Church.

ComfortCare Homes Aquires Senior Living Facilities

Press Release

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ComfortCare Homes in Baldwin City, Kansas has acquired Vintage Park at Neodesha and Vintage Park at Fredonia from Chicago Pacific Founders, according to Scott Schultz, President of ComfortCare Homes of Baldwin City and Ottawa.
Concurrent with this Acquisition, all care homes owned and operated by Schultz will now be operated under the Morningstar Care Homes brand, replacing the ComfortCare Homes brand in Baldwin City and Ottawa, and immediately replacing the Vintage Park brand in Fredonia and Neodesha.
Morningstar Care Homes now has a senior living capacity of 81 residents in these four homes. The corporate office will remain at 813 8th Street in Baldwin City.
In addition, Morningstar Care Homes at Dunn’s Vista, located in Baldwin City is under construction and plans a grand opening for the 12-bed home in 2018.
“The acquisitions in Fredonia and Neodesha continue our drive to be the senior living provider of choice in the markets we serve,” said Schultz. “With the addition of the home at Dunn’s Vista in 2018 approximately 50% our residential services will be provided to individuals who require the personalized memory care we are known for, and we expect memory care to be our dominant service offering in the future.
“We remain grateful to ComfortCare Homes of Wichita for helping us become established,” continued Schultz. “We are very excited to firmly establish the Morningstar brand in existing and new markets that cover a broad range of senior living services including in-home non-medical care, assisted living, respite care, adult day care and of course our personalized memory care service.”

Two Area Healthcare Organizations Explore Possible Merger

Press Release submitted by Melanie Coen, Heartland Community Health Center

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Lawrence, KS - Heartland Community Health Center and Health Care Access would like to announce that the two organizations have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to merge. While a final decision has not been made, the two organizations have been in board conversations to explore better serving the community through a merged organization. As plans progress, the two entities are targeting January 2018 as a potential merge date.
Heartland and Health Care Access have been in ongoing discussions, regarding possible ways to join, for several years. However, the benefits of such a merger became even more evident recently, as local health care needs have evolved and changes at the state and federal levels have created increased barriers.

“This is just the beginning of something new, exciting and hopeful in health care for Lawrence and Douglas County,” said Heartland CEO Jon Stewart. “The shortcomings of our health care system have yet to be adequately addressed in Topeka, KS and Washington DC. A major part of the answer is to have a robust multi-disciplinary system of primary medical, behavioral and oral health care. Local collaboration is one attainable step in that direction.”

In the hopes of reaching more people in need of affordable, assessable health care, Heartland has tapped into the long-standing Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) model, becoming a recognized FQHC practice in 2012. Health Care Access, in recognizing the power of a shared vision, has declared their interest in joining forces to further expand this capability for the community. A merger between the two agencies would leverage the resources and assets of Heartland’s FQHC status, the 30 year service history and community relations of Health Care Access, and the supportive role of Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The anticipated result is a well-supported, unified, community health access point that will provide comprehensive services to all in need.

“The potential for our organizations to leverage the talents and assets entrusted to us together is exciting,” said Health Care Access CEO Beth Llewellyn. “Along with LMH, and other health care organizations in this community, we are collaborating in ways that will overcome barriers to care and create healthier people and communities.”

Organizations, such as Lawrence Memorial Hospital, have shown support for the potential collaboration.
Recent strategic planning at the hospital involved re-commitment to delivering health services when and where they are needed, forming community partnerships and working together for a seamless
experience, both inside and outside the hospital facilities.

“Lawrence Memorial Hospital has an opportunity here to establish ourselves as a lifelong partner in the health of our community by supporting this collaboration and the patients these organizations exist to serve,” said Lawrence Memorial Hospital CEO Russ Johnson. “We look forward to further supporting this type of community investment.”

It will take a number of months to work through the due diligence that is required to ascertain how the two organizations might best achieve a merge.

Health Department to Host Zika and You Event

Lawrence, KS – The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department will offer a
lunch-and-learn event, “Zika & You: What You Need to Know to Fight the Bite,” from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 25 in the Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vermont St. The event is open to the public, and lunch will be provided.
The program will begin at noon with a presentation by D. Christopher Rogers, a
research associate for the Kansas Biological Survey at the University of Kansas.
Rogers monitors mosquitoes for the State of Kansas.
After Rogers’ presentation, there will be a brief panel discussion with an
opportunity for community members to ask questions. In addition to Rogers,
panelists will include:

Amie Worthington, arboviral disease surveillance coordinator for the
Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, an infectious disease specialist for Lawrence
Memorial Hospital.
Zika virus primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes, but it also can be
passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners. Zika
infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect where the brain
doesn’t develop properly. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The best way to
prevent Zika is to prevent mosquito bites by:

Using insect repellent.

Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Staying in places with air conditioning or window and door screens.

Removing standing water around your home.
“This is a great opportunity to learn from our state experts about the Zika virus
and how to be proactive in preventing mosquito bites,” said Sonia Jordan,
preparedness and epidemiology coordinator at the Health Department.

Neurofibromatosis Network to host #NFStrong 5K Walk in Kansas City

Press release

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Kansas City, MO - The NF Network is pleased to announce the 9th Annual #NFStrong 5K Walk for Neurofibromatosis (NF) in Kansas City, MO. on Saturday, June 3, 2017. For more information or to register visit www.nfstrong.org
The Event will kick off at 9:00 am at Macken Park, 800 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City, MO. Registration is $25 adults, $12 children (11 & Under), $6 (3 & under) or, Raise $100 and get FREE registration. Use promo code #KCStrong to receive 10% off at checkout.
We’ll have food, face painting, NF tattoos, NF Champion medals, fundraising awards, a fabulous silent auction and new NF friends.
The NF Network encourages and appreciates business contributions either in the form of event supplies, auction items and business sponsorship's. To learn more about this program, please contact Yvonne Glass  at https://nfeventimages.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/resource/attachment/75/2017_KCMO_Business_Sponsorship_Letter___Levels.pdf
Proceeds will benefit the more than 100,000 Americans affected by Neurofibromatosis.
What is NF?
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that involves the uncontrolled growth of tumors along the nervous system, which can result in terrible disfigurement, deformity, deafness, blindness, brain tumors, cancer and death. NF is the most common neurological disorder caused by a single gene and is more common than Cystic Fibrosis, hereditary Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s disease and Tay Sachs combined. Because of NF’s close connection to many common diseases and disorders, such as cancer, learning disabilities, heart disease, memory loss, and brain tumors, research on NF stands to benefit 175 million Americans in this generation alone.
Who is the NF Network
The Neurofibromatosis Network was founded in 1988 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to join together several independent state and regional NF groups wishing to work together on national projects.
“The Mission of the NF Network is to find treatments and a cure for Neurofibromatosis by promoting scientific research, improving clinical care, providing outreach through education and awareness, while offering hope and support to those affected by NF.”

Governor Sam Brownback, Attorney General Derek Schmidt, and Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast take action regarding St. Francis Hospital

Press Release

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TOPEKA – Governor Sam Brownback and Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast today asked Attorney General Derek Schmidt to examine the financial structure of St. Francis Hospital of Topeka. Following a joint meeting late Friday afternoon between Governor Brownback, Attorney General Schmidt, and St. Francis medical personnel, Attorney General Schmidt confirmed he will launch an inquiry aimed at ensuring the charitable assets of St. Francis remain in Kansas.

The hospital’s parent company maintains over $2 billion dollars in assets, yet is seeking to “divest” St. Francis, possibly leading to its closure. The Kansas roots of St. Francis trace back to 1858 and the founding of Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth which remains organized as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Kansas. The actions by Governor Brownback and Attorney General Schmidt seek to protect Kansas-based charitable assets from being improperly transferred from the state leading to the closure of St. Francis.

“St. Francis has benefited from its status as a Kansas charity for many years, and it is important to make certain that such charitable assets are properly managed and remain in Kansas,” said Governor Brownback.  “The charitable assets should stay here for the benefit of Kansans, to serve their stated mission of improving the health of those who are poor and vulnerable. Northeast Kansas needs the medical services St. Francis provides.”

The office of the Attorney General has the authority to safeguard Kansas charities.

“Any decision by its out-of-state owners that would fail to maintain full operations of Saint Francis Hospital would be deeply troubling,” Schmidt said. “The absence of meaningful consultation with local leaders compounds the concern, particularly in light of the considerable benefits the people of Kansas have bestowed on this charitable operation over the years.”

Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast emphasized the importance of St. Francis to the health and economy of Topeka and surrounding communities.

“I share Governor Brownback and the Attorney General’s deep concern that the charitable assets of St. Francis Hospital, a hospital that met the health care needs of our community for so long, will be improperly removed from the people it serves,” Wolgast said. “I welcome the action the Attorney General is taking. St. Francis has been a vital part of this city and northeast Kansas for 159 years and has benefited by the non-profit status the citizens of Kansas granted."

Catholic Charities Friendly Visitor Program

Catholic Charities is Launching a Program New to Douglas County. The program is known as Friendly Visitors Program. This program is for seniors living in Northeast Kansas. Catholic Charities is making this program available to seniors in Douglas County and helps our seniors maintain their independence. Volunteers are paired with older adults to provide socialization through phone calls or in-home visits. To volunteer or make referrals, please contact Marilyn Thomas, Friendly Visitor Coordinator at:mthomas@catholiccharitiesks.org or 785-233-6300 ext. 1313 or through the Lawrence office at 785-856-2694.

Value Colleges Releases Top 50 Best Value Nursing PhD Programs of 2016

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Value Colleges (www.valuecolleges.com), an online guide to the best values in undergraduate and graduate college education, is pleased to share their Top 50 Best Value Nursing PhD Programs of 2016 (http://www.valuecolleges.com/rankings/best-phd-nursing-programs-2016/).
As the demand for nurses increases, so does the need for qualified nurse educators. In most college and university settings a PhD in nursing is the standard. The Value Colleges Top 50 Best Value Nursing PhD Programs ranking gives practicing nurses the information they need to choose a PhD program that is right for them. Value Colleges is committed to only featuring regionally-accredited, reputable institutions that will deliver the education graduates need to succeed.
Value Colleges uses three reliable sources for ranking the top 50: 1) reputability based on U.S. News and World Report 2017 Best Nursing Schools (at the MSN level--no PhD data available); 2) return on investment (ROI), based on mid-level salaries of alumni according to PayScale; and 3) cost based on actual tuition per credit as reported by institution.
The top three Best Values for 2016 are: 1) the University of Texas at Austin, Texas; 2) the University of California in Davis, California; and 3) the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
The full list, in alphabetical order, is as follows:

Arizona State University - Tempe, AZ

Boston College - Boston, MA

Columbia University - New York, NY

Duke University - Durham, NC

East Carolina University - Greenville, NC

Emory University - Atlanta, GA

Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton, FL

Florida International University - Miami, FL

George Mason University - Fairfax, VA

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis - Indianapolis, IN

Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, MD

Michigan State University - East Lansing, MI

New Mexico State University - Las Cruces, NM

New York University - New York, NY

Ohio State University - Columbus, OH

Oregon Health & Science University - Portland, OR

Pennsylvania State University - State College, PA

Rush University - Chicago, IL

Texas Woman's University - Denton, TX

UCLA - Los Angeles, CA

University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

University of California, Davis - Davis, CA

University of California, San Francisco - San Francisco, CA

University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL

University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH

University of Colorado Denver - Denver, CO

University of Kansas - Kansas City, KS

University of Massachusetts Amherst - Amherst, MA

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - Dartmouth, MA

University of Massachusetts Lowell - Lowell, MA

University of Missouri - Columbia, MO

University of Missouri-Kansas City - Kansas City, MO

University of Nebraska Medical Center - Omaha, NE

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NC

University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City, OK

University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA

University of Rochester - Rochester, NY

University of San Diego - San Diego, CA

University of South Florida - Tampa, FL

University of Texas at Arlington - Arlington, TX

University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX

University of Texas Health Science Center - San Antonio, TX

University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, TX

University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT

University of Washington - Seattle, WA

Washington State University - Pullman, WA

West Virginia University - Morgantown, VA

Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN

Villanova University - Villanova, PA

Yale University - New Haven, CT

Value College editor Carrie Sealey-Morris says, "Outside of the nursing profession very few people are aware that nurses can be professors, scientists, and advocates who may not spend their days on the hospital floor, but who are leading the field of nursing." For these positions, a PhD is the standard terminal degree. The Value Colleges Top 50 is a guide for those who want to take this important step toward earning PhD in nursing.

Kansas Dad Gets Tattoo to Match His Son's Surgery Scar

Hutchinson, KS - A Hutchinson father’s effort to ease his son’s insecurity after a cancer surgery left him with a scar on his head is gaining attention across the internet  around the world. After undergoing surgery for brain cancer,  Gabriel Marshall, age 8,  was left with a scar on the right side of his head. In order to boost his self-confidence, Gabriel's father, Josh Marshall, decided to get a tattoo exactly like his son's scar.

photo courtesy of Josh Marshall

According to national and international press reports, his father said that his son, felt insecure with a scar on the right side of his head after the surgery.  So Marshall decided to do something about it.  Telling Gabriel, "if people want to stare at you, then they can stare at both of us."
After getting the tattoo, Marshall shared a photo of himself and his son showing off their scars on Facebook for a Best Dad competition in Wichita, being held by the St Baldricks Foundation, writing “got my son’s scar tattooed to help his self confidence.”  He received 5,000 votes in the competition to win the title of Best Bald Dad, and after Baldnicks shared the photo, the father/son duo has won the hearts of people all over the world. Leading the hosts of the weekend edition of the Today Show to quip, that in their minds he is the Best Dad Ever.  Not just the Best Bald Dad.

Senate Bill Threatens Neurofibromatosis Research

Over the past few weeks, we here have the Gazette have been bringing you stories about a little known condition known as Neurofibromatosis (NF). A condition that currently has no known cure.  Today, we are looking at the possibility of Congress hindering research of finding a cure.
We were first made aware of this in emails and Facebook postings from Neurofibromatosis Networks that we are members of.

SENATE BILL THREATENS NEUROFIBROMATOSIS RESEARCH
The Senate will soon consider the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (S. 2943). The Senate bill includes language that, if passed, would severely restrict the types of medical research that could be funded by the Department of Defense and would serve a devastating blow to NF research. Contact your Senators and urge them to oppose Sections 756 and 898 of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.

This got us thinking, so we began to explore these two sections to see what they said.

Sec. 756. Prohibition on conduct of certain medical research and development projects.
Sec. 898. Improved transparency and oversight over Department of Defense research, development, test, and evaluation efforts and procurement activities related to medical research.

- GovTrack 

However, some that do not suffer from any of the medical conditions affected by research by the Department of Defense, has a different view.  For them, like the Heritage Foundation  , it is just dollars and cents, not real lives.

The Defense Department has the largest research and development budget of the federal government, equaling roughly $70 billion a year. While the vast majority of this amount goes toward developing advanced military systems or technologies that have battlefield applications, each year, the DOD spends money on various projects that have no reason to be funded from the defense budget. In many cases, these projects are already being funded by other federal departments. Congress is unfortunately a significant part of the problem. Congress regularly adds hundreds of millions of dollars to research unrelated medical issues or popular agenda items, like alternative energy, that are not related to the combat mission of the military. Congress should preserve DOD research funds for efforts that directly impact the military mission.

- Heritage Foundation

In their eyes, it's not related to defense, so it has no need to be researched. At least not by the defense department. Their opinion posted online lacks the compassion that one should consider in an issue such as this.

It is the opinion of this paper and the owners that every avenue should be taken to find cures diseases currently being researched by the Medical Research arm of the Department of Defense, including NF.  We would like to encourage you to use the following link to send an email/letter to your senator. 

Faces of Neurofibromatosis

Throughout the month of May we have been running a series of articles of Neurofibromatosis (NF), since this National NF Awareness Month. However, to is International NF Awareness Day, we are posting just a few of the Faces of NF. Today May 17th is World Neurofibromatosis Day.

Anna Hunter, Overland Park, KS

Anna Hunter, 18, has NF1. She does well in school and expects to finish college a year early with a degree in Psychology. Beside the Cafe-a-late spots and armpit freckling, NF affects her sense of direction among some other items.

Joyce Jeter, Independence, MO

Joyce Jeter was bullied on Facebook, when she joined a Facebook fan page.  However, the bullies were removed from the fan group and their comments were deleted. Other fans rallied around her started a GoFundMe™ campaign to raise money to buy her Royals Tickets. Enough cash was raised that they were able to give her a 2016 season pass. Plus $800 that was left over to buy herself a used car.

Nicole Servos, Fontana

Nicole Servos has NF 2 and lost her hearing because of the condition. Her story is part of the weekly series, appearing each Monday in May. Her story will be published in the Gazette next Monday.

Kevin Surbaugh, Baldwin City

Kevin Surbaugh, grew up in nearby La Cygne and is the editor and publisher of the Baldwin City Gazette. He has had NF tumors as long as he can remember. He also has scoliosis which is often related to NF, has several brain tumors and several nodules on his left eye.

NF Tumors

Nichole Servos - Life with Neurofibromatosis Type 2

FONTANA KS - Nichole Servos, 40, was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF) at the age of eight (8). According to Servos, she had a few skin tumors that required medical attention. Before her diagnosis, her parents had never heard of NF. She says no other family members were known to have had NF, and thus their family doctor told them it was a  non-threatening/non-life changing disorder.
Servos tells the Gazette,

Nicole Servos
Photographer Kevin Surbaugh

My childhood years were lived as any other normal childhood, with NF never in the forefront of our minds. At the age of 16 that world drastically changed, recovering from a severe case of pneumonia I lost hearing in my left ear which never returned upon full recovery. After a battery of tests it was discovered that I had several brain tumors (acoustic neuromas). One of which had already claimed it's price and would need to be removed with another needing action to keep it from staking its own claim. By the age of 18, NF had created a new chapter in my life leaving me completely Deaf to sound and looking for ways to fit into both the hearing and Deaf worlds. Despite what claims NF had taken I continued to live a leading and fulfilling life, living on my own attending college, as well as marring my high school sweetheart!

Servos said that for 13 years NF spared her and laid "dormant" in my life and then threw another curve-ball shortly after her 30th birthday. She said she began to have facial weakness on the left side, the cause, the brain tumor which had already been removed and staked its claim on her hearing had returned and claimed the left side of her face, with another waiting in the wings to claim the right side.  According to her, NF brought a rash of procedures and hospitalizations, six brain surgeries within a time span of one and half years that left her literally expressionless. However, NF didn't stop there. It's latest claim was her spine, with several tumors on and in her spinal column, which also needed extensive surgery and rehab that left her with a little hitch in her step.
In conclusion Servos said,

What claim NF has had on my face I've been fortunate enough and blessed to have been able to find the right doctors to bring my "smile" back. NF has claimed the sound from my life, put a hitch in my step, and has taken the smile from my face but will never take the smile from my heart as it looks it looks to the future in hopes that one day a cure can be found for me and others like me who live with NF.
Some people would say living with NF is a struggle. Sure there are days it may be hard but I've always thought of my life with NF as a journey. Never know what tomorrow will bring so live life to its fullest, I define me, who I am, what I can or can't do, not what NF limits me.

Note:  Why did we capitalize the word Deaf in our article above? There is a rule, but it is a rule in the Deaf Community, and most Hearing do not know about it. It is a rule that is not based on English grammar. It is an obscure nod to Deaf people.

Editor's Note:  Servos is currently the President of the NF Central Plains.