Governor Sam Brownback Announces Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Press Release

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Topeka – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback today announced new appointments to boards and commissions.

“I’d like to thank these individuals for committing their time and skills to serve the people of Kansas,” said Governor Brownback.

  

The Governor’s Office is always looking for qualified, interested Kansans to serve the state on commissions and boards in their areas of expertize.

 

Board of Regents

Shane Bangerter, Dodge City (reappointment)

Ann Brandau-Murguia, Kansas City (reappointment)

Helen Van Etten, Topeka (reappointment)

Kansas State Fair Board

Robert Atkisson, Stockton

Harmon Bliss Jetmore (reappointment)

Nick Ketzner, Bird City

Board of Agriculture

Dan Heinz, Rose Hill

Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Developmental Services

Alix Kumer, Fairway

Board of Adult Care Home Administrators

Noreen Fenton, Topeka (reappointment)

Sara Sourk, Seneca (reappointment)

Board of Cosmetology

Kelly Holmes, Topeka

Kimberely Mancuso, Olathe (reappointment)

David Yocum, St. Marys (reappointment)

Kansas Advisory Committee for the Blind & Visually Impaired

Ashlee Thao, Overland Park

Lyn Petro, Leawood

Cindy Brenner, Meade

Emergency Services Board

Dennis Shelby, Neodesha

Physician Assistant Council

Andrew Kneib, Emporia

Board of Nursing

Carol Bragdon, Topeka (reappointment)

Mandy Karstetter, McCune

Julianna Rieschick, Andover

Board of Examiners in Optometry

Ron Hansen, Hutchinson (reappointment)

Craig Lozada, Mission (reappointment)

Gary Slimmer, Topeka (reappointment)

Physical Therapy Advisory Council

Brent Martin, Belleville (reappointment)

Kansas Board of Examiners in Fitting & Dispensing of Hearing Instruments

Kevin Albee, Lansing (reappointed)

Paul Rowden, Wichita (reappointed)

State Historic Sites Board of Review

Sharron Hamilton, Salina (reappointment)

Kathryn Herzog, Wichita (reappointment)

Wichita State University Board of Trustees

Pierre Harter, Wichita (reappointment)

Joe Norton, Wichita (reappointment)

Sheryl Wohlford, Wichita (reappointment)

Hispanic and Latino American Affairs Commission

Bertha Mendoza, Holcomb

Board of Directors of the Delta Dental Plan of Kansas

Kim Borchers, Topeka

Athletic Trainers Council

Matt Way, Wichita (reappointment)

Kansas Guardianship Program Board of Directors

Stephen Atherton, Olpe

Dave Heinemann, Topeka (reappointment)

Paul Kallman, Scandia (reappointment)

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission

Gary Hayzlett, Lakin (reappointment)

Veterans Claims Assistance Program Advisory Board

Jim Buterbaugh, Winfield (reappointment)

Larry Meadows, Tonganoxie (reappointment)

Advisory Committee on Trauma

Craig Concannon, Beloit (reappointment)

Cathy Heikes, Dodge City (reappointment)

Kristine Hill, Peck (reappointment)

John Hultgren, Junction City (reappointment)

Tina Pendergraft, Santana

Acupuncture Advisory Council

Cynthia Chamberlain, Overland Park

Rhonda Bathurst, Abilene

Douglas Petrie, Ozawkie

Kansas Turnpike Authority

David Lindstrom, Leawood (reappointment)

Athletic Commission

Dr. Matthew Bohm, Topeka

Board of Adult Care Home Administrators

Dr. Stephanie Murray, Wichita

Kansas Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Daniel Donaldson, Topeka,

911 Coordinating Council

Melanie Mills-Bergers, Topeka

Area Happenings - Week of August 20, 2017

Here are the upcoming events that the Gazette has been made aware of as of  August 19, 2017.  To submit an item to the community events calendar, please email it to press@baldwingazette.com.

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August 21, 2017

 Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Location: Baker University Liston Stadium
Time: Noon-2 P.M.
Glasses Provided
Bring a blanket or chair to be able to enjoy in comfort
First 100 to arrive, will receive a Free T-Shirt

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August 21, 2017

Solar Eclipse

a total eclipse of the sun will be visible from within a narrow corridor that traverses the United States. It will be 100 years before this event will be visible again. Baldwin City Recreation will take a Coach Bus to Troy, KS to enjoy the festivities. Troy will have food vendors and activities for patrons. Baldwin patrons will need to bring along a lawn chair, and if you wish, a small cooler with refreshments.
$20 per person
Contact Baldwin City Recreation

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August 24, 2017

Thankful Thursday Free Community Meal
Serving 6 to 7 pm
Ives Chapel UMC
1018 Miami
Baldwin City
Free community meals are the last Thursday of each month

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August 25, 2017

COME AND ENJOY OUR
COMMUNITY DINNER  & FELLOWSHIP
          TO BE HELD  AT 6:00  to?





HOST
VINLAND UNITED CHURCH
1724 N 692 RD
BALDWIN CITY, KS 6600

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September 5, 2017
Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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September 16-17, 2017

2017 Kansas Capital Quilt Show

 This year's Kansas Capital Quilt Show theme is Comfort, Warmth, Beauty and Love.  Select a favorite in our Silent Auction. Come to shop, learn and be inspired about new patterns, techniques and fabrics.

Time: Saturday, September 16 at 10 AM - 5 PM
           Sunday,  September 17 at Noon - 5 PM

Admission: $6

Location: The Women's Guild of Topeka
5221 SW West Drive (just northwest of 9th and Fairlawn)
Topeka, Kansas 66606

More Information:
(785) 640-2480

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September 19, 2017
Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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September 29, 2017

Luke Bryant Concert

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 October 21-22, 2017

Maple Leaf Festival



Downtown Baldwin City

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 October 28, 2017

COME AND ENJOY OUR
COMMUNITY DINNER  & FELLOWSHIP
          TO BE HELD  AT 6:00  to?



HOST
VINLAND UNITED CHURCH
1724 N 692 RD
BALDWIN CITY, KS 6600

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 December 29, 2017

COME AND ENJOY OUR
COMMUNITY DINNER  & FELLOWSHIP
          TO BE HELD  AT 6:00  to?


HOST
VINLAND UNITED CHURCH
1724 N 692 RD
BALDWIN CITY, KS 6600

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Third Friday Art Walk and Farmers Market

Downtown Baldwin City

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Every 4th Thursday of the Month
10 A.M. - 11 A.M.
Mobile Food Bank
Baldwin City New Life Assembly of God
118 5th St  Baldwin City, KS
Stay in car, line up and drive through

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Every Tuesday through October  
Eudora Local Gardening Farmer’s Market
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Tuesdays
through October 2016
1402 Church Street
Eudora, KS.
In the parking lot of Gene’s Hartland Foods.
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Wednesday through October
De Soto Farmer’s Market (Fresh Promise’s Market)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Wednesdays through October 2016
at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm
9200 Kill Creek Road
De Soto, KS
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Thursday through October 
Cottin's Hardware Farmer's Market on Thursdays from
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
through September
at Cottin's Hardware & Rental back parking lot
1832 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS
Local vendors offer a variety of goods including produce, baked items, hot foods, meats, eggs, soaps, jams, jellies, herbs, fudge and much more!;

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Every Friday through October
Perry Lecompton Farmers' Market
Fridays from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
at Bernie's parking lot
24 Hwy and Ferguson Road
Perry, KS
Visit the market to find fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, honey, fresh cut flowers, farm fresh eggs, handmade crafts and more!

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Baldwin City Council Reassure Benefit District Property Owners

Kevin Surbaugh

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At the August 1, 2017, meeting the council approved resolution 2017-12 which would pave a portion of First Street, which is currently graveled. It will not pave the portion of First Street that runs alongside the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and senior apartments. The text of that resolution is as follows:

Reconstruct N 1st Street/E 1750 Road from its intersection with State Lake Road (Route
12; N 400 Road) to the northeast corner of Signal Oak Estates to provide 24’-wide asphalt pavement and open ditch drainage improvements meeting current standards. Work will include grading, culvert replacements, hot mix asphalt base and surface courses, and erosion control.

The estimated costs of the work will be split-up as follows:

• DOUGLAS COUNTY 0.4 $172,000.00
• BALDWIN CITY 0.3 $129,000.00
• PALMRYA TOWNSHIP 0.1 $43,000.00
• PROPERTY OWNERS 0.2 $86,000.00
• TOTAL COSTS 1 $430,000.00
• TOTAL PER RESIDENT COST $12,285.71
• PER RESIDENT COST PER YEAR 10 YEAR ASSESSMENT $1,228.57

Residents in the said benefit district wanted assurances, that they will not have to pay a larger amount when the work actually begins in 2018 or 2019.   The City Attorney, Matt Hoy drafted a resolution on the fly to assure the seven residents in that area as follows:

"...as it relates to resolution 2017-12 the portion to be paid by the property owners will not exceed $86,000."

The council unanimously approved the new resolution 2017-14.
In Other business the council...

heard from Bill Neuenswander of Baldwin City Senior Wheels reported to the council, that the program provided 274 trips between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017.  July trips were down compared to the same period in 2015, however, as the new year begins, this July's numbers look to be the best year since they began six years ago.

received a report from Hank Booth on the activities of Economic Development Corporation (EDC), who told the council of a number of efforts were under way to sell and develop the various vacant lots along Highway 56. "We don't need to be a boom town, with 100 new homes, but we do need to grow faster than we have the last few years,"  Booth said.

heard from John Devine, who delivered a report regarding the recent council retreat.

Obituary: Ryan Timothy Hodges

Ryan Timothy Hodges, 26, of Baldwin City, KS passed way Saturday, August 12, 2017.  He was born August 1, 1991, in Chicago, Ill, the son of Tim Hodges and Lisa (Spannuth) Hodges.

Ryan grew up in the Chicago area specifically in Portage, Indiana for most of his school years. In 2010 Ryan moved with his family to Baldwin City where he graduated from Baldwin High School with the class of 2010.

Ryan attended Baker University after graduation for two years. After taking time off, he currently re-entered the academic world and was pursuing an Elementary Education Degree at Baker University. While at Baker he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He truly enjoyed his time in the fraternity, and his brothers had formed very close friendships with Ryan. He was also very active in choir, band, theater and the improv group, Loud Noises.

Ryan played bass for the Coal Creek Band. When the band played Credence Clearwater Revival, Ryan was able to show off his vocal skills as well as his bass skills. He could sing a pretty good John Fogerty. Ryan had a passion for music and was also a rabid Beatles fan.

Ryan worked for Helpers, Inc. in Lawrence. This job allowed Ryan to really thrive at what he did best, help others. His soft heart and kind soul was a perfect match for this work. He was also a para-professional at Southwest Middle School in Lawrence. This job showed him how important a role teachers play in the lives of young children and he was excited to join the teaching profession and make a difference in young lives.

Ryan was the family historian. He seemed to remember every detail about every event. He was one of the funniest people his family and friends knew and yet his soft heart never let his incredible sense of humor hurt anyone. He would never hurt anyone’s feelings in fact he often was there to help someone out of their discouraging moments. Ryan knew how to build people back up.

Ryan was also a foodie. He loved going out to eat, especially for sushi. And if the sushi, Mexican food or chili wasn’t spicy enough, he brought his own hot sauce.

Ryan is survived by his loving parents, Tim and Lisa Hodges, Baldwin City; his sister Meredith Hodges, Baldwin City; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Wendell and Eva Hodges and Warren and Billie Spannuth.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 18 at the First United Methodist Church, Baldwin City. The family will greet friends for a visitation Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, Baldwin City, KS. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Ryan Timothy Hodges Memorial Fund c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com

Council Meeting Agenda

Council Meeting Agenda

Baldwin City Public Library 800 7th Street TUESDAY, August 15, 2017  7:00 P.M.

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A. Call to Order- Mayor Marilyn Pearse
B. Consent Agenda

1. Minutes of the August 01, 2017 Regular Meeting
2. Special Events -
a. Bluegrass & BBQ
b. Festival of Lights

C. Public Comment:
Members of the public are welcome to comment on items relating to City business not listed on this
Agenda. Please stand and wait to be recognized by the Mayor. As a general practice, the comments may or may not be acted upon by the Council during the meeting, or Council may refer the items to staff for follow up.
If you wish to comment on an item listed on the Agenda, a sign-up sheet is provided for you to sign in and provide your address. You will be called on when the Agenda item of interest is under discussion by the Council.
D. Special Reports or Presentations

1.  Retreat follow-up - John Divine
2.  Senior wheels - Bill Neuenswander

E. Old Business

1. Resolution 2017-12 review
2. Ordinance 1378- zoning text amendment

F. New Business

1.   Economic Development Corporation funding

 G. Committee and/or Commission Reports

1.  Budget and Finance/Kathy Gerstner, David Simmons
2.  Community Development Committee/A.J. Simmons, Tony Brown
3.  Public Health and Safety Committee/David Simmons, Kathy Gerstner
4.  Public Works Committee/Christi Darnell, A.J. Simmons
5.  Utilities Committee/ Tony Brown, Christi Darnell

H. City Administrator and Staff comments
I. Council & Mayor Comments
J. Executive Session

1.  Attorney-Client privilege

K. Adjourn

Upgrade of Benefits Eligibility System to Launch with Integration into KanCare Enrollment System

Press Release

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced that the final upgrade of the Kansas Eligibility Enforcement System (KEES) will launch Aug.18. KEES is a computer system that allows Kansans to apply online for medical and social services, including welfare benefits, Medicaid and more. This system upgrade involves DCF welfare benefits programs, such as cash, food and child care assistance, among others.

“This computer system upgrade will allow us to better serve Kansans in need, with more convenience for our clients, and improved coordination across State agencies,” said DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore. “Our staff members have worked diligently to prepare for this upgrade, and an extensive amount of training and testing has been conducted to ensure minimal impact to client services.”

DCF and KDHE are working to prepare clients, stakeholders and staff for this upgrade. Previously-approved benefits will continue without disruption for both welfare benefits and KanCare. To help with processing, those seeking welfare and Medicaid benefits are encouraged to apply and provide all necessary documentation prior to Aug. 18.

DCF Programs

KEES, a single system that will replace eight antiquated DCF program systems, offers an online self-service website to clients. This will improve application processing time for both staff and clients. An additional feature of the new system is an online eligibility checker, providing immediate eligibility feedback for those seeking DCF benefits.

In 2013, DCF implemented new business processes that reduced eligibility determination from approximately 30 days to less than 10 days, with many clients now receiving same-day determinations. DCF’s integration into the KEES system is expected to further enhance processing times and accuracy.

The DCF programs that will be integrated into the KEES system include the following:

• Food Assistance/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)\
• Cash Assistance/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Child Care Subsidy
• Employment Services (Work Programs and Food Assistance Employment & Training)
• Adoption Support Subsidy
• Youth Independent Living
• Permanent Custodianship
• Automated IV-E Eligibility
• General Family Services for Prevention and Protection Services recipients

DCF will continue accepting new benefit applications and reported changes during the upgrade period, though processing times may be impacted. DCF’s online application for welfare benefits will continue to be available throughout this period. Those needing assistance with DCF services may also visit or call their local DCF service centers.

KanCare

During this upgrade period, the online application for medical benefits and home and community-based services will not be available. People will still be able to print and fill out a paper application, available online at www.kancare.ks.gov/consumers/apply-for-kancare. Additionally, during the upgrade period, the State will only be able to approve new medical benefits in the case of emergencies.

While the KEES system is being upgraded, the State will be able to continue some Medicaid eligibility operations:

·        Accept paper applications, reviews, mail and faxes

·        Look at applications and reviews

·        Request documentation from consumers and providers

·        Process emergency medical cases

·        Provide answers to questions and accept changes through the call center, which can be reached at 1-800-792-4884.

Great Plains Energy Incorporated Declares Dividends

Business Wire

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KANSAS CITY, MO - Great Plains Energy (NYSE: GXP)  announced on August 8, 2017, that its Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.2750 per share on its common stock. The Company’s current annual dividend level is $1.10 per share. The common dividend will be payable September 20, 2017 to shareholders of record as of August 29, 2017. The shares will begin to trade ex-dividend on August 25, 2017.

Sherriff's Office Investigates Three Deaths

Press Release

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The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DGSO) is investigating the deaths of three people, including a 3-year-old girl.
At about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2017, deputies responded to the report of a shooting in the driveway of a residence in the 1000 Blk of E900 Rd., southwest of Lawrence. When deputies arrived, they found a 36-year-old woman in the driveway that had been shot several times. She died on scene. The woman was not affiliated with the residence in any way.
Law enforcement later located the woman’s vehicle in a parking area at the Baker Wetlands, south of 31st and Haskell streets. A 3-year-old girl and a 41-year-old man were found dead in the wetlands not far from the vehicle. Their manners of death have not yet been determined.
It is believed the male is the suspected shooter of the woman. The 3-year-old was believed to be the daughter of both the man and the woman. DGSO does not believe any other individuals are involved in the deaths.
DGSO is continuing to investigate the deaths. No other information will be released at this time.

Area Happenings - Week of August 13, 2017

Here are the upcoming events that the Gazette has been made aware of as of  August 12, 2017.  To submit an item to the community events calendar, please email it to press@baldwingazette.com.

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August 12, 2017

7th Annual Run for Ben  

Motorcycle Ride to Benefit Prairie Paws Animal Shelter

Registration Starts at 11 A.M.  
Live Music  
Kick Stands up at 1 P.M.   
Early online Registration Discount:
 $20 per rider  $25 with passenger 

at Prairiepaws.org   

 Day of: $25 per rider / $30 with passenger

Starting Location:
 Forest Park
400 N Locust
Ottawa, KS

More Information:
Call Prairie Paws at 785-242-2967

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August 14, 2017
Join us for a special family story time in honor of Total Eclipse 2017. 

 Don't be Afraid of the Dark 

6:30 P.M. Monday, August 14 

at your Baldwin City Library 

             800 7th Street

Enjoy hearing about the folklore and culture of the sun and the moon. There will be crafts, eclipse viewing tips, and a snack. Free eclipse glasses will be provided on a first-come, first served basis. Children of all ages welcomed with a caregiver.

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August 15, 2017
Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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August 16, 2017

Community Health Forum
Time: 5-7 P.M.
Location:  Baldwin City Library
800 7th St
Baldwin City
Free Food and Beverages
Make Your Voice Heard

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August 20, 2017

Battlefield Tours Led by John Brown

As part of the Civil War on the Western Frontier activities commemorating the 154th anniversary of Quantrill's Raid on Lawrence, Kansas, there will be a special tour of the Black Jack Battlefield. It will be conducted by Kerry Altenbernd as John Brown, assisted by members of the 13th Kansas Infantry Reg. re-enactor group serving as his civilian Free State militia. Maybe a few pro-slavery men will be there too.  
The re-enactors will be camping on site, so come out early and visit with them.

Time: Saturday, June 3 at 4 PM - 5 PM

Free Admission

Location: Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park
163 E 2000th Rd
Wellsville, Kansas 66092

More Information:
(785) 380-9156
info@blackjackbattlefield.org

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August 21, 2017

 Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Location: Baker University Liston Stadium
Time: Noon-2 P.M.
Glasses Provided
Bring a blanket or chair to be able to enjoy in comfort
First 100 to arrive, will receive a Free T-Shirt

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August 21, 2017

Solar Eclipse

a total eclipse of the sun will be visible from within a narrow corridor that traverses the United States. It will be 100 years before this event will be visible again. Baldwin City Recreation will take a Coach Bus to Troy, KS to enjoy the festivities. Troy will have food vendors and activities for patrons. Baldwin patrons will need to bring along a lawn chair, and if you wish, a small cooler with refreshments.
$20 per person
Contact Baldwin City Recreation

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August 24, 2017

Thankful Thursday Free Community Meal
Serving 6 to 7 pm
Ives Chapel UMC
1018 Miami
Baldwin City
Free community meals are the last Thursday of each month

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August 25, 2017

COME AND ENJOY OUR
COMMUNITY DINNER  & FELLOWSHIP
          TO BE HELD  AT 6:00  to?





HOST
VINLAND UNITED CHURCH
1724 N 692 RD
BALDWIN CITY, KS 6600

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September 5, 2017
Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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September 19, 2017
Baldwin City Council Meeting
Location: Baldwin City Library
800 7th Street
Baldwin City, KS
7 P.M.

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September 29, 2017

Luke Bryant Concert

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 October 21-22, 2017

Maple Leaf Festival



Downtown Baldwin City

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 October 28, 2017

COME AND ENJOY OUR
COMMUNITY DINNER  & FELLOWSHIP
          TO BE HELD  AT 6:00  to?



HOST
VINLAND UNITED CHURCH
1724 N 692 RD
BALDWIN CITY, KS 6600

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 December 29, 2017

COME AND ENJOY OUR
COMMUNITY DINNER  & FELLOWSHIP
          TO BE HELD  AT 6:00  to?


HOST
VINLAND UNITED CHURCH
1724 N 692 RD
BALDWIN CITY, KS 6600

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Third Friday Art Walk and Farmers Market

Downtown Baldwin City

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Every 4th Thursday of the Month
10 A.M. - 11 A.M.
Mobile Food Bank
Baldwin City New Life Assembly of God
118 5th St  Baldwin City, KS
Stay in car, line up and drive through

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Every Tuesday through October  
Eudora Local Gardening Farmer’s Market
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Tuesdays
through October 2016
1402 Church Street
Eudora, KS.
In the parking lot of Gene’s Hartland Foods.
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Wednesday through October
De Soto Farmer’s Market (Fresh Promise’s Market)
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Wednesdays through October 2016
at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm
9200 Kill Creek Road
De Soto, KS
Local, fresh produce and foods offered by local growers and producers!

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Every Thursday through October 
Cottin's Hardware Farmer's Market on Thursdays from
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
through September
at Cottin's Hardware & Rental back parking lot
1832 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS
Local vendors offer a variety of goods including produce, baked items, hot foods, meats, eggs, soaps, jams, jellies, herbs, fudge and much more!;

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Every Friday through October
Perry Lecompton Farmers' Market
Fridays from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
at Bernie's parking lot
24 Hwy and Ferguson Road
Perry, KS
Visit the market to find fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, honey, fresh cut flowers, farm fresh eggs, handmade crafts and more!

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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.