Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Attention environmental professionals: Are you looking to boost your knowledge on environmental issues, new technologies, regulatory information, and pollution prevention activities? Join us as we learn how to manage for today and prepare for tomorrow during the annual Kansas Environmental Conference, August 7-8 in Wichita, Kansas. Learn more and register today: kdhe.ks.gov/KEC.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised people to stop consuming, selling or serving Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones or gummies. As of July 16, there have been a total of 69 illnesses with 36 hospitalizations across the United States. KDHE is currently investigating potential cases. Consumers who experience symptoms should contact their local health care provider or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222. If you consumed the products after January 1, 2024 and experienced symptoms, please fill out the KDHE confidential illness report form: https://lnkd.in/gbFYB7T2. Learn more about the recall and the specific products: https://lnkd.in/gGjV_yik.

Today is the official publication date for the new Child Care Licensing Regulations for Family Child Care Homes, Child Care Centers and Preschools. The regulations will take effect on August 2, 2024. To read the new regulations as published in the Kansas Register, visit: https://lnkd.in/g9-KDe5F. Our team really appreciates the feedback and support provided through this process. They could not have done this project without your input, and they are excited to continue modernizing child care in Kansas with you!

A special congratulations to our very own Jade Pearson Ramsdell, MBA, LSSGB, CDP® for being recognized as an honoree for women leaders in the public sector🎉

Exciting news from KanCare! KanCare has launched a new communications tool designed to keep members informed and engaged more effectively. The new tool allows KanCare to reach out to members via text, call and email with important notifications, including review reminders and prompts to update contact information. Members can opt-in to receive these notifications through the Medical Consumer Self-Service Portal (SSP) (https://lnkd.in/gqYUgjkR). If you don't have an SSP account yet, simply reply to a KanCare message, and you'll be guided to create one.

During Tracking Awareness Week, our Kansas Tracking Program is putting the "t" in teamwork. They exhibit teamwork on the daily, but for World Rabies Day last fall, Kansas Tracking collaborated with partner agencies to host a statewide poster competition for grades k-12 and presented prizes to the winning students and their schools. See the winning posters and learn more about how to keep you and your family safe from rabies: https://lnkd.in/g-5Nr5FS.

Do you know a business or organization that has made a significant improvement in protecting our environment by preventing pollution? Our non-competitive Environmental Stewardship Awards recognize projects that eliminate or reduce the generation of pollutants or wastes at the source or projects that conserve natural resources. Recycling projects are not eligible. Learn more and apply by July 15: https://lnkd.in/gB-_chXm.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment -- which includes the Office of Vital Statistics -- is closed July 4. From our family to yours, have a safe, healthy holiday!

Celebrate safely this holiday weekend! Last year in Kansas, there were at least 257 firework-related Emergency Department visits, a 54% increase from the previous year. Learn tips and tricks to stay safe: https://lnkd.in/g_h_jatD.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is proud to announce that the state Medicaid program, known as KanCare, has secured a $2.5 million grant awarded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for the implementation of School-Based Services (SBS). This grant underscores KDHE's dedication to enhancing the health care services available in Kansas schools, including those related to mental health. The grant will facilitate several key initiatives: 🔸 Enrollment assistance to help eligible students and their families access Medicaid coverage. 🔸 Provision of a broad array of Medicaid-covered health services directly within schools. 🔸 Enhanced outreach and educational efforts to promote the health and wellness of students, reducing the need for emergency care and boosting educational outcomes. The funding will also facilitate the integration of comprehensive health services within schools, ensuring students have better access to necessary care.