Kansas Department of Health and Environment

We got to take a walk through the new Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories (KHEL) laboratory, which is being constructed at the corner of 12th and Harrison in downtown Topeka. It's expected to open in spring 2025, and we're so excited to see the final product! Learn more about KHEL and their work: https://lnkd.in/gN9RQJTJ.

Michelle has been a provider for 14 years, and she loves the reward of watching children grow and learn. Do you have interest in being a licensed child care provider? We have the information for you! Learn more about the impact you can have and the steps needed to become a licensed child care provider: https://lnkd.in/gATvu4_c.

Join us in celebrating Kansas Breastfeeding Month. Over 90 percent of families in Kansas choose to breastfeed, but only 1 in 4 Kansas infants are exclusively breastfed through the critical first six months of life. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition have partnered to bring awareness to the benefits of breastfeeding and work to continue to break down barriers for parents choosing to breastfeed. Learn more or find resources and support for breastfeeding in your community by visiting @KSBreastfeeding & the #KansasWIC program near you.

Announcement: KanCare Website Redesign We are pleased to inform our KanCare members, providers and partners that on August 7, KanCare.ks.gov will launch a newly redesigned website. This update maintains all existing content but enhances the site's user-friendliness to support your needs better. This redesign is part of our commitment to providing a superior user experience. No action is required on your part; simply visit the updated site to access the streamlined and efficient resources you depend on.

Looking to join #TeamKDHE? We're currently hiring! A few open positions include: 🔸 Bureau of Air Director - closes August 14 🔸 Chief Legal Counsel - open until filled 🔸 Health Facility Surveyor - open until filled Review additional opportunities: https://lnkd.in/gRcg2Ay9.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has put together new Child Care Licensing Regulations for Family Child Care Homes, Child Care Centers and Preschools that can create a better future for children and families moving forward. The updates would not have been possible without the feedback we received. We want to say a huge THANK YOU to all who provided input along the way! Some of the updates to note: 🔹 Simplified and streamlined home license type to remove burden from providers 🔹 Adjusted age ranges and child to staff ratios for more sustainability and more available slots 🔹 Modernized language to make the regulations more accessible and understandable 🔹 Streamlined qualifications for staff to open doors to new providers The new regulations take effect on August 2, 2024. Read the regulations: https://lnkd.in/g9-KDe5F.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Community Health Promotion program is pleased to announce the recipients of this year's Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Grant. The grant provides funding, training and technical assistance to communities to address chronic disease risk reduction through evidence-based strategies that impact tobacco use, physical activity and nutrition. The grant was awarded to 17 grantees which covers 30 counties and approximately 68% of the Kansas population. Learn more about the CDRR grant and the recipients: https://lnkd.in/gKaeNdQm.

Attention Kansas Community Health Workers: Did you know you can visit the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition's website for updates on events, trainings and resources? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g4wSh2FE.

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.