Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health

01/08/2026

Do you know an expectant dad looking for a hands-on class to learn about caring for baby? Join us for Boot Camp for New Dads, a unique program offered in partnership with Dads of Douglas County, giving you information about everything that comes with being a new father.

The next workshop is this Saturday, January 10. Learn more and register at https://bit.ly/4jt8DRd.

01/08/2026

As part of our ongoing monitoring, we track Douglas County emergency department (ED) visits and wastewater levels to better understand how respiratory illnesses are spreading in our community. These tools give us an early look at local trends for COVID, flu, and RSV so we can share timely updates and guidance.

COVID ED visits remain steady at 1% of ED visits. Flu ED visits have decreased to 9% (down from 13% the week prior), and RSV ED visits have increased to 1%.

In wastewater trends, COVID levels continue to decline but are still categorized as high. Flu shows a similar pattern, as ED visits are trending downward but remain at high levels overall. RSV wastewater levels are now high, which may signal increasing community activity.

Even with some improvement in flu and COVID indicators, all three viruses are still very much circulating in the community.

LDCPH has flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines available regardless of insurance status. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, please call our clinic at 785-843-0721.

01/07/2026

We started the week off at Eudora Schools Dream Big Conference! LiveWell Douglas County partners shared the latest research on substance use trends among youth and strategies parents, teachers, and our community can take to limit access and cessation resources.
➡️Shelby Ostrom from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health shared information on tobacco/vaping and highlighted the increase usage of ni****ne patches in combination with vapes/e-cigarettes
➡️Alex Garcia from DCCCA shared emerging information about the risks of kratom and 7-OH
➡️Samuel Beecher from KU's Health Education Resource Office shared how and where students access cannabis products with THC and the negative health impact of cannabis use disorder

Interested in learning more or getting involved with a LiveWell work group to support the physical, mental, and social well-being of youth in Douglas County, go to www.livewelldgks.org

01/07/2026

01/05/2026

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the event at City Hall this morning.

If you’re feeling anxiety, fear, or stress know your feelings are valid and you are not alone.

You can call the following numbers for crisis support and response:
📞Dispatch at 785-832-7509 or 785-843-0250
📞988 (call or text)
📞911

🚶If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Treatment & Recovery Center (TRC) of Douglas County at 1000 W. 2nd St. 66044 is available for walk-ins 24/7/365. No appointments necessary.

For more crisis resources, please see the link in the comments.

01/03/2026

Free help is available to all Kansans through the .

Support options include:
- Coaching over the phone or online
- Text messaging
- Email support
- Quit medication (ni****ne patches, gum, or lozenges) to those that qualify

Get help today by visiting KSquit.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

01/02/2026

Feeling under the weather? You aren't alone. Flu cases are surging across our area this holiday weekend.

LMH Health Primary Care is here for you with same-day appointments at:
🔵 South Iowa: 785-505-5475
🔵 West Campus: 785-505-5070

Call to schedule your visit. Learn more about flu symptoms and when to seek emergency care at lmh.org/flu.

01/01/2026

Happy new year from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health! We wish you health and happiness in 2026!

We are closed today, January 1st, but we will re-open for regular operations tomorrow.

01/01/2026

As part of our ongoing monitoring, we track Douglas County, KS emergency department (ED) visits and wastewater levels to better understand how respiratory illnesses are spreading in our community. These tools give us an early look at local trends for COVID, flu, and RSV so we can share timely updates and guidance.

This week, COVID ED visits are at 1%, flu ED visits have increased to 13%, and RSV ED visits are at 1%. Flu wastewater levels remain high, indicating ongoing community transmission. Flu ED visits continue to trend upward, suggesting flu activity is increasing locally. COVID wastewater levels are ranked medium and RSV wastewater levels remain low.

High wastewater levels combined with rising flu ED visits suggest that respiratory viruses, especially flu, are actively circulating in the community, and we may continue to see increases in illness and healthcare visits in the coming weeks. While COVID activity remains relatively stable and RSV remains low, continued monitoring is important as winter activities and indoor gatherings continue.

Staying up to date on flu and COVID vaccines, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when sick help slow the spread and protect those most at risk.

12/30/2025

LDCPH offers family support programs designed to assist and empower pregnant people and families with young children. To learn more, please visit our website at ldchealth.org/fsp.

12/29/2025

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health provides testing, treatment and education on STIs for people of all ages.

Unless you are experiencing symptoms, it is best to wait 2-3 weeks after a potential exposure before getting tested.

Please call 785-843-0721 to schedule an appointment.

Our clinic is located on the first floor at 200 Maine Street. Visit ldchealth.org/clinic to view our hours.

12/28/2025

Many people don't realize smoking can lead ro vision loss. Free help is available to all Kansans through the .

Get help today by visiting KSquit.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).