Gove County Health Department

05/22/2026

Enrollment for the Produce Prescription for Frontier Kids has been extended through June 30!!

If you are interested and would like to check eligibility, please contact your primary care provider or Lindsey at AmberMed, 785-675-3018.

05/16/2026

🚨 Safe Sitter® Classes Are Coming to Our Community! 🚨

Little Sprouts Daycare and the Gove County Health Department are excited to partner together to bring Safe Sitter® programs to local families!

✨ Planned classes include:

🏠 **Safe@Home (Ages 8–10)**
Helping students learn how to stay safe when home alone, handle emergencies, and make safe choices.

👶 **Safe Sitter Essentials with CPR (Ages 11–14)**
Teaching babysitting skills, child care basics, safety, behavior management.

We are currently gathering interest as we begin planning class dates and sizes!

📋 Please fill out our interest form here:
https://forms.gle/UHiYFT2hexFLg2WG9

We are so excited to bring these valuable life and safety skills to kids in our community! ❤️

05/15/2026

🌍💙 Happy International Family Day! 💙🌍

Today, we celebrate the love, support, and connection that families bring into our lives. Families come in many shapes and sizes, but they all share one important thing — caring for one another through every stage of life.

Let’s take time today to appreciate the moments that bring us together, strengthen our communities, and remind us that family is at the heart of health and happiness.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Hug your loved ones a little tighter today and cherish the memories you create together.

05/13/2026

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine and he**in. It is primarily used in medical settings for severe pain management, such as during surgery, for cancer patients, or for individuals with chronic pain who are tolerant to other opioids.

Key Facts About Fentanyl:

Potency: Approximately 50–100 times stronger than morphine.

Medical Use: Available as patches, lozenges, injections, and tablets for controlled pain relief.

Illicit Use & Risks: Illicit fentanyl, often mixed with other drugs (like he**in or counterfeit pills), is a major contributor to opioid overdoses.

Overdose Symptoms: Slow breathing, unconsciousness, pinpoint pupils, and potential death if untreated.

Reversal: Naloxone (Narcan) can temporarily reverse fentanyl overdoses if administered in time.

If you want to be prepared for any situation you may encounter while walking down the street or in a home stop by the Gove County Health Department for you free Naloxone (Narcan). We also have free Fentanyl test strips available to test any drug you may encounter.

Fentanilo
El fentanilo es un poderoso opioide sintético que es significativamente más potente que la morfina y la he***na. Se utiliza principalmente en entornos médicos para el manejo del dolor severo, como durante una cirugía, para pacientes con cáncer o para personas con dolor crónico que son tolerantes a otros opioides.
Datos clave sobre el fentanilo:
• Potencia: Aproximadamente de 50 a 100 veces más fuerte que la morfina.
• Uso médico: Disponible en parches, pastillas, inyecciones y tabletas para el alivio controlado del dolor.
• Uso ilícito y riesgos: El fentanilo ilícito, a menudo mezclado con otras dr**as (como he***na o píldoras falsificadas), es un importante contribuyente a las sobredosis de opioides.
• Síntomas de sobredosis: Respiración lenta, pérdida del conocimiento, pupilas contraídas y posible muerte si no se trata.
• Reversión: La naloxona (Narcan) puede revertir temporalmente las sobredosis por fentanilo si se administra a tiempo.
Si deseas estar preparado para cualquier situación que puedas encontrar en la calle o en un hogar, pasa por el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Gove para obtener Naloxona (Narcan) gratuita. También tenemos tiras reactivas gratuitas para detectar fentanilo y analizar cualquier droga que puedas encontrar.

05/11/2026

For those that have asked what should go into their vehicle emergency kit, we would like to pass along this information. With this list you will be better prepared for you or loved ones for unexpected emergencies while they are on the road.

An emergency kit for your car is essential to help you handle roadside issues, especially in remote areas or during bad weather. Here's a comprehensive list of items you should include:
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Basic Emergency Supplies
• Jumper cables – For restarting a dead battery.
• Flashlight with extra batteries – Essential for night-time breakdowns.
• Reflective warning triangles or flares – To alert other drivers and improve visibility.
• First aid kit – Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
• Multi-tool or basic toolkit – Useful for minor repairs.
• Duct tape – Quick fix for leaks or broken parts.
• Fire extinguisher (automobile rated) – For small engine or electrical fires.
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Seasonal and Climate-Specific Items
• Blanket or emergency space blanket – Keeps you warm if stranded in cold weather.
• Ice scraper and snow brush – Crucial in winter conditions.
• Cat litter or sand – For traction if your car is stuck in snow or mud.
• Extra clothes and gloves – Keep warm and dry if changing a tire or walking for help.
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Car-Specific Supplies
• Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench – Ensure they’re in good condition.
• Tire repair kit or sealant – For minor punctures.
• Tow strap – Helpful if another vehicle needs to tow you.
• Windshield washer fluid – Especially one that won’t freeze in winter.
• Coolant and oil – In case your car overheats or needs top-off.
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Convenience & Communication
• Phone charger (car adapter or solar-powered) – Keeps your phone usable.
• Portable power bank – Backup for charging devices.
• Water bottles and non-perishable snacks – Hydration and energy in case you're stuck for hours.
• Notebook and pen – Record important details during an incident.
• Cash – For emergencies where cards aren't accepted.
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Optional but Helpful
• Maps or road atlas – GPS may not always be reliable.
• Rain poncho or umbrella – For working outside the car in bad weather.
• Work gloves – To protect your hands during repairs.

Para aquellos que han preguntado qué debe incluirse en un kit de emergencia para el vehículo, queremos compartirles esta información. Con esta lista, usted y sus seres queridos estarán mejor preparados para enfrentar emergencias inesperadas mientras estén en la carretera.
Un kit de emergencia para el automóvil es esencial para ayudarle a manejar problemas en el camino, especialmente en áreas remotas o durante mal clima. A continuación, encontrará una lista completa de artículos que debería incluir:
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Suministros Básicos de Emergencia
• Cables para pasar corriente – Para reiniciar una batería descargada.
• Linterna con baterías extra – Esencial para averías nocturnas.
• Triángulos reflectantes o bengalas – Para alertar a otros conductores y mejorar la visibilidad.
• Botiquín de primeros auxilios – Incluya vendas, toallitas antisépticas, analgésicos y medicamentos personales.
• Multiherramienta o juego básico de herramientas – Útil para reparaciones menores.
• Cinta adhesiva (duct tape) – Solución rápida para fugas o piezas rotas.
• Extintor de incendios (clasificado para automóviles) – Para fuegos pequeños de motor o eléctricos.
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Artículos Estacionales y Específicos del Clima
• Manta o manta térmica de emergencia – Mantiene el calor si queda varado en clima frío.
• Raspador de hielo y cepillo para nieve – Crucial en condiciones invernales.
• Arena o arena para gatos – Para obtener tracción si su vehículo se atasca en nieve o barro.
• Ropa extra y guantes – Para mantenerse caliente y seco al cambiar una llanta o caminar por ayuda.
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Suministros Específicos del Vehículo
• Llanta de repuesto, gato y llave de tuercas – Asegúrese de que estén en buen estado.
• Kit de reparación de neumáticos o sellador – Para pinchazos menores.
• Correa de remolque – Útil si otro vehículo necesita remolcarlo.
• Líquido limpiaparabrisas – Especialmente uno que no se congele en invierno.
• Refrigerante y aceite – En caso de sobrecalentamiento del motor o necesidad de rellenar niveles.
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Comodidad y Comunicación
• Cargador de teléfono (adaptador para el auto o solar) – Mantiene su teléfono funcional.
• Batería externa portátil (power bank) – Respaldo para cargar dispositivos.
• Botellas de agua y bocadillos no perecederos – Hidratación y energía en caso de quedar varado por horas.
• Cuaderno y bolígrafo – Para anotar detalles importantes durante un incidente.
• Dinero en efectivo – Para emergencias donde no se acepten tarjetas.
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Opcionales pero Útiles
• Mapas o atlas de carreteras – El GPS no siempre es confiable.
• Impermeable o paraguas – Para trabajar fuera del vehículo en mal clima.
• Guantes de trabajo – Para proteger sus manos durante reparaciones.

05/04/2026

Shingrix Vaccine Special

From now until May 15, the cash price for the Shingrix (shingles) vaccine is $100 per dose.

Shingrix is given as a two-dose series through an intramuscular injection. Both doses are required to provide the best protection against shingles.

Adults 50 years and older: Second dose is given 2 to 6 months after the first
Individuals with weakened immune systems: Second dose may be given 1 to 2 months after the first

Completing both doses is essential for maximum effectiveness.

Contact the Health Department to schedule your appointment.

05/04/2026

Tick Identification in Northwest Kansas

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) does not currently have specific data on which tick species are present in the northwest region of Kansas.

If you would like assistance with tick identification, you can bring a tick to the Health Department. Please make sure the tick is:
• Dead
• Placed on a piece of clear tape
We will submit the tick to a laboratory for proper identification.

KNOW ABOUT TICKS

🕷️ Tick Education
What are ticks?
Ticks are small parasites that feed on blood from humans and animals. They are commonly found in:
• Tall grass
• Brushy or wooded areas
• Leaf litter
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⚠️ Why are ticks a concern?
Ticks can transmit diseases, including:
• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Ehrlichiosis
• Tularemia
Not every tick carries disease, but prevention is important.
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🛡️ How to prevent tick bites
When outdoors:
• Wear long sleeves and long pants
• Tuck pants into socks
• Use EPA-approved insect repellent (DEET, picaridin, or permethrin-treated clothing)
• Stay in the center of trails
After being outside:
• Do a full-body tick check
• Shower within 2 hours
• Check:
o Under arms
o Behind knees
o Around ears
o Scalp/hairline
o Waistband area
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🧼 How to remove a tick safely
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers
2. Grasp the tick close to the skin
3. Pull straight out (don’t twist)
4. Clean the area with soap and water or alcohol
5. Dispose of the tick PUT IT ON TAPE THEN IN A BAG AND BRING IT TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
🚫 Avoid:
• Burning the tick
• Using petroleum jelly or nail polish
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🩺 When to seek medical care
Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:
• Fever or chills
• Rash (especially a bullseye rash)
• Fatigue or muscle aches
• Headache
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🐾 Extra tip for families
Check pets regularly—ticks can hitch a ride into the home.

https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2241/Ticks?fbclid=IwY2xjawRlqDFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFlZmFITjMwamRrdXREcmVJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHn-Jq0hmGuzcoD5rfx6SxmY_tkpa-6vYSpAz7y02tFd7A3KkarmUIXLaiULZ_aem_AX4SlKHEK9xaYUXlu0En9Q

Learn more information about ticks and tick-borne illness.

04/06/2026

💦 Gove County Residents 💦

When was the last time you tested your well water?

If you rely on a private well, you are responsible for your water quality—make sure it’s safe for your family!

🗓 Water Testing Day: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
📍 Location:
Gove County Health Department
521 Garfield St.
Quinter, KS 67642

✅ Water Tests Include:
• Bacteria
• Nitrates
• Total Dissolved Solids

💲 Optional Lead Test: $20

💡 Tips to Protect Your Well:
• Test your water regularly—especially if you notice changes in taste, smell, or color
• Inspect your well for damage or debris
• Keep your septic system properly maintained

📞 Questions?
Gove County Health Department
785-754-2147
📧 health@govecountyks.gov

03/28/2026