Ellis County Health Department

04/21/2026

We are excited to take part in the Science Festival again this year. It will be a weekend full of fun events, come and see us at the library on Sunday! 

04/21/2026

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) highlights the significance of vaccinating children under two years of age. Routine vaccines like MMR, influenza, and DTaP all provide protection against diseases and a healthier future for children.

https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/vaccines-diseases/

04/20/2026

National Infant Immunization Week begins today!
Learn more: www.nfid.org/immunization

National Infant Immunization Week begins today! 👶💉

Recommendations by trusted healthcare professionals matter—protect infants from preventable diseases by ensuring they receive ALL recommended vaccines.

Learn more: www.nfid.org/immunization

04/14/2026

Public Health Week may be over, but the work never stops.

This week, one of our team members is wrapping up her Public Health Leadership class, while another is spending several days training to become a certified car seat safety technician. We’re also putting the final pieces in place for our new electronic health records system, an important step forward in how we care for and connect with our clients.

All of this work is happening behind the scenes with one goal in mind to serve our community better every day. Public health is always evolving, and so are we. We’re committed to learning, growing, and bringing services that make a real difference in the lives we’re fortunate to touch.

To our ECHD team, and to public health professionals everywhere, thank you. Your work makes a difference. Your dedication shows in the way you continue to show up and serve, day in and day out. And most importantly, you matter!

04/09/2026

Public health is a shared effort and we’re thankful to be part of that work right here at the local level.

This week, we recognize and thank the public health professionals across Kansas for everything they do to keep our communities safe and healthy.
Your work makes a difference each and every day.

Read the Governor's Proclamation at: https://bit.ly/4verAMV

04/08/2026

One of the things public health does best is partner, with providers, organizations, and the community, to make sure people get the care they need.

Our local physicians play such an important role in the health of our community. 🩺❤️We often help connect patients back to their providers, and when someone doesn’t have a trusted physician, we’re here to help them find one.

If you or someone you love needs help getting connected to care, please give us a call!

It’s National Public Health Week! We recognize the role our members play in public health and appreciate your work to keep your communities healthy. Explore our resources to extend your public health impact: https://bit.ly/49jwbRu

04/06/2026

One of the most important roles of your local
health department is being a connector.

Need help but not sure where to start?
Looking for resources for your family?
Trying to navigate something complicated?

Sometimes we’re the first call.
Sometimes we’re the connector behind the scenes.
2507 Canterbury Drive 785.628.9440 https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health

04/05/2026

It’s National Public Health Week 💙

So… what is public health?

It’s the things you don’t always see:
✔️ Safe drinking water
✔️ Vaccines that prevent illness
✔️ Support for moms, babies, and families
✔️ Health education
✔️ Preventing disease before it starts
Public health is the quiet work happening every day to keep our community safe, healthy, and supported. This week, we want to focus on what that looks like for our Ellis County Community.

03/30/2026

Just a quick reminder that ECHD is closed Monday, March 30 through Wednesday, April 1 while our team is away for training. We’ll be back Thursday, ready to take care of you!

03/24/2026

Did you know that today is World Tuberculosis (TB) Day?
Why TB Testing Matters...

This is a good time to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a disease that mainly affects the lungs and can spread through the air when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes.

You may have noticed that our health department does a lot of TB skin tests, and here’s why:

✔️ TB doesn’t always make people feel sick right away.
Some people can carry TB bacteria without symptoms. Testing helps us find those cases early before it becomes active or spreads to others.

✔️ The TB skin test is quick, simple, and cost-effective.
A small amount of testing solution is placed just under the top layer of skin on your arm.

📅 Why we schedule on Mondays & Tuesdays:
This allows us to read your test on Wednesdays & Thursdays, right within that important window. It must be checked 48-72 hours later. You’ll come back so we can look at the area and see if your body reacted to the test.

🏥 Why some jobs require TB testing:
People who work in places like hospitals, schools, and childcare settings are around others every day, including those who may be more vulnerable to illness. TB testing helps make sure employees are not carrying TB bacteria and helps keep these environments safe for everyone.

🩻TB is preventable and treatable, and testing is one of the best tools we have to protect our community. You can have latent (inactive, not contagious) TB and not feel sick. This is why testing is so important! It can be caught early and is treatable and curable.

✔️Cost for the test is only $15, private pay.

If you need a TB test for work, school, or peace of mind, we’re here to help!

03/20/2026

☠️⚠️Kids see gummy medicine like vitamins and melatonin, and think “candy!”
But they can be dangerous. Here’s how to help your kids stay safe:
🍬 Store gummies up, away, and out of sight, preferably in a locked box or cabinet.
🍬 Never call gummy medicines “candy”.
🍬 Keep gummies in their original container.
📲Call the Help line at 1-800-222-1222 to get connected to your local poison center.
Poison Centers are here for you with confidential, non-judgmental, and free expert advice.

03/18/2026

How do you know if you should call Poison Help or911?
Call 911 when someone is having trouble breathing, unresponsive, or having
a seizure. For all other poisoning symptoms, call the Poison Help line to connect
with an expert! The Poison Help line is fast, free, and available 24/7, 365 days a year. You never know when you might need it.
1-800-222-1222.