Leavenworth County Health Department

11/10/2025

The Leavenworth County Health Department will be closed in observance of Veterans Day tomorrow, November 11th. We honor and thank all veterans for their service and dedication. Normal operations will resume on Wednesday, November 12th.

Stay warm!

11/07/2025

💜 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 💜

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to prevent, diagnose, and treat. It's risk factors and symptoms are often unfamiliar, and without a standard early detection test for the general population, it’s frequently diagnosed at a late stage when treatment options are limited.

We want to shed light on this silent disease and highlight the importance of understanding and early recognition. By increasing awareness, we can help save lives and provide hope to those affected.

Join us on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, November 20th, for "Going Purple" a day to wear purple in remembrance of those we've lost and to honor those currently battling this disease.

Together, let’s raise awareness, offer support, and bring hope.

For additional information on understanding pancreatic cancer, how to get involved, opportunities to contribute, and ongoing research, please visit: https://pancan.org/

11/06/2025

‼️ INFORMATION REGARDING WIC SERVICES ‼️

There has been some misinformation circulating on social media concerning the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. We want to assure the community that the Leavenworth County WIC program remains open and fully operational despite the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Our services continue to be available to income-eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five. WIC provides access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to additional supportive services.

For more information about the WIC program, please contact us at 913-250-2040.

FAQs regarding WIC and the federal government shutdown can be found at: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/faq.aspx?TID=94

📍Sharing this message can help ensure our community stays informed and aware that WIC services are unaffected by the shutdown! 📍

11/05/2025

It’s been a long day, but don’t worry we’re just busy training to bring you a brand new EMR system!! 💻 We’re putting in the work behind the scenes so we can go live with our new system and serve our community even better. Stay tuned, the best is yet to come, and we can’t wait to help YOU with even smoother, faster care! 🤍

As a reminder, the Health Department is closed for services today through Friday for training. WIC offices remain open for walk-ins and appointments! 🫠

11/04/2025

November is recognized as Gestational Diabetes Awareness Month. Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. It may resolve after delivery, but some moms may also develop type 2 diabetes later. Developing gestational diabetes also puts your child at greater risk of developing diabetes later in life as well. There are ways to protect yourself and your child against this!

Ways to protect yourself and your baby:

• Follow a healthy lifestyle/dietary pattern to manage weight gain during pregnancy. The amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy differs depending on what your pre-pregnancy weight is. Ask your doctor what your pregnancy weight goal range should be.
• Getting regular physical activity can help keep blood sugar levels controlled. It doesn’t need to be heavy activity even walking or swimming can be beneficial. Talk with your doctor about creating an activity plan that works best for you.
• Breastfeeding can reduce mom and baby’s risk for developing diabetes. Breastfeeding is also beneficial in reducing other health risks like breast or ovarian cancer. Talk with your doctor or lactation consultant to help you feel confident/prepared to breastfeed your baby.

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/gestational

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/diabetes-pregnancy

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/healthy-living-with-diabetes?dkrd=/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity

https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/pregnancy/diabetes-breastfeeding

https://www.lllc.ca/diabetes

This information is brought to you by the Leavenworth County Women, Infants, Children (WIC) program which serves income eligible pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age five. WIC provides participants with healthy foods, nutrition education and referrals to other available services. Contact 913-250-2040 for more information about the WIC program.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

11/03/2025

November is recognized as National Diabetes Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight the impact of this chronic condition. Annually, approximately 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, and 97.6 million adults in the United States are living with prediabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, or glucose, which serves as the primary energy source for the body. While the body naturally produces glucose, it is also obtained through dietary intake.

The link below has access comprehensive information on diabetes, managing life with diabetes, health and wellness, nutrition, as well as available tools and resources.

Leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes for those affected by it through research funding, community services, education and advocacy.

11/03/2025

‼️ CLOSED ALERT ‼️

The Leavenworth County Health Department will be temporarily closed for services this week from Wednesday, November 5th through Friday, November 7th, to accommodate mandatory staff training for our new EMR system that we will be going live with next month! WAHOOO!!

However, the WIC offices will remain open for scheduled appointments and walk-in services.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we appreciate your understanding. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 913-250-2000!

10/31/2025

It’s-a-me, Leavenworth County Health Department! 🍄🎃

This year’s Halloween bash was straight out of the Mushroom Kingdom and let’s just say our team really leveled up! From Mario and Luigi to Princess Peach, everyone brought their power-ups and best game face.

We jumped over deadlines, dodged turtle shells, and battled for the ultimate prizes: Best Costume was awarded to Bowser and Best Chili was awarded to Jennifer from EMS where she made the BEST Brisket Chili. Let’s just say… the competition was hotter than Bowser’s Castle! 🔥

Events like these remind us that teamwork, laughter, and a few coins (or candy bars) go a long way in keeping morale high. Thanks to everyone who played along and made our Super Mario Halloween a total 1-Up success!

10/31/2025

🎃 It’s that time of year again at the Leavenworth County Health Department! 👻

Our annual Halloween Celebration is back because what’s better than a day filled with teamwork, laughter, and just the right amount of spooky competition?

Who doesn’t want to show up dressed like their alter ego, eat too much chili, and compete for Best Costume and Best Food bragging rights?

Can anyone guess the theme this year? 😆

Happy Halloween from all of us at LCHD keeping it healthy, haunted, and hilarious! 🩺🎃

10/28/2025

Today, on National First Responders Day, the Leavenworth County Health Department wishes to extend our deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation to all of our frontline heroes. Whether you are answering calls with a headset, wearing a badge, operating a fire hose, providing care on a gurney, serving in the military, working in corrections, healthcare, animal control, or any other capacity where you serve as a first responder - your unwavering dedication and service are truly commendable and do not go unnoticed.

Each day, your bravery, integrity, and commitment contribute significantly to the strength and resilience of our community.

Thank you for your sacrifices, courage, and selfless service. You are genuine heroes, and we are honored to stand with you.

10/28/2025

There are so many options when it comes to picking what treats to hand out for Halloween Trick-or-Treaters. Here are some tips to keep in mind and some alternative options to the traditional sweets:

• Allergen free/nut free options- The Teal Pumpkin project helps kids identify options that are safe for them. There may be allergens that you don’t think about in candy. Likes egg white in candy corn or gluten in licorice - https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/candy-facts - If you plan to have allergen free options available for Trick-or-Treaters you can also add your house/treat stop to a map on the Teal Pumpkin Project’s website. Check out this link for more information https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/teal-pumpkin-project

• Nonfood items- If you’d like a way to let your kiddos have fun but not too much sugar, non-food items as treats can be a great idea. Lots of stores have made little trinkets and toys available to pass out besides candy. Rings, fidget poppers, bubbles, and stickers just to name a few. Here’s a list of ideas: https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/ideas-non-food-treats

• Food safety- Treats and candy should always come in its original packaging. It’s even better if a nutrition label is included! Check expiration dates before trying to use up any leftovers from last year. Also, many candies can be choking hazards for our little ones. Avoid hard candies, coated candy pieces, suckers, and other small candies in children under 4. Check out this list for more information: https://www.babycenter.com/presscenter/halloween-choking-hazards_40009932

• Wait until you are back at home to have your treats- Avoid having your kiddo eat Halloween treats while out trick-or-treating. That way you can inspect their goodies once you are home to make sure, they are safe. It also helps them to be focused on their surroundings to stay safe. According to the Red Cross “Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year”.

https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2025/halloween-safety-tips-for-trick-or-treaters-of-all-ages.html

https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/halloween-safety

This information is brought to you by the Leavenworth County Women, Infants, Children (WIC) program which serves income eligible pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age five. WIC provides participants with healthy foods, nutrition education and referrals to other available services. Contact 913-250-2040 for more information about the WIC program.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

10/24/2025

As much as our brave firefighters thrive on the adrenaline of fires and calls, let's be honest nobody wants a family to lose hope, be displaced during the holidays, or worse, say goodbye to a loved one over something that could have been easily prevented.

With temperatures starting to dip, now is the perfect time to schedule a furnace inspection or have your indoor fireplace serviced. Think of it as giving your home a little holiday hug and avoiding the unwelcome surprise of carbon monoxide poisoning this winter.

So, act now! Ensure your furnace and fireplace are in tip-top shape so you can enjoy warm, cozy holidays without worrying about emergency room visits or worse. Because nothing says “festive” like a safe and comfy home, minus the drama 🤣