Leavenworth County Health Department

01/07/2026

Myth: WIC is only for people who are unemployed
Fact: Many WIC participants are working families. Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risk, not employment status.

Myth: If I'm on WIC, I can't breastfeed
Fact: WIC strongly supports breastfeeding by offering education, peer counseling, lactation support, and breastfeeding supplies.

Myth: WIC is only for females or moms
Fact: While WIC does assist pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, all caregivers are welcomed whether you're dad, mom, grandparents, guardians, and even foster parents with children under the age of 5.

Visit our website to see if you qualify: https://www.leavenworthcounty.gov/departments/health_department/wic/index.php or give us a call at 913-250-2040 for more information about the WIC program.

01/07/2026

In January, we recognize Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of prevention and early detection.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers, yet it is often confused with ovarian cancer. While both affect the female reproductive system, they differ significantly in their location, causes, symptoms, treatment options, and survival rates. What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the narrow lower portion of the uterus that connects to the va**na. This differs from ovarian cancer, which most often originates in the ovaries or fallopian tubes, reproductive organs located on either side of the uterus within the pelvis.

Understanding these differences is an important step in promoting awareness, prevention, and timely care.

More information regarding cervical cancer can be located at: https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer/about/index.html

More information regarding EDW and the income requirements can be located at: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/826/Early-Detection-Works

01/07/2026

Kansas has moved from “Low” to “Very High” activity on the CDC’s weekly influenza surveillance report.

Throughout the US, the week ending December 29, 2025, the CDC Influenza Surveillance Reports shows 32.9% of influenza tests were positive, with most cases identified as Influenza A (H3N2).

During this same period:
- 8.2% of visits to health care providers were for respiratory illness
- 33,301 patients were admitted to hospitals nationwide with influenza

The most effective way to reduce the risk of seasonal influenza and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against three strains: H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B. While the newer H3N2 K subclade includes mutations that may reduce vaccine effectiveness for that specific strain, vaccination still provides important protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

Additional preventive steps such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, and staying home when ill also help limit the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

The following slides are surveillance data for Leavenworth County from December 1st through December 31st.

Stay informed, take preventive measures, and help keep our community healthy Leavenworth County!

12/30/2025

🎉 Happy New Year from the Leavenworth County Health Department and WIC! 🎉

Our offices will be CLOSED this Thursday, January 1st, in celebration of the holiday. We’ll be back and ready to serve you on Friday, January 2nd at 8 a.m.

As you ring in the new year, remember to keep it safe and healthy! Steer clear of sick folks, wash your hands often and maybe wash them a little extra if you’re celebrating out and about! And a friendly reminder, if you’re planning to toast the night away, don’t drink and drive. Drive sober, arrive alive! Call a friend, grab an Uber, or use any other ride-share service. We care about your safety and well-being.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and safe start to 2026!

12/29/2025

Milk and other dairy foods are great sources of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which help build strong bones. Whole, 2%, 1%, and skim milk all contain the same nutrients, the main difference is fat and calories.

Higher fat = higher calories:

• Whole: 145 calories, 8g fat
• 2%: 120 calories, 5g fat
• 1%: 100 calories, 2.5g fat
• Skim: 85 calories, 0g fat

Dairy fat is mostly saturated fat, which can affect cholesterol and heart health if consumed in excess. Fat is still important for children as it helps with vitamin absorption, energy, and feeling full. After age 2, low-fat dairy is usually recommended so kids don’t fill up on milk and miss out on other foods. Between ages 1–2, whole milk can help provide extra calories if needed.

Low-fat milk may be helpful for children who are eating well and maintaining a healthy weight. Healthy fats from foods like fish, nuts, avocado, and olive oil support brain development. Every child is different, so talk with your pediatrician if you have questions about growth or which milk is best.

Reminder: Infants should only have breastmilk or formula until age 1. Small amounts of water can be introduced after 6 months, but it should not replace breastmilk or formula.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Fat-Salt-and-Sugar-Not-All-Bad.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Recommended-Drinks-for-Young-Children-Ages-0-5.aspx

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/saturated-fats

https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/whole-milk-nutrition-facts

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.

12/29/2025

👶 DIAPER DAY GIVEAWAY 👶

The WIC office is providing free diapers to families in need. Sizes range from newborn to size 3, with a limited supply of sizes 4 and 5.

No sign-up or registration required!

Join us at the WIC office:
500 Eisenhower Rd, Suite 102
January 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (while supplies last)

Come early to ensure you get what you need. We look forward to seeing you there!

12/23/2025

The Leavenworth County Health Department and WIC offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and Thursday, December 25, 2025, in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will reopen on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

While our team will be away spreading cheer, eating too many cookies, and double-checking that Santa washed his hands. We hope that you have a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy holiday season! ⛄️

12/22/2025

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) has issued the following media release on behalf of local health departments regarding influenza, measles, and pertussis (whooping cough). Incidence of these illnesses is increasing significantly across the metropolitan area and nationwide.

Health experts say now is the best time to protect yourself and the community.

12/17/2025

Looking for a way to keep your child entertained while on Christmas break from school? Try some of these easy Christmas craft ideas that you may already have the supplies for at home:

• Salt dough handprint ornaments
• Santa handprint cards
• Fluffy “Santa” slime
• Handprint Christmas tree
• Footprint reindeer
• Sock snowman
• And many more!

These little crafts can also make thoughtful gifts to family and friends and also a great way to add some Christmas spirit to your house! Helping your child use their hands to make things is great for their development. Let them be creative and use their imaginations. Arts and crafts help to build a child’s self-esteem by being proud of the work they do. It’s also a great way to bond with your child and spend quality time together!

Check out this link for more ideas, instructions and information!

https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/christmas-crafts-for-kids/

https://earlylearningideas.com/benefits-of-crafts-for-preschoolers/

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.

12/12/2025

Man, oh man, are we excited to see Friday around here!

A few quick updates: This past Tuesday, the Health Department officially went live with our new Patagonia Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Our team has been working diligently to smooth out any kinks and get fully up to speed with the transition.

With that in mind, please continue to expect a few minor delays during check-in and throughout your appointment. We are collecting updated electronic signatures and information from all clients. The good news? You’ll only need to complete this once a year, unless your personal information changes and we love that improvement just as much as you will!

Additionally, our switch to the new EHR brought a few changes, including a new fax number. If you need to send records, please use: 913-222-1869.

We want to extend a big thank-you to everyone who visited us this week for your patience and understanding as we work through the transition.

Wishing you all a very happy Friday and a warm, wonderful weekend!

12/09/2025

Many parents may have different expectations on how their baby should be sleeping at night- especially first-time parents. First, it’s important to know that it is normal for babies to wake at night. During pregnancy babies are lulled to sleep by mothers’ movement and tend to be more active when mom is resting. It takes time to get their wake and sleeping windows aligning with night and daytime. It is normal for newborns to wake frequently at night to eat. Their stomachs are small, and they need to wake frequently to get enough to eat. Sleep schedules also change as baby gets older. They may start to sleep more at night around 6-8 weeks. Again, it is still normal for babies to wake at night. Around 6 months babies may sleep in longer stretches at a time- around 6 hours. Each baby is unique, but if you have concerns about your baby’s sleep, talk with your pediatrician. Making sure baby has a safe place to sleep is also important. If you as a caregiver are feeling angry/overwhelmed please reach out to your family, friends, and healthcare provider for help and support. Asking for help shows strength not weakness and that you are wanting to do what’s best for you and your child.

Check out these links for more information on baby sleep and safe sleep:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/default.aspx

https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/reduce

https://www.kidsks.org/safe-sleep.html

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.

12/09/2025

When the weather starts getting cold it becomes harder to get out of the house for family activities. This tends to lead to more screen time exposure for adults and kids for entertainment. Screen time (especially interactive/educational) screen time can have its place, but it’s best to limit screen time to an average of 2 hours or less per day depending on your child’s age according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here are some ideas for Winter Family activities and local events.

https://www.visitleavenworthks.com/visitors/page/kid-friendly-things-do

https://www.visitleavenworthks.com/visitors/page/calendar-events

https://www.travelks.com/things-to-do/attractions/museums-and-discovery-centers/

https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-best-towns-in-kansas-for-a-winter-getaway.html

https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx

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.