Barber County Health Department

03/12/2026

📢 We Want to Hear From You!

Your input helps us better understand the needs of our community and improve local health services.

Please take a few minutes to complete our Community Needs Assessment. Your feedback will help guide programs and services in our area. SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW OR TYPE IN THE LINK BELOW.

03/12/2026

DON'T FALL FOR IT: Text-messaging scam targets Wichita-area drivers with fake license-suspension threats

03/10/2026

Obesity
Obesity can lead to some serious health conditions like diabetes and stroke. There are many ways to help maintain a healthy weight including diet and exercise but there are plenty of other important factors.

Tips to help maintain a healthy weight: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/about/tips-for-balancing-food-activity.html

Details on being mindful of calories, ensuring adequate nutrition, and being physically active.

03/10/2026

Not us being the "hot spot!"

03/10/2026

Nutrients
Nutrient needs change throughout each stage of life. From infants to older adults, nutrition plays an important role in your overall health and wellbeing.

Learn more about your nutrition needs as you age: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/12/18/the-changing-nutritional-needs-of-older-adults-and-how-to-meet-them

As people age, their nutritional needs change. Most older adults fail to meet federal dietary guidelines, but here's what to know to fix that.

03/09/2026

Teenage Mental Health
Being a teenager is hard. But feeling very sad, hopeless or worthless could be warning signs of a mental health problem. To find help, talk to your parents, school counselor or health care provider.

For immediate help: https://kansaspreventioncollaborative.org/get-help/

03/09/2026

Hearing
Hearing damage can happen instantly or slowly over time. The louder the sound the faster it can damage your ears. If you are going to be in any loud setting or noisy activity, wear earplugs or protective earmuffs to safeguard your hearing.

More about hearing: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-protectors

03/04/2026

We have some Great News Barber County!

We are now carrying PenMenvy!

PenMenvy is a "Combo" Vaccine of the two school required meningitis vaccines, Bexsero (Men B) and MenACWY (Menveo). It is great for our teenagers who do not like the idea of shots. Instead of receiving two different vaccines when they come in for their "16 year old" shots, they will now only receive one!
Less pokes means Less stress for you and your teenager!

03/04/2026

Family Health History
Your family health history matters. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and genetic disorders can run in families. When you know your history and share it with your healthcare professional you give them a clearer picture allowing them to:
✔️Spot patterns early
✔️Recommend related screenings
✔️Create a personalized plan
✔️Catch issues before they become serious

Create a family health history: https://cbiit.github.io/FHH/html/index.html

03/04/2026

TODAY in about 10 minutes!

Today at 10:00 AM, Barber County will participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill as part of Severe Weather Awareness efforts.

We encourage everyone to practice your tornado safety plan at this time. Take a few minutes to:
✔️ Identify your safe shelter location
✔️ Review your emergency plan with family or coworkers
✔️ Make sure your weather alerts are working
✔️ Know where your emergency kit is located

Having a plan in place before severe weather strikes can make all the difference. Now is the time to prepare.

Stay safe,
Barber County Emergency Management

03/04/2026

Vaccinations
Talk to your doctor about immunizations, what's right for your body and what will help protect you and those you care about. Age, travel plans and season can affect the immunizations you may need.

Find your recommended vaccinations: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2319/For-Patients

03/03/2026

Kansas Statewide Tornado Drill – Wednesday at 10:00 AM 🌪️

This Wednesday at 10:00 AM, Barber County will participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill as part of Severe Weather Awareness efforts.

We encourage everyone to practice your tornado safety plan at this time. Take a few minutes to:
✔️ Identify your safe shelter location
✔️ Review your emergency plan with family or coworkers
✔️ Make sure your weather alerts are working
✔️ Know where your emergency kit is located

Having a plan in place before severe weather strikes can make all the difference. Now is the time to prepare.

Stay safe,
Barber County Emergency Management