Franklin County, KS - Health Department

04/27/2026

April showers bring May flowers… and mosquitoes!

With all the recent rain, now’s a good time to check around your home for standing water, because that’s where mosquitoes like to breed.

A quick reminder of the 3 D’s:
• Drain standing water from items like buckets, flower pots, and gutters
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when you’re outside, especially in the evening
• DEET – use an insect repellent with DEET or another EPA-approved ingredient

Find more mosquito prevention here: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/

04/27/2026

We’re helping share a survey from the East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (ECKAAA) to better understand the needs of seniors and caregivers in our community.

Caregiving and receiving care can come with challenges, and this short survey is designed to learn more about current needs and how support services can improve.

You can access the survey here: https://bit.ly/4mPhgqE

Paper copies are also available at the Health Department and at ECKAAA.

Please consider sharing this with someone who may be interested - your input makes a difference.

04/24/2026

04/22/2026

Today we’re celebrating Administrative Professionals Day and the awesome team behind the scenes at our Health Department. These ladies each play a different role, but together they help keep things running smoothly every single day. We appreciate all that you do!

04/06/2026

🎉 Happy National Public Health Week! 🎉

This week, we recognize the work our team does every day to promote, protect, and support the health of our community.

From planning and prevention to responding when it matters most, public health is always in motion.

Thank you to our team for all you do to support a healthier Franklin County!

03/03/2026

Men, your heart health matters. Even if you feel fine and have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease - the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Taking steps today can protect your tomorrow.

Learn more about risks, prevention and what you can do to stay heart-healthy: https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/men-and-heart-disease.html

01/26/2026

Quick health tip for today: Folate is a B vitamin found naturally in healthy foods like leafy greens, peas, avocados, strawberries, and eggs. For women of reproductive age, it’s recommended to get at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day—through a daily supplement and/or fortified foods.

01/23/2026

Snow forecasts are a little all over the place, but one thing’s for sure - it’s cold! 🥶 Here are a few reminders for the next few days:

✅ Dress in layers (hat + gloves matter more than you think!)
✅ Limit time outside if you can
✅ Keep pets inside or bundled up
✅ Let faucets drip + open cabinet doors to help prevent frozen pipes
✅ Check on neighbors/family who may need help or heat

Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t push it in this weather.

01/15/2026

12/31/2025

We want to make sure families and individuals in Franklin County are aware of helpful community resources available if you need assistance.

Please consider reaching out to the following local organizations:

• Hope House
205 W. 17th St., Ottawa, KS
📞 785-242-2444
🌐 www.hopehouseottawa.org

• United Way of Franklin County
501 S. Main, Ottawa, KS
📞 Dial 2-1-1 for information and referrals to local services

• Blessing Box Foundation
📞 785-592-4673
🌐 facebook.com/BlessingBoxfoundation

• East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (ECKAAA)
117 S. Main, Ottawa, KS
📞 785-242-7200
🌐 www.eckaaa.org

These organizations continue to support our community, and we encourage anyone in need to reach out. 💙

11/05/2025

Stop by Legacy Square - Ottawa, Kansas, tomorrow, November 12th from 1 to 2pm!

The ReNewed Hope Food Pantry will be at Legacy Square - Ottawa, Kansas on Wednesday, November 12th from 1 to 2pm!

10/30/2025

Yesterday’s Trick-or-Treat through the Annex was a success! We got into the holiday spirit with costumes, candy, and plenty of Halloween fun. Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make this event such a treat!