Gove County Health Department

12/10/2025

Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine and he**in. It is primarily used in medical settings for severe pain management, such as during surgery, for cancer patients, or for individuals with chronic pain who are tolerant to other opioids.

Key Facts About Fentanyl:

Potency: Approximately 50–100 times stronger than morphine.

Medical Use: Available as patches, lozenges, injections, and tablets for controlled pain relief.

Illicit Use & Risks: Illicit fentanyl, often mixed with other drugs (like he**in or counterfeit pills), is a major contributor to opioid overdoses.

Overdose Symptoms: Slow breathing, unconsciousness, pinpoint pupils, and potential death if untreated.

Reversal: Naloxone (Narcan) can temporarily reverse fentanyl overdoses if administered in time.

If you want to be prepared for any situation you may encounter while walking down the street or in a home stop by the Gove County Health Department for you free Naloxone (Narcan). We also have free Fentanyl test strips available to test any drug you may encounter.

Fentanilo
El fentanilo es un poderoso opioide sintético que es significativamente más potente que la morfina y la he***na. Se utiliza principalmente en entornos médicos para el manejo del dolor severo, como durante una cirugía, para pacientes con cáncer o para personas con dolor crónico que son tolerantes a otros opioides.
Datos clave sobre el fentanilo:
• Potencia: Aproximadamente de 50 a 100 veces más fuerte que la morfina.
• Uso médico: Disponible en parches, pastillas, inyecciones y tabletas para el alivio controlado del dolor.
• Uso ilícito y riesgos: El fentanilo ilícito, a menudo mezclado con otras dr**as (como he***na o píldoras falsificadas), es un importante contribuyente a las sobredosis de opioides.
• Síntomas de sobredosis: Respiración lenta, pérdida del conocimiento, pupilas contraídas y posible muerte si no se trata.
• Reversión: La naloxona (Narcan) puede revertir temporalmente las sobredosis por fentanilo si se administra a tiempo.
Si deseas estar preparado para cualquier situación que puedas encontrar en la calle o en un hogar, pasa por el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Gove para obtener Naloxona (Narcan) gratuita. También tenemos tiras reactivas gratuitas para detectar fentanilo y analizar cualquier droga que puedas encontrar.

12/03/2025

12/01/2025

https://topekazoo.org/visit-the-topeka-zoo/zoo-access-for-all/

For all our WIC Clients. Click on the link for details.

Learn how the Topeka Zoo makes wildlife experiences accessible to everyone. Discover discount admission options through Zoo Access for All.

11/21/2025

⚡ Electrical & Lighting Safety

Use outdoor-rated extension cords and light strings.

Check bulbs and wiring for cracks or exposed wires before hanging.

Turn off or unplug lights before replacing bulbs or adjusting decorations.

Use a GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet for outdoor plugs.

Set timers or smart plugs to automatically turn lights off overnight.

11/19/2025

🎄 Step Up Safely — Ladder Safety for Holiday Decorating

Falls are one of the top holiday injuries. Whether you’re hanging lights, trimming trees, or decorating the house, follow these tips to make sure your season stays merry—and injury-free.

🪜 Top 10 Ladder Safety Tips

Inspect before you climb. Check for loose rungs, cracks, or missing feet. Don’t use damaged ladders.

Set it right. Place the ladder on a flat, stable surface. Avoid icy, soft, or uneven ground.

Follow the 4-to-1 rule. For every 4 feet of ladder height, move the base 1 foot away from the wall.

Lock it in. Ensure extension ladder locks are fully engaged before climbing.

Keep three points of contact. Always have two hands and one foot—or two feet and one hand—on the ladder.

Don’t reach or lean. Move the ladder instead of overextending your body.

Climb light. Carry tools in a belt or hoist them up with a rope—never in your hands while climbing.

Have a helper. Ask someone to hold the ladder steady and spot you from below.

Watch the weather. Avoid climbing in wind, rain, or snow; metal ladders and electricity don’t mix!

Follow electrical safety. Keep ladders and lights at least 10 feet away from power lines.

11/17/2025

🚗 Parking Lot & Travel Tips

Stay alert backing out of spots; pedestrians and carts are everywhere.

Hold keys ready in hand when walking to your vehicle.

If shopping late or alone, ask store security to es**rt you to your car.

Keep emergency supplies, a flashlight, and a charged phone on hand.

11/14/2025

💻 Online Shopping Safety

Shop trusted sites only. Look for “https” and verified retailers.

Use secure payment methods. Credit cards or payment apps with fraud protection—never wire transfers or gift cards.

Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions; use your mobile data or a private network.

Watch for scams. Be cautious of emails or ads offering deals that look “too good to be true.”

Monitor bank accounts for unusual activity after big sale weekends.