Leavenworth County Health Department

09/04/2026

Please be reminded that the Leavenworth County Health Department, WIC, and EMS Administration Offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

Regular office hours and services will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day! ❤️🤍💙

09/03/2026

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to not introduce juice to children under age 1. Fresh fruit provides more nutritional value overall- including more fiber and less sugar compared to juice. Kids drinking more juice than recommended or starting juice early can lead to increased weight/obesity and dental health concerns like cavities and tooth decay. It is recommended that toddlers ages 1-3 only get 4 oz total in a day. For children ages 4-6 only 4-6 oz in a day.

Check out these resources for more information:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/AAP-Recommends-No-Fruit-Juice-for-Children-Under-1-Year.aspx

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

08/26/2026

Hey WIC participants! Have you checked your WIC app lately?

There have been some recent updates to food packages with new food added! If you rely on the printed/PDF WIC allowed foods list, it is not the most up to date with these new food additions. Your WIC app is the most reliable and up to date source of information on what foods are eligible and what is included with your specific food package.

Check out your WIC Shopper App today: https://ebtshopper.com/

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.

08/25/2026

🚭 VA**NG ISN’T JUST WATER V***R

Va**ng may look harmless, but most e-cigarettes contain ni****ne, a highly addictive substance that can affect the brain, especially in teens and young adults.

What’s in a v**e?
V**e aerosol can contain ni****ne and other potentially harmful substances, including chemicals and metals. Va**ng is not risk-free, and the long-term health effects are still being studied.

Why should you be concerned?
• Ni****ne can lead to addiction and dependence
• Ni****ne can affect the developing adolescent brain, including areas involved in attention, memory and learning
• Va**ng can expose your lungs to harmful substances
• Secondhand v**e aerosol is not harmless
• What starts as occasional use can become a difficult habit to break

READY TO QUIT? YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE.

KanQuit provides FREE support to Kansas residents who want to quit to***co or va**ng.

📞 Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
🌐 Visit KSquit.org

Support may include:
✅ Quit coaching
✅ Text and online support
✅ Email support
✅ Quit medications for those who qualify

Quitting is a process, not a failure. Every attempt is a step toward a healthier you.

**ngawareness **eFree **ng

08/21/2026

🩵 National Fentanyl Prevention & Awareness Day 🩵

Today is a reminder that one small decision can have life-changing consequences.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be found in counterfeit pills and other illegal drugs, often without the person taking them knowing it is there.

It only takes a very small amount of fentanyl to cause a potentially fatal overdose. According to the DEA, as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl, an amount small enough to fit on the tip of a pencil can be potentially lethal, depending on the individual.

With school back in session, now is an important time for parents and caregivers to have conversations with children and teens about medication and drug safety.

Talk to your children about these simple rules:

• Never take a pill or medication from a friend, classmate, or anyone other than a trusted adult.
• A pill that looks like a legitimate prescription medication may actually be counterfeit and contain fentanyl.
• Never take an unknown pill, even once. You cannot tell whether fentanyl is present by looking at, smelling, or tasting it.
• Avoid accepting open, unsealed, or unidentified food or candy from others when you don’t know where it came from.
• If a friend has an unknown pill, powder, or substance, don’t touch it or try it, tell a trusted adult.
• Make sure children know they can come to a parent, teacher, counselor, school nurse, or another trusted adult with questions without fear of getting in trouble for asking for help.

These conversations may feel uncomfortable, but they are conversations worth having.

Fentanyl and counterfeit pills are affecting communities across the United States, and prevention starts with education, awareness, and honest conversations at home and in our communities.

One pill can be enough. One conversation could save a life.

Join the San Bernardino City Unified School District high school st...

08/17/2026

Happy National Breastfeeding Month! Childcare providers play a critical role in helping families meet their breastfeeding goals. We know 25% of mothers return to work within 2 weeks after having a baby! Returning to work is a huge barrier to meeting breastfeeding goals. Childcare should not be another barrier!

Here are a few simple ways to let your breastfeeding families know your childcare program is here to help!

• Take a free online course from KCCTO, earn 2 clock hours, and let your families know who has additional training to support them. Also given in Spanish. https://linklock.titanhq.com/analyse?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yourcape.org%2Fproduct%2Fhow-to-support-breastfeeding-mothers-and-families%2F01tPH000008twaUYAQ&data=eJxtjc0KwjAQhJ-mvaWkKtZLDj0onkQRBY9rmv5Qkw2bjaFvbzwKDnNYhtlvtNo2TQ-7VdPIWtZlp14G3sYlJB41RsdLNeC7tArvp72lazvM8lQGBXYpNnIOTzIQuDemm9xQIQ0lKQ0WiCeXC_9pUY3MPhTrtlgdslNK1YKRNHjzZeTIE3ZRc75GTIJRhOh9xoifQWGRR0NBgOtED3Z6TSbkH1nz-Si_2nGC26O9fAB_r1Je
• Stand out from the crowd! Become a “Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Provider.” Learn more https://linklock.titanhq.com/analyse?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksbreastfeeding.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F07%2FBFCCD-Toolkit-Update-07-2024.pdf&data=eJxtTMkOgyAU_Bq5YdCa0guH1tajly53CrhE4RF4avz70rvJZLZMRokz5528lJyzghVEi9nI1bgNAg4KFod73sNKrIBP-7Dhee0n1pIopN2zik3xG4yM2BmjR9fnEHoShJJWBhxdGhy_LWJA9DE7XbOySTi4Se3mqQKHxmEKi59B6phcycoqCeOJbk1d3-kLYJ5GpG-vJRrKOP1vcq-7H9BvS5o
• Take the pledge and display “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” window decals and table tents at entrances and public spaces. https://linklock.titanhq.com/analyse?url=https%3A%2F%2Fksbreastfeeding.org%2Fpublic-breastfeeding-in-kansas%2F&data=eJxtjL0OgyAURp8GNgzapnRhcKijS5PuV0QkyMXwY-Pbl7WJyTed7-Qo-RBigWcnBG95S2e5aTg0fkPMqwoF89mYcFAvw2d8-fjujeMjTRL8Se7cpSlqSHnRerZomhANjVKBh5gtVuG6VuSa857IrSfdUHeRqXQv02YV-7uYReYAE6Qq_ACEwUNY
• Invite breastfeeding parents to breastfeed their child onsite at drop-off, lunch, or pick up.
• Order “Breastfeeding 911” cards and other educational materials, along with words of encouragement, for parents who need breastfeeding support! https://linklock.titanhq.com/analyse?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fr%2FSupply_Order&data=eJxtjLEOgyAURb9GRoK2KV0YHNrRDiZdG4pPNArPPEDC35cPaHLPcnJyjbpJOet7J6VoRcsmtYM-wWekuBhMPhZu8WRO4Xt4OBp7u4mBBaVdaa5iC18CHeIMMK3eciTLSBntNMXV1-D_W1JLjEdoLn3TPetyzjwkOqE49BsUbtBVTZUxHcdePi-agH52NT2b

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.

08/12/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Which of these services can you get at your local Health Department?

A. Blood pressure checks
B. STI testing
C. TB testing
D. Immunizations
E. ALL OF THE ABOVE!

🎉 Answer: E — ALL OF THE ABOVE!

We're more than you might think! ❤️

The Leavenworth County Health Department offers a variety of programs, services, and resources designed to support the health and well-being of our community.

Our programs include:

• Child Care Licensing
• Women's Health
• Kansas Maternal & Child Health
• Public Health Emergency Preparedness
• Immunizations
• Teen Pregnancy Targeted Case Management
• Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative

We also offer additional health services, including:

• Free blood pressure screenings
• Cholesterol screening and counseling
• Communicable disease control
• Court-ordered paternity testing
• Diabetic screening and counseling
• Head lice checks
• Health education materials and programs
• PKU newborn screening
• Sickle cell testing and counseling
• SIDS education and referrals
• Tuberculosis follow-up

And if you need a service that we don't provide, we'll help connect you with the appropriate resources in our community.

The Health Department isn't just a place to get a vaccine, we're here to help keep Leavenworth County healthy! 💙

What service surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!

08/11/2026

🚨☀️ EXTREME HEAT WARNING | LEAVENWORTH COUNTY ☀️🚨

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Leavenworth County through 8:00 PM Friday, August 14. Dangerous heat is expected to continue throughout the week. Please take precautions to stay safe, stay hydrated, and limit prolonged exposure to the heat.

Several locations throughout Leavenworth County are available for those who need a place to cool down during operating hours.

🚨 PLEASE REMEMBER: These locations are businesses and public facilities, not 24/7 emergency shelters. Please be courteous to staff, follow facility rules, and be mindful of operating hours.

COOLING CENTER LOCATIONS:

📍 Leavenworth County Health Department Hallway
500 Eisenhower Rd., Leavenworth, KS
🕗 Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

📍 Riverfront Community Center
123 S. Esplanade St., Leavenworth, KS
🕛 Monday–Friday: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM
🕛 Saturday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
🕐 Sunday: 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Please check before going. The Riverfront Community Center serves as a cooling center only under certain circumstances.

📍 Basehor Community Library
1400 N. 158th St., Basehor, KS 66007
🕘 Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
🕘 Friday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
🕐 Sunday: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM

📍 Lansing Community Library
730 1st Terrace, Suite 1, Lansing, KS 66043
🕘 Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
🕚 Saturday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

📍 Tonganoxie Public Library
217 E. 4th St., Tonganoxie, KS 66086
🕘 Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
🕘 Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
🕐 Sunday: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM

📍 City of Linwood – City Hall Gymnasium
306 Main St., Linwood, KS 66052
🕗 Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

🚨 HEAT SAFETY REMINDERS 🚨

• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, especially between 10 AM and 6 PM.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Never leave children or pets inside a vehicle.
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors, young children, and those without reliable air conditioning.

🚨 KNOW THE SIGNS OF A HEAT EMERGENCY 🚨

Confusion, loss of consciousness, hot or dry skin, difficulty breathing, or other severe symptoms may indicate a life-threatening heat-related emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Please share this information to help make sure everyone in our community knows where they can go to escape the heat.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and look out for one another, Leavenworth County!

08/06/2026

Did you know the Leavenworth County Health Department offers laboratory blood draw services which means you do not have to make that long drive to Kansas City?

Our Health Department has a dedicated laboratory technician available to perform blood draws with a valid provider’s order, even if you are not enrolled in one of our programs. You MUST have a lab order.

We accept most insurance plans as well as cash payments. Payment is due at the time of service unless you are utilizing your insurance.

If your healthcare provider has ordered lab work, we’re here to provide a convenient, local option for your blood draw needs. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your appointment! 🩸💉

08/04/2026

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

The promotional theme for this year is “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthen what works." The WIC program is one of the nation-wide support programs available for moms to help provide education and support with breastfeeding. WIC offers free access to breastfeeding peer support, lactation support from IBCLC’s, and other qualified lactation professionals. In certain situations, WIC can also help provide breast pumps and other nursing assistance devices.

Call your local WIC office for more information and check out these links!

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-breastfeeding-week/2026

https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/

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.