Franklin County, KS - Health Department

06/08/2026

Tick season is here in Franklin County and across Kansas, and it will continue through early fall.

Whether you're working outdoors, spending time on the farm, enjoying local trails, or simply doing yard work, it's important to take steps to prevent tick bites. Ticks can carry diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, Spotted Fever Rickettsioses, Lyme disease, and Tularemia.

When spending time outdoors, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when possible, check yourself and your pets for ticks, and remove any attached ticks promptly.

Learn more about tickborne diseases and prevention: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2031/Vector-Borne-Arboviral-Diseases

06/02/2026

Keeping CPR Awareness Week going with today’s beat...

It’s CPR & AED Awareness Week! While this week highlights many important aspects of CPR and AED use, we’re focusing on one simple way to remember the rhythm: the playlist.

Today’s CPR Beat of the Day: Just Dance by Lady Gaga

Hands-Only CPR compressions should be performed at 100–120 beats per minute - about the pace of many familiar songs.

❤️ Call 911
❤️ Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 beats per minute

Follow along this week for a new CPR Beat of the Day.

06/01/2026

Today’s beat: catchy and potentially lifesaving. 🎶❤️

It’s CPR & AED Awareness Week! While this week highlights many important aspects of CPR and AED use, we’re focusing on one simple way to remember the rhythm: the playlist.

Today’s CPR Beat of the Day: Can't Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake

Hands-Only CPR compressions should be performed at 100–120 beats per minute - about the pace of many familiar songs.

❤️ Call 911
❤️ Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100–120 beats per minute

Follow along this week for a new CPR Beat of the Day.

05/22/2026

Our office will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe and healthy holiday weekend!

Franklin County general offices will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will reopen as normal on Tuesday, May 26.

05/09/2026

On May 14, join us for COMET Community Training from 12–1 PM!
Learn practical tips for talking with people experiencing mental health challenges, explore a helpful conversation guide, and more.
Lunch will be provided starting at 11:45 AM.
Scan the QR code or click the link below to register:
https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ca8pbRGm7zdQ5E

05/09/2026

Q.P.R. (Question, Persuade, Refer) Su***de Prevention Gatekeeper Training will be held June 12, from 9 AM - 10:30 AM. This is a free event and light snacks will be provided. RSVP is required. You can scan the QR code, click the link below, or call the Ottawa office (785-229-3520) to register.
LINK: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3yYJNKY8vRxbemO

05/06/2026

In a rural community like ours, nurses do a little bit of everything and they do it with heart. Thank you for caring for Franklin County day in and day out. We appreciate you! 🌟🩺💙

05/04/2026

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Whether you’re looking for support, resources, or just want to learn more, help is available in our community.

Our Community Resource Guide includes local mental health services, crisis support, and more.

👉 View the guide here: https://www.franklincoks.org/1071/Community-Resource-Guide
📍 Paper copies are also available at the Health Department

Whether you’re seeking help or supporting someone else, these resources are here for you.

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.