Franklin County, KS - Health Department

Franklin County, KS - Health Department Franklin County does not endorse or maintain any affiliation with followers, fans, or subscribers of Our vision is "Healthy People in a Healthy Community".

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are

hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

09/03/2026

🦇Bats do not chew their way into buildings but can squeeze through a hole as small as a dime! Keep bats out of your home by fixing torn window screens, broken siding, loose shingles, missing or broken chimney caps and fill any holes around your home that lead outside.

🔗Learn how to keep bats outside: https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/programs-services/wildlife-damage-control

🔗Learn more about bats: https://www.batcon.org/about-bats/bats-101/

🔗Bats in Kansas: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2467/Bats-in-Kansas

🔗What to do when you find a bat in your home: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/60100/Bats-Rabies-and-You-PDF

09/02/2026

🥵Did you know that extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US and in Kansas?
Heat-related illnesses include heat rash, sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

☀️☀️PREVENT heat-related illness:
💧Stay hydrated. Drink fluids before you feel thirsty and check your urine – if it's dark you need to drink more fluids. Avoid dehydrating fluids like alcohol, coffee and sugary drinks.
🆒 Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible.
🏃‍♂️‍➡️Pace outdoor physical activity and schedule heavy labor or exercise early morning or evening, if possible.
🍉Eat lighter meals.
👵🏽Check on the vulnerable, e.g., the elderly, the very young, the disabled and the unhoused.
🧴Prevent sunburn.
🚘Never leave anyone in cars.

⭕⭕SYMPTOMS of heat-related illness include:
😵‍💫Feeling faint and dizzy.
🥴Headache.
🤮Nausea and vomiting.
😥Heavy sweating, or no sweating.
😣Muscle cramps.

🩺🩺FIRST AID for heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
🌳Move to a cool and shaded area.
👚Remove as much clothing as possible.
💧Drink liquids if able. Don't give liquids to someone if they are confused.
🌡️Cool quickly by:
💦Bathing in cold water or ice if available.
🫗 Wetting the skin and clothing.
🧊Putting cold, wet cloths and/or ice on head, neck, armpits and groin.
🍃Circulating air.
🔴🚨🚑HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY – CALL 911🚨🚑🔴

Heat-related illness: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html

What to look for: https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fextreme-heat%2Fabout%2Findex.html

08/31/2026

Overdose continues to affect people from every walk of life. Behind every statistic is a person – someone once loved and valued. And behind every loss is a ripple felt by families, friends and communities.

Overdose is preventable.

Keep learning, speaking openly and acting with compassion and on evidence. Together, we can create a future where fewer lives are lost and where support is within reach for everyone. Until then, we remember. We act. And we continue – together.

Stop overdose: https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/caring/index.html

💉 Don’t get your flu shot too early!Timing matters. Getting your flu shot in September or October can help provide prote...
08/28/2026

💉 Don’t get your flu shot too early!

Timing matters. Getting your flu shot in September or October can help provide protection throughout flu season - and we’re making it easy with five drive-thru clinics throughout Franklin County beginning Oct. 5.

Please bring your insurance card and photo ID. Save time by filling out the flu consent form before you arrive: https://bit.ly/3r3hTV4

Questions? Call the Franklin County Health Department at 785-229-3530.

During September and October, bats begin leaving their summer roosts, which can lead to an increase in encounters with p...
08/26/2026

During September and October, bats begin leaving their summer roosts, which can lead to an increase in encounters with people and pets.

If you find a bat in your home or think you, a child or a pet may have been bitten or exposed:

• Do not touch the bat with bare hands.
• Keep people and pets away from it.
• If possible, safely contain the bat so it can be evaluated or tested.
• Contact your healthcare provider or local health department for guidance after a possible exposure.

Because bat bites can be very small and difficult to see, it’s important to take possible exposures seriously - especially if a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, young child or someone who may not be able to report contact.

Learn more about bats, rabies and what to do after a possible exposure:
https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2467/Bats-in-Kansas

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Lunch on Us event. And a special thank you to EMS Community Education...
08/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Lunch on Us event. And a special thank you to EMS Community Education Coordinator Abby Truman for leading a great session on Hands Only CPR.

Adults 55 and above - we invite you to join us for our next Lunch on Us session on Sept. 15, 2026, on Medicare Open Enrollment.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 8 by calling 785-229-3530. We look forward to seeing you there!

West Nile virus risk is HIGH in Kansas right now.West Nile virus is spread through mosquito bites. Most people who are i...
08/10/2026

West Nile virus risk is HIGH in Kansas right now.

West Nile virus is spread through mosquito bites. Most people who are infected don't develop symptoms, but the virus can sometimes cause serious illness.

Help protect yourself and your family:

👕 DRESS
• Wear loose-fitting, long sleeves and pants when possible.
• Take extra precautions around dusk and dawn.
• Keep window and door screens in good repair.

💧 DRAIN
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. At least twice a week, empty water from buckets, toys, tires, tarps, plant saucers and other containers around your home. Refresh bird baths and pet water regularly.

🛡️ DEFEND
• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Treat clothing and outdoor gear with permethrin when appropriate.
• Use mosquito netting on strollers and playpens.

A few simple steps can help prevent mosquito bites - and the illnesses they can carry.

08/06/2026

📜🌟Registration is open and spots are available (but limited) - we hope to see you there!

Need a copy of an immunization record?You can securely view, download, and print official Kansas immunization records on...
07/31/2026

Need a copy of an immunization record?

You can securely view, download, and print official Kansas immunization records online through the Kansas Immunization Public Portal: https://myvaccinerecord.ks.gov/.

The portal can be used to access:

• Your own immunization record (if you're 18 or older)
• Your child's record (if you're their parent or legal guardian)

If you can't locate your record through the portal - for example, if your name or contact information doesn't match what's on file - don't worry. We're here to help.

Contact the Franklin County Health Department at 785-229-3530, and our team can assist you with other ways to request your immunization record.

Address

1418 S Main, Suite 1
Ottawa, KS
66067

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5:15pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:15pm
Wednesday 8am - 5:15pm
Thursday 8am - 5:15pm
Friday 8am - 12pm

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