Stafford County Health Department - Kansas

05/30/2026

Be weather aware!

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma until 10 PM CDT. This includes locations along and east of highway 283. Tennis balls size hail and wind gusts up to 80mph possible.

05/30/2026

Keep an eye out for harmful algal blooms (HABs) at the lake this weekend.

HABs can develop rapidly. They release toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals.

Knowing how to identify HABs can keep your family, pets and livestock safe.

HABs can look like foam, scum, mats, or paint floating on the water surface. They can smell bad and the water can look blue, green, brown, orange, red or paint-like.

KNOW IT. AVOID IT. REPORT IT.

Check to see if your lake is on the list of advisories for HABs at kdhe.ks.gov/HAB Lake advisories are posted every Friday from April-October.

If you notice a HAB, please report it to KDHE at 855-422-5253, or at kdhe.ks.gov/HAB

05/29/2026

No insurance? Our staff can assist you with filling out an online form that will instantly tell you if your qualify for short term Medicaid coverage. The application can be sent to KanCare to apply for full Medicaid coverage. If we can help you with this, please call 620-549-3504 to schedule an appointment.

05/29/2026

Practice healthy habits around your flock:
· Wash your hands before and after handling poultry or their supplies.
· Don't kiss or snuggle backyard poultry.
· Don't let backyard poultry in your house.
· Supervise children around poultry, and don't let children younger than 5 years old handle or touch poultry.
· Use a dedicated pair of shoes for taking care of poultry and keep those shoes outside.
· Clean poultry equipment and supplies outside.

Backyard poultry: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/backyard-poultry.html

05/28/2026

Protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays every day:
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Sunglasses + wide-brimmed hat
- Sun-protective clothing (UPF if possible)
- Seek shade (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
- Check the UV Index

Quick tip: If your shadow is shorter than you, UV rays are strongest.

Small steps now = healthier skin later. Learn more at kdhe.ks.gov/816/Cancer-Prevention-Control

05/28/2026

Do you have questions or concerns with your reproductive health? We can help! We offer Family Planning Services that include pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment, birth control options, condoms, and well woman's health exams by a Nurse Practitioner. Give us a call with questions or to schedule an appointment! Our number is 620-549-3504.

05/28/2026

Add color to your meals, add fruits and vegetables.

Eating fruits and vegetables: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/healthy-eating/fruit-vegetables-and-heart-health

05/27/2026

Today is WIC Wednesday at our office!
Are you a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding mother? Do you have children under age 5? You may be eligible for the WIC program! WIC provides nutrition education and food benefits to assist with purchasing groceries for your family. Give us a call to schedule your appointment! Our number is 620-549-3504.

05/27/2026

Don't forget! We will be hosting a sign up for the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program at our office on Thursday, May 28th from 8:00am - 3:30pm. If you are 60 years old or older and meet income guidelines, you are eligible to receive $50 benefits to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey from participating farmers. Benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

05/26/2026

Get those joints jumping like they used to by lowering your risk for or managing your arthritis.

Learn how: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/841/Arthritis