Public health department expands clinic services and partnerships

Health department prepares for potential state regionalization

Treatment and recovery center exceeds outpatient follow-up goals

Supportive housing project canceled

Suicide prevention signage headed to local parks

New septic and well water regulations target environmental health

Commissioners approve 2026 natural and cultural heritage grants

County adopts 2026 vegetation management plan

Annual review finds comprehensive plan effective

1. Public health department expands clinic services and partnerships

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is expanding its reach through a new integrated care model with the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and renewed nursing services at the Juvenile Detention Center. Clinic Services Director Christine Ebert announced that the health department is now providing physical healthcare for shared clients at Bert Nash and has expanded the Women, Infants and Children program to clinics in Eudora and Baldwin City. The department is also applying for state grants to offset costs for primary care, which would help fund street medicine for unsheltered residents.

2. Health department prepares for potential state regionalization

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is preparing for potential structural shifts as the Kansas Department of Health and Environment explores a regionalized approach to public health service delivery. Executive Director Jonathan Smith indicated that the state is encouraging larger departments to assist smaller neighboring counties with services like childcare licensing to reduce administrative burdens. While no formal changes have been made, Smith noted the department is beginning to build relationships with nearby counties to navigate the potential shift in state funding and jurisdictional responsibilities.

3. Treatment and recovery center exceeds outpatient follow-up goals

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The Douglas County Treatment and Recovery Center continues to successfully divert individuals from emergency rooms and the county jail, recently hitting an 85 percent success rate for patients completing follow-up outpatient visits. Director of Behavioral Health Projects Bob Tryanski shared the metric during a Community Health Improvement Plan update, noting the center surpassed its adjusted goal of 75 percent. Tryanski highlighted the facility's effectiveness as a 24/7 crisis intervention center and praised the successful deployment of peer support specialists in the field.

4. Supportive housing project canceled

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center's proposed 24-unit permanent supportive housing project will not move forward, dealing a setback to the county's behavioral health housing goals. During an update on the behavioral health crisis system, Director of Behavioral Health Projects Bob Tryanski announced the cancellation, which represents a 20 percent loss in the county's overall supportive housing unit objectives. Tryanski noted that officials are currently exploring alternative partnerships and projects to replace the needed units, though the timeline remains unclear.

5. Suicide prevention signage headed to local parks

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Following a review by the county's Suicide Fatality Review Board, 988 suicide and crisis lifeline signs will be installed in public parks across the region. Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health reported that local data indicated an increase in suicides and 911 crisis calls occurring in public park spaces. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is funding the first batch of 20 signs, with an official unveiling scheduled for April 30 at a local park to launch a broader community-wide 988 communication campaign.

6. New septic and well water regulations target environmental health

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The environmental health division of Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is shifting toward proactive measures, rolling out a new voluntary well-water testing program and utilizing updated soil profile procedures for septic systems. Director of Policy and Planning Vicki Collie-Akers acknowledged that the modernized septic regulations have prompted discussions with local developers regarding implementation, but emphasized the rules are necessary to meet industry standards and protect waterlogged soils. The department is also seeking public help to promote a $50,000 state grant available to assist low-income families in repairing or replacing failing septic systems.

7. Commissioners approve 2026 natural and cultural heritage grants

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The Douglas County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the 2026 Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant awards, distributing funds following a record-breaking cycle of 42 applications totaling more than $1 million in requests. Heritage Conservation Coordinator Kaitlyn Ammerlaan noted that an additional $40,000 was utilized for seed grants this year, drawing 11 new applicant organizations to the program. While the board praised the program's growth, they directed the Heritage Conservation Council to review future grant guidelines to address concerns over funding allocations for large institutions and for-profit businesses.

8. County adopts 2026 vegetation management plan

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The board unanimously approved the Public Works Department's 2026 Vegetation Management Plan, which dictates roadside mowing and herbicide use on county-managed properties. The plan continues a multi-year trend of dramatically reducing chemical herbicide applications, with public works staff utilizing chemicals on only 45 acres of county land last year. The board also briefly discussed future initiatives to incorporate more native grasses in high-traffic open spaces, such as Lone Star Lake.

9. Annual review finds comprehensive plan effective

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — The board unanimously received the 2025 annual review of Plan 2040, confirming the plan remains relevant and legally effective. A planning official reported that the document continues to effectively guide growth and development in unincorporated areas and the city of Lawrence. The official noted that only three minor amendments were considered in the past year, including the pending New Boston Crossing development project, which is currently on hold awaiting further application materials.

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