(Jan. 24, 2023) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), heard from Dennis Kriesel, executive director of the Kansas Association of Local Health Departments. Kriesel gave an overview of the 86 county health departments, discussed funding sources and explained what local health departments have jurisdiction over.

Committee members made the following inquiries:

• Mental health services and referral services for those in crisis
• Services dictated through the federal funds
• Traveling nurse fees and the impact on local health departments
• Previously passed state funding increases and how long that proviso language will be in place
• Total amount of funds counties received to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic
• How many counties have long-term care or hospice in their county, as well as how they shared funds and resources with those entities throughout the COVID pandemic
• Modernization of pre- and post-natal services
• What services are offered for family planning and public health preparedness
• Data on referral services for abortion or family planning crisis centers

The committee will meet again on Wednesday, Jan. 25 for a presentation on critical issues in Kansas Health and Child Welfare Systems.