Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department

Report to the City of Lawrence

Six-Month Progress toward Goals and Objectives for 2005

Major Goals and Objectives for 2005

• Protect individuals of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases
• Prevent the spread of communicable diseases
• Improve health status of pregnant women, infants and children
• Help teen parents become self-sufficient through goal setting
• Assist the frail elderly to remain living in their own homes
• Evaluate compliance with child care licensing regulations
• Promote and protect environmental quality
• Collaborate in the provision of health and human services

Summary

In the first half of 2005, the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department provided nearly 3,000 immunizations, 2,000 pregnant women, infants and children with WIC nutrition services, 60 child health assessments, 300 case management visits to pregnant teens, 800 visits to pregnant or parenting women, and 850 visits to the frail elderly for the purpose of coordinated services. 

Health Department protection and enforcement activities over the last six months involved 210 visits to child care facilities, including investigation of 43 complaints, through the agency’s Child Care Licensing Program.  There were 1,000 environmental health inspection visits related to environmental or sanitation complaints, food establishments, swimming pools, and sewage systems.    

The Health Department investigates all reports of suspected communicable disease as well as identifying and notifying at-risk personal contacts.  The purpose of these efforts is to protect the public by preventing and controlling the spread of disease.  In addition, the agency continues to make progress in its work to address preparedness and response to public health emergencies, including bioterrorism as demonstrated by the formation of the Douglas County Medical Reserve Corps.

During this period, the Health Department was responsible for providing education on several public health topics of concern to the community.  The agency worked closely with pool operators and daycare providers to assist them with educating families about prevention of recreational water illnesses.  Presentations on protective measures against West Nile Virus were provided at several community locations.  Raising public awareness about environmental air quality was accomplished thorough participation in various community events. 

The Health Department continues its commitment to the coordination of health and human services in the community through active involvement in groups dealing with issues of aging, medical indigency, children, pregnancy and parenting, AIDS, housing, emergency preparedness, and community health improvement.