Health Protection

Special Notes/Funding

County and grant funding.

Description

Investigates reportable diseases and outbreaks reported by medical providers and laboratories as required by Kansas law. Responds to public health emergencies. Enforces all Sedgwick County codes concerning the housing and care of animals. Health Protection includes: Epidemiology, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Sedgwick County Animal Control, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control, and Tuberculosis (TB) Control. The Epidemiology Program performs a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of over 50 notifiable diseases and conditions, such as whooping cough, shigellosis, West Nile virus, hepatitis, and elevated blood lead levels. Investigating outbreaks and individual reports of notifiable diseases and conditions is mandated by state statute. Using guidelines and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Sedgwick County, Epidemiology staff members work with medical providers and people disagnosed with notifiable diseases to institute control measures quickly and stop the spread of disease. Epidemiology staff members monitor diseases in Sedgwick County, nationally, and internationally, and share information with health partners and the public. Staff members analyze public health data for both the Health Department and for community partners to determine appropriate interventions to control the spread of disease and to improve the health of Sedgwick County residents. Sedgwick County Animal Control (SCAC) is part of the Sedgwick County Health Department and serves the unincorporated areas of and some small cities within Sedgwick County. Another agency, Wichita Animal Control (316-350-3360), provides service to residents of Wichita. SCAC enforces all county ordinances concerning the housing and care of animals, including pet licenses. Please see your veterinarian for information on how to obtain rabies shots and a license for your pet. If the owner of a loose animal picked up by SCAC is not found, SCAC Officers take the animal to the City of Wichita Animal Shelter (3303 N. Hillside, Wichita; phone 316-350-3366). Contact SCAC for resource direction regarding animal-related questions and concerns such as pet food availability, dog houses, low-cost spay and neuter services, and training programs. Contact SCAC to speak to your group about an Animal Control Officer’s responsibilities, pet care, diseases spread by animals, County animal ordinances, and other topics. SCAC works with area animal rescues and placement agencies to find solutions for animals in need. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and STIs including syphilis. The program is mandated by state statute to investigate outbreaks and individual reports of people who test positive. Staff members, called Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), use Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Sedgwick County guidelines to locate individuals for testing and treatment to reduce the spread of disease. DIS interview individuals to determine the source of the infection, perform contact tracing, and provide education to clients about STIs and treatment. DIS work with Sedgwick County Health Department medical staff to test and treat clients. DIS provide education regarding reportable diseases to medical providers to ensure timely and accurate reporting, testing, and treatment. Tuberculosis (TB) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of tuberculosis. The program is mandated by state statute to perform TB case investigations and contact tracing. In addition, TB Control nurses ensure all people with active TB have completed Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and ensure people with TB infection receive ongoing testing and treatment. TB Control nurses communicate with medical providers about patients undergoing testing and treatment. The nurses ensure timely care is provided to patients. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program at Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD), works to prepare, mitigate, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies effecting Sedgwick County. PHEP staff work closely with SCHD’s Epidemiologists and Disease Investigators to ensure early detection of disease outbreaks and the dissemination of public messaging. PHEP partners closely with Sedgwick County Emergency Management, community partners, and local and state government to plan and implement trainings and real-time response activities in the community. If warranted due to a public health emergency, PHEP implements plans for mass distribution of pills or vaccine to protect the public from health threats. After Action Reports and Improvement Plans are conducted regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of SCHD’s plans and procedures and to ensure the plans are flexible and adaptable. PHEP manages Sedgwick County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the SCHD’s Ambassador Program. The MRC program consists of medical and non-medical volunteers who help prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. Launched in 2021, the SCHD Ambassador program was created to train community volunteers to educate the public on the COVID-19 vaccines and dispel misinformation.

Hours

8 am - 5 pm Mon - Fri; Epidemiologist on-call 24/7 for urgent disease reports and investigations (316-660-5555). TB Clinic: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Closed daily for lunch 12-1 pm. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Animal Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon - Sat.

Eligibility

Residents of Sedgwick County.

Fees

Services are free.

Intake Procedure

Call for more information. Appointments are necessary for many services.

Service Area

Sedgwick County.

Geography Served

Special Notes/Funding

County and grant funding.

Description

Investigates reportable diseases and outbreaks reported by medical providers and laboratories as required by Kansas law. Responds to public health emergencies. Enforces all Sedgwick County codes concerning the housing and care of animals. Health Protection includes: Epidemiology, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Sedgwick County Animal Control, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control, and Tuberculosis (TB) Control. The Epidemiology Program performs a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of over 50 notifiable diseases and conditions, such as whooping cough, shigellosis, West Nile virus, hepatitis, and elevated blood lead levels. Investigating outbreaks and individual reports of notifiable diseases and conditions is mandated by state statute. Using guidelines and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Sedgwick County, Epidemiology staff members work with medical providers and people disagnosed with notifiable diseases to institute control measures quickly and stop the spread of disease. Epidemiology staff members monitor diseases in Sedgwick County, nationally, and internationally, and share information with health partners and the public. Staff members analyze public health data for both the Health Department and for community partners to determine appropriate interventions to control the spread of disease and to improve the health of Sedgwick County residents. Sedgwick County Animal Control (SCAC) is part of the Sedgwick County Health Department and serves the unincorporated areas of and some small cities within Sedgwick County. Another agency, Wichita Animal Control (316-350-3360), provides service to residents of Wichita. SCAC enforces all county ordinances concerning the housing and care of animals, including pet licenses. Please see your veterinarian for information on how to obtain rabies shots and a license for your pet. If the owner of a loose animal picked up by SCAC is not found, SCAC Officers take the animal to the City of Wichita Animal Shelter (3303 N. Hillside, Wichita; phone 316-350-3366). Contact SCAC for resource direction regarding animal-related questions and concerns such as pet food availability, dog houses, low-cost spay and neuter services, and training programs. Contact SCAC to speak to your group about an Animal Control Officer’s responsibilities, pet care, diseases spread by animals, County animal ordinances, and other topics. SCAC works with area animal rescues and placement agencies to find solutions for animals in need. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and STIs including syphilis. The program is mandated by state statute to investigate outbreaks and individual reports of people who test positive. Staff members, called Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), use Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Sedgwick County guidelines to locate individuals for testing and treatment to reduce the spread of disease. DIS interview individuals to determine the source of the infection, perform contact tracing, and provide education to clients about STIs and treatment. DIS work with Sedgwick County Health Department medical staff to test and treat clients. DIS provide education regarding reportable diseases to medical providers to ensure timely and accurate reporting, testing, and treatment. Tuberculosis (TB) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of tuberculosis. The program is mandated by state statute to perform TB case investigations and contact tracing. In addition, TB Control nurses ensure all people with active TB have completed Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and ensure people with TB infection receive ongoing testing and treatment. TB Control nurses communicate with medical providers about patients undergoing testing and treatment. The nurses ensure timely care is provided to patients. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program at Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD), works to prepare, mitigate, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies effecting Sedgwick County. PHEP staff work closely with SCHD’s Epidemiologists and Disease Investigators to ensure early detection of disease outbreaks and the dissemination of public messaging. PHEP partners closely with Sedgwick County Emergency Management, community partners, and local and state government to plan and implement trainings and real-time response activities in the community. If warranted due to a public health emergency, PHEP implements plans for mass distribution of pills or vaccine to protect the public from health threats. After Action Reports and Improvement Plans are conducted regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of SCHD’s plans and procedures and to ensure the plans are flexible and adaptable. PHEP manages Sedgwick County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the SCHD’s Ambassador Program. The MRC program consists of medical and non-medical volunteers who help prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. Launched in 2021, the SCHD Ambassador program was created to train community volunteers to educate the public on the COVID-19 vaccines and dispel misinformation.

Hours

8 am - 5 pm Mon - Fri; Epidemiologist on-call 24/7 for urgent disease reports and investigations (316-660-5555). TB Clinic: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Closed daily for lunch 12-1 pm. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Animal Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon - Sat.

Eligibility

Residents of Sedgwick County.

Fees

Services are free.

Intake Procedure

Call for more information. Appointments are necessary for many services.

Service Area

Sedgwick County.

Geography Served

Special Notes/Funding

County and grant funding.

Description

Investigates reportable diseases and outbreaks reported by medical providers and laboratories as required by Kansas law. Responds to public health emergencies. Enforces all Sedgwick County codes concerning the housing and care of animals. Health Protection includes: Epidemiology, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Sedgwick County Animal Control, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control, and Tuberculosis (TB) Control. The Epidemiology Program performs a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of over 50 notifiable diseases and conditions, such as whooping cough, shigellosis, West Nile virus, hepatitis, and elevated blood lead levels. Investigating outbreaks and individual reports of notifiable diseases and conditions is mandated by state statute. Using guidelines and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Sedgwick County, Epidemiology staff members work with medical providers and people disagnosed with notifiable diseases to institute control measures quickly and stop the spread of disease. Epidemiology staff members monitor diseases in Sedgwick County, nationally, and internationally, and share information with health partners and the public. Staff members analyze public health data for both the Health Department and for community partners to determine appropriate interventions to control the spread of disease and to improve the health of Sedgwick County residents. Sedgwick County Animal Control (SCAC) is part of the Sedgwick County Health Department and serves the unincorporated areas of and some small cities within Sedgwick County. Another agency, Wichita Animal Control (316-350-3360), provides service to residents of Wichita. SCAC enforces all county ordinances concerning the housing and care of animals, including pet licenses. Please see your veterinarian for information on how to obtain rabies shots and a license for your pet. If the owner of a loose animal picked up by SCAC is not found, SCAC Officers take the animal to the City of Wichita Animal Shelter (3303 N. Hillside, Wichita; phone 316-350-3366). Contact SCAC for resource direction regarding animal-related questions and concerns such as pet food availability, dog houses, low-cost spay and neuter services, and training programs. Contact SCAC to speak to your group about an Animal Control Officer’s responsibilities, pet care, diseases spread by animals, County animal ordinances, and other topics. SCAC works with area animal rescues and placement agencies to find solutions for animals in need. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and STIs including syphilis. The program is mandated by state statute to investigate outbreaks and individual reports of people who test positive. Staff members, called Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), use Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Sedgwick County guidelines to locate individuals for testing and treatment to reduce the spread of disease. DIS interview individuals to determine the source of the infection, perform contact tracing, and provide education to clients about STIs and treatment. DIS work with Sedgwick County Health Department medical staff to test and treat clients. DIS provide education regarding reportable diseases to medical providers to ensure timely and accurate reporting, testing, and treatment. Tuberculosis (TB) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of tuberculosis. The program is mandated by state statute to perform TB case investigations and contact tracing. In addition, TB Control nurses ensure all people with active TB have completed Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and ensure people with TB infection receive ongoing testing and treatment. TB Control nurses communicate with medical providers about patients undergoing testing and treatment. The nurses ensure timely care is provided to patients. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program at Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD), works to prepare, mitigate, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies effecting Sedgwick County. PHEP staff work closely with SCHD’s Epidemiologists and Disease Investigators to ensure early detection of disease outbreaks and the dissemination of public messaging. PHEP partners closely with Sedgwick County Emergency Management, community partners, and local and state government to plan and implement trainings and real-time response activities in the community. If warranted due to a public health emergency, PHEP implements plans for mass distribution of pills or vaccine to protect the public from health threats. After Action Reports and Improvement Plans are conducted regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of SCHD’s plans and procedures and to ensure the plans are flexible and adaptable. PHEP manages Sedgwick County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the SCHD’s Ambassador Program. The MRC program consists of medical and non-medical volunteers who help prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. Launched in 2021, the SCHD Ambassador program was created to train community volunteers to educate the public on the COVID-19 vaccines and dispel misinformation.

Hours

8 am - 5 pm Mon - Fri; Epidemiologist on-call 24/7 for urgent disease reports and investigations (316-660-5555). TB Clinic: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Closed daily for lunch 12-1 pm. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Animal Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon - Sat.

Eligibility

Residents of Sedgwick County.

Fees

Services are free.

Intake Procedure

Call for more information. Appointments are necessary for many services.

Service Area

Sedgwick County.

Geography Served

Special Notes/Funding

County and grant funding.

Description

Investigates reportable diseases and outbreaks reported by medical providers and laboratories as required by Kansas law. Responds to public health emergencies. Enforces all Sedgwick County codes concerning the housing and care of animals. Health Protection includes: Epidemiology, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Sedgwick County Animal Control, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control, and Tuberculosis (TB) Control. The Epidemiology Program performs a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of over 50 notifiable diseases and conditions, such as whooping cough, shigellosis, West Nile virus, hepatitis, and elevated blood lead levels. Investigating outbreaks and individual reports of notifiable diseases and conditions is mandated by state statute. Using guidelines and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Sedgwick County, Epidemiology staff members work with medical providers and people disagnosed with notifiable diseases to institute control measures quickly and stop the spread of disease. Epidemiology staff members monitor diseases in Sedgwick County, nationally, and internationally, and share information with health partners and the public. Staff members analyze public health data for both the Health Department and for community partners to determine appropriate interventions to control the spread of disease and to improve the health of Sedgwick County residents. Sedgwick County Animal Control (SCAC) is part of the Sedgwick County Health Department and serves the unincorporated areas of and some small cities within Sedgwick County. Another agency, Wichita Animal Control (316-350-3360), provides service to residents of Wichita. SCAC enforces all county ordinances concerning the housing and care of animals, including pet licenses. Please see your veterinarian for information on how to obtain rabies shots and a license for your pet. If the owner of a loose animal picked up by SCAC is not found, SCAC Officers take the animal to the City of Wichita Animal Shelter (3303 N. Hillside, Wichita; phone 316-350-3366). Contact SCAC for resource direction regarding animal-related questions and concerns such as pet food availability, dog houses, low-cost spay and neuter services, and training programs. Contact SCAC to speak to your group about an Animal Control Officer’s responsibilities, pet care, diseases spread by animals, County animal ordinances, and other topics. SCAC works with area animal rescues and placement agencies to find solutions for animals in need. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and STIs including syphilis. The program is mandated by state statute to investigate outbreaks and individual reports of people who test positive. Staff members, called Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), use Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Sedgwick County guidelines to locate individuals for testing and treatment to reduce the spread of disease. DIS interview individuals to determine the source of the infection, perform contact tracing, and provide education to clients about STIs and treatment. DIS work with Sedgwick County Health Department medical staff to test and treat clients. DIS provide education regarding reportable diseases to medical providers to ensure timely and accurate reporting, testing, and treatment. Tuberculosis (TB) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of tuberculosis. The program is mandated by state statute to perform TB case investigations and contact tracing. In addition, TB Control nurses ensure all people with active TB have completed Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and ensure people with TB infection receive ongoing testing and treatment. TB Control nurses communicate with medical providers about patients undergoing testing and treatment. The nurses ensure timely care is provided to patients. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program at Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD), works to prepare, mitigate, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies effecting Sedgwick County. PHEP staff work closely with SCHD’s Epidemiologists and Disease Investigators to ensure early detection of disease outbreaks and the dissemination of public messaging. PHEP partners closely with Sedgwick County Emergency Management, community partners, and local and state government to plan and implement trainings and real-time response activities in the community. If warranted due to a public health emergency, PHEP implements plans for mass distribution of pills or vaccine to protect the public from health threats. After Action Reports and Improvement Plans are conducted regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of SCHD’s plans and procedures and to ensure the plans are flexible and adaptable. PHEP manages Sedgwick County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the SCHD’s Ambassador Program. The MRC program consists of medical and non-medical volunteers who help prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. Launched in 2021, the SCHD Ambassador program was created to train community volunteers to educate the public on the COVID-19 vaccines and dispel misinformation.

Hours

8 am - 5 pm Mon - Fri; Epidemiologist on-call 24/7 for urgent disease reports and investigations (316-660-5555). TB Clinic: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Closed daily for lunch 12-1 pm. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Animal Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon - Sat.

Eligibility

Residents of Sedgwick County.

Fees

Services are free.

Intake Procedure

Call for more information. Appointments are necessary for many services.

Service Area

Sedgwick County.

Geography Served

Special Notes/Funding

County and grant funding.

Description

Investigates reportable diseases and outbreaks reported by medical providers and laboratories as required by Kansas law. Responds to public health emergencies. Enforces all Sedgwick County codes concerning the housing and care of animals. Health Protection includes: Epidemiology, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Sedgwick County Animal Control, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control, and Tuberculosis (TB) Control. The Epidemiology Program performs a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of over 50 notifiable diseases and conditions, such as whooping cough, shigellosis, West Nile virus, hepatitis, and elevated blood lead levels. Investigating outbreaks and individual reports of notifiable diseases and conditions is mandated by state statute. Using guidelines and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Sedgwick County, Epidemiology staff members work with medical providers and people disagnosed with notifiable diseases to institute control measures quickly and stop the spread of disease. Epidemiology staff members monitor diseases in Sedgwick County, nationally, and internationally, and share information with health partners and the public. Staff members analyze public health data for both the Health Department and for community partners to determine appropriate interventions to control the spread of disease and to improve the health of Sedgwick County residents. Sedgwick County Animal Control (SCAC) is part of the Sedgwick County Health Department and serves the unincorporated areas of and some small cities within Sedgwick County. Another agency, Wichita Animal Control (316-350-3360), provides service to residents of Wichita. SCAC enforces all county ordinances concerning the housing and care of animals, including pet licenses. Please see your veterinarian for information on how to obtain rabies shots and a license for your pet. If the owner of a loose animal picked up by SCAC is not found, SCAC Officers take the animal to the City of Wichita Animal Shelter (3303 N. Hillside, Wichita; phone 316-350-3366). Contact SCAC for resource direction regarding animal-related questions and concerns such as pet food availability, dog houses, low-cost spay and neuter services, and training programs. Contact SCAC to speak to your group about an Animal Control Officer’s responsibilities, pet care, diseases spread by animals, County animal ordinances, and other topics. SCAC works with area animal rescues and placement agencies to find solutions for animals in need. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and STIs including syphilis. The program is mandated by state statute to investigate outbreaks and individual reports of people who test positive. Staff members, called Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS), use Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Sedgwick County guidelines to locate individuals for testing and treatment to reduce the spread of disease. DIS interview individuals to determine the source of the infection, perform contact tracing, and provide education to clients about STIs and treatment. DIS work with Sedgwick County Health Department medical staff to test and treat clients. DIS provide education regarding reportable diseases to medical providers to ensure timely and accurate reporting, testing, and treatment. Tuberculosis (TB) Control is a core public health function to investigate and control the spread of tuberculosis. The program is mandated by state statute to perform TB case investigations and contact tracing. In addition, TB Control nurses ensure all people with active TB have completed Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) and ensure people with TB infection receive ongoing testing and treatment. TB Control nurses communicate with medical providers about patients undergoing testing and treatment. The nurses ensure timely care is provided to patients. The Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program at Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD), works to prepare, mitigate, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies effecting Sedgwick County. PHEP staff work closely with SCHD’s Epidemiologists and Disease Investigators to ensure early detection of disease outbreaks and the dissemination of public messaging. PHEP partners closely with Sedgwick County Emergency Management, community partners, and local and state government to plan and implement trainings and real-time response activities in the community. If warranted due to a public health emergency, PHEP implements plans for mass distribution of pills or vaccine to protect the public from health threats. After Action Reports and Improvement Plans are conducted regularly to evaluate the effectiveness of SCHD’s plans and procedures and to ensure the plans are flexible and adaptable. PHEP manages Sedgwick County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the SCHD’s Ambassador Program. The MRC program consists of medical and non-medical volunteers who help prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. Launched in 2021, the SCHD Ambassador program was created to train community volunteers to educate the public on the COVID-19 vaccines and dispel misinformation.

Hours

8 am - 5 pm Mon - Fri; Epidemiologist on-call 24/7 for urgent disease reports and investigations (316-660-5555). TB Clinic: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Closed daily for lunch 12-1 pm. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri; Thurs 1 pm – 5 pm. Animal Control: 8 am – 5 pm Mon - Sat.

Eligibility

Residents of Sedgwick County.

Fees

Services are free.

Intake Procedure

Call for more information. Appointments are necessary for many services.

Service Area

Sedgwick County.

Geography Served