Cherokee County Health Department-Kansas

10/30/2026

Gooood morning Baxter Springs! We can’t wait to see you turn out for the next to last Baxter Springs Bike Bus of the year! You all ROCK!!!!

Two more weeks of Bike Bus this semester! It’ll be dark in the morning, but thanks to the Baxter Springs Fire Department for giving us an es**rt and the Police Department always showing up as well!

10/27/2026

Let’s make trick or treating a safe event for all. Follow these steps to keep your children safe during trick or treating.

(KOAM) -- Four-State kids will soon be putting on their favorite costumes on the hunt for treats.

10/26/2026

Just a reminder-our annual Influenza Vaccine drive thru clinic is today from 7 AM until 6 PM.

We are located at 120 S. Delaware Avenue, Columbus Kansas.

No need to even get out of your car, we will come to you!

A. C.
For Unsplash+

10/25/2026

Physical activity has many health benefits other than becoming physically fit.
Physical activity also:
*Can lower your risk for Chronic Disease such as Diabetes, Hypertension, and Stroke.
*Can enhance your mental health and well being.
*Weight management.
*Stronger bones and muscles.
*Better balance and mobility.
*Improves cognitive function.
*Improves quality of sleep.

So what are you waiting for? Cherokee County has MANY parks to offer those health benefits right in your neighborhood!

Baxter Springs Kiwanis Park, East Riverside Park, Memorial Park, Historical Museum Park, City Pool
Galena-Pappy Litch, Miners Park, Southeast Kansas Nature Center, City Park, Splash Pad
Coumbus-City Park, Discovery Park and Splash Pad, VFW Memorial Park, Eddington Park, Lions Park, Reeves Park, Ian's Park
Scammon-City Park, Scammon City Pool and Park
Weir-City Park
West Mineral-City Park
Big Brutus-park and playground
Riverton-Community trails and park, Old Route 66 Park, Riverton Dam

That is a LOT of parks for Cherokee County! What are you waiting for? The season is perfect for visiting our local parks!



And if I inadvertently did not list a park in your hometown, please message me and I will add it to the post!

10/25/2026

If you have medical equipment that is sitting around that you can no longer use, drop it by our office at 120 S. Delaware Avenue in Columbus, and we will gladly get it to the Medical Loan Closet of Joplin!

Sometimes the equipment we need most is already sitting somewhere collecting dust.

Oak Pointe of Carthage recently called us because they had medical equipment sitting in their storage building that was no longer being used. They asked if we could put it to use.

Absolutely!

We picked up a hospital bed, rollators and a wheelchair. Instead of continuing to take up space in storage, these items will now go back into our community and help someone safely recover or remain independent at home.

It made me wonder how many other healthcare facilities have the same thing tucked away in a storage room, supply closet or maintenance building.

If you work in an assisted living facility, nursing home, hospital, clinic, home health agency, hospice or other healthcare organization, take a peek around. 👀

Do you have wheelchairs that are no longer being used? Walkers or rollators? Shower chairs? Bedside commodes? Hospital beds? Transfer benches? Other durable medical equipment that is taking up valuable storage space?

Before you throw it away or let it sit for another year, give the Medical Loan Closet of Joplin a call.

We can clean it up, put it back into circulation and get it into the hands of someone who needs it.

Thank you Celina for thinking of us and giving these items another opportunity to serve someone. ❤️

Now…who else has a storage closet we need to know about? 😉

10/24/2026

Facts vs Myths! Naloxone can SAVE lives!

Stop by our office during regular business hours or anytime at our harm reduction box (blue) on our parking lot for FREE doses of Naloxone (Narcan).

We also have gun locks, sharps containers, condoms, and fentanyl test strips for free as well!

Our address is 120 S. Delaware Ave. Columbus KS.

Naloxone saves lives. There's no evidence that it encourages people to use drugs. Making it available to people who may experience or witness an opioid overdose gives communities a practical tool to respond when every second matters.

10/24/2026

This spring, the Missouri Department of Public Safety and our state partners warned about the extreme danger posed by nitazenes – synthetic opioids considered five to 10 times more dangerous than fentanyl. Health authorities were concerned because these lab-made opioids were showing up in wastewater sampling from Missouri schools and in counterfeit pills, powders and vapes.
‼️⚠️Now, another dangerous synthetic opioid that’s also considered to be up to 10 times more deadly than fentanyl – cychlorphine – is concerning health officials across the country.
▶️Los Angeles County has just confirmed its first death linked to cychlorphine.
▶️In April, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy reported 55 deaths had been linked to cychlorphine dating back to 2025.
Cychlorphine suppresses breathing, causing severe, life-threatening respiratory and cardiovascular depression.
It is currently undetectable by fentanyl testing strips and is being mixed into the illicit drug supply without people knowing.

▶️Naloxone works with cychlorphine, just as it does with nitazenes. But multiple doses may be required to reverse an overdose caused by opioids.
▶️Treat any illicit substance as a potential risk. Stay informed, stay prepared, avoid illicit substances and carry naloxone. It’s safe to use and saves lives.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Missouri State Highway Patrol Missouri Department of Mental Health

10/23/2026

A great resource for your little ones if you suspect hearing difficulties. Give them a call today to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment.

10/22/2026

Blocked eye glands, irritation, pink eye, dry eye, brittle broken lashes, chronic inflammation and redness. All symptoms related to not removing your eye makeup ladies, after the work day is over.

Removing your eye make up daily can help prevent the above symptoms and keep your lashes long and beautiful, just the way they should be. And if you need a little reminder to do so, stop by and grab a package of FREE Neutrogena make up remover wipes! One per family please!