By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Representatives of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment were in Hays on Wednesday seeking input on how they can improve services for children and mothers.
The stop at the Hays Public Library was one of six regional input sessions scheduled across the state this month in coordination with the University of Kansas' Center for Public Partnership and Research.
"It is really important to hear from individuals in the community from all regions of the state," said Kelli Mark of KDHE's Bureau of Family Health, "because barriers in the northeast region of the state might be very different from barriers in the southeast region of the state or the southwest region of the state.
"To hear the voices in the community lets us know where the gaps are and what we need to do at the state level to make services equitable across Kansas."
The open houses are part of a statewide needs assessment. State representatives visited Hays this fall to conduct round tables to discuss early childhood needs specifically.
There was not a formal presentation, but moms could visit stations at which they could give input on their needs and where they thought the state could invest resources in the future.
Large boards allowed guests to place notes about bright spots and barrier to women's and children's health.
Two of the bright spots listed from other communities were a community baby shower and a decrease in teen pregnancy.
Barriers included a lack of day care, lack of dental care, limited access for vision and dental care for families who have medical cards, lack of health care, stigma surrounding mental illness and children, and lack of transportation to medical appointments.
Mothers could also visit a station and budget 100 fake dollars in the areas they felt most needed to be addressed in their communities. These included mental health, children's health, access to healthy food, physical activity, substance abuse, breast feeding, tobacco use and access to women's health care.
Mark said as the needs assessment progresses mental health and substance abuse, as well as lack of child care, especially for infants, toddlers and children of second- and third-shift workers, seem to be common themes.
The assessment team is also hearing that it is difficult to recruit health care providers to the western part of the state.
There is still time to share your ideas. Visit the Kansas Children's Cabinet Resources page to view the strategic plan aspirations, and then jump over to the Online Share Form to share ideas.
There is also a kiosk that will be at the HPL temporarily where you can answer simple questions on women and children's health.
A report on the needs assessment is due out in February.