Riley, Geary, and Pottawatomie Counties have joined forces as The Wildcat Region to apply for a grant. Riley County Health Department Director Julie Gibbs explains to the Riley County Commissioners Thursday morning.
The grant is offered by KDHE and is intended to help support efforts to prevent opioid abuse. The counties plan to use the possible grant by hiring a part-time community health specialist who will help educate the public.
Only fifty percent of the grant can be used toward income. Other plans include streamlining the referral system for those treated at area hospitals for an overdose; and helping addicted persons make an action plan and learn how to access support. The commissioners supported the joint application, which will be submitted to KDHE tomorrow.
Gibbs made another recommendation to the commissioners. This one will visually update the County’s Health Department. She suggested using some of the remaining supplemental COVID funding to replace the agency’s sign located near the corner of Wharton Manor and Claflin Roads.
Gibbs explains the new sign will be digital, which will create another mode of communication with the public.
Commissioners unanimously approved the digital sign.
