Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.

Kim Berry, Saline County Health Department Lab Manager, is proud to announce that the Health Department Lab has received a zero deficiency report in their recent Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) inspection. This demonstrates the commitment of the lab to providing high-quality service and meeting the highest standards of laboratory testing.

“It is a testament to our commitment to providing excellent patient care and ensuring that our lab meets all of the regulatory requirements set forth by CMS,” said Berry. "We are dedicated to providing our patients with safe and accurate test results so they can make informed decisions about their health care. 

The CLIA program, created by Federal Congress in 1988, sets minimum standards for laboratory testing across the United States. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates these standards and inspects laboratories every other year to ensure compliance.

"I am proud of the hard work Kim put into taking care of people and running a great lab," said Jason Tiller, Saline County Health Officer. "Well done on an outstanding inspection!"

For more information about the Health Department Lab or its services, visit us online.

Saline County is proud to announce that we are partnering with Cope Notes for a second year to bring Saline County residents the service's daily text messages of mental health support and positive psychology to combat stress and negative thoughts.

Last year, Saline County piloted the service for free to 300 residents. Due to the overwhelming response and in an effort to serve even more community members this year, the program is being offered at a 50% discount off the regular price. 

To sign up for Cope Notes, go to this link and enter code SACOHALF and your credit or debit card information. 

"We believe in the importance of mental health. We want to ensure our residents have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and thriving," said Saline County Health Officer Jason Tiller. "In my own personal experience with Cope Notes, I have found that the right messages seem to come at exactly the right time. It was been an uplifting experience for me, and I am thrilled we get to continue this service to our residents. " 

Melissa McCoy began working with the Saline County Health Department as a part-time contractor in 2020 to assist with communications during the COVID-19 pandemic. She transitioned to a full-time position as the public information officer last November.

"My mother was the public health educator at the health department most of my life," Melissa said. "I'm really proud to be able to provide people with the information they need to make important life decisions."

Melissa began her communication career as a combat correspondent in the United States Marine Corps, where she met her husband of 15 years, Casey. When their time in the Marines came to an end, they moved back to Melissa's hometown, Salina. She spent six years as the manager of public affairs and communications at the Salina Airport Authority before taking up the role of director of international admissions and marketing at St. John's Military School. When the school closed, she began contracting in crisis communications until accepting her current position.

"Melissa is an exceptional communications professional who has been able to improve our relationship with the community," said Jason Tiller, Saline County Health Officer. "We are lucky to have such talented people working for Saline County."

When she's not at work, Melissa spends a lot of time running her two sons around to their many, many activities, logging miles on her Peloton, and studying to finish her master's degree in communications from Syracuse University.