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.

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. " 

Ashly Arnold is a Home Health Aide at the Saline County Health Department, providing clients with the assistance they need with activities of daily living, which allows them to remain in their own homes.

Ashly has been at the health department for 18 months but has spent the last 20 years in health care. She obtained her certified nursing assistant license at Salina Area Technical College while still in high school. She then continued her education to earn her home health aide license.

“I wish we could clone Ashly because of her amazing work ethic and strong personality," said Christi Ponton, Home Health Coordinator. " She is dedicated to her patients and goes above and beyond for them. Ashly shares our agency's strong passion for helping people and maintaining our reputation of excellence in Saline County."

Ashly has two amazing children- 4-year-old Braly and 18-year-old Teagan (pictured) who recently committed to American International College in Springfield Massachusetts to play football and lacrosse. She is engaged to be married to Brandon King in the fall.

Teenagers often face issues that are sometimes hard for older generations to understand. The stigma associated with mental health and illness can make youth reluctant to ask for and seek help.

Recognize the Signs

• Sleeping problems
• Sadness
• Inability to Concentrate

• Changes in Diet
• Feelings of Worry
• Withdrawal

Create a Safe Space

• Be direct and honest.

• Show empathy and respect.

Offer Options to Manage Feelings

• Have a healthy snack.
• Exercise.

• Take a deep breath.
• Read a book.

Encourage Better Sleep

Youth need 8 to 10 hours to promote metal health.

• Avoid caffeine before bed.
• Take a warm bath.
• Exercise regularly.

• No phone before bed.
• Sleep in a dark room.
• Meditate.

Connect them to a Professional

Check-in on your loved ones. If you or someone you know is feeling depressed, angry, stressed, fearful, anxious, or alone, call the suicide and crisis hotline. It is important to get your loved ones connected to mental health services.

Syphilis is an STI affecting more and more people each year. It is highly contagious and is spread through unprotected sex with someone who is infected. That’s why it’s important to always use a condom and talk to your doctor about getting tested.

For more than 20 years, the Meals On Wheels network has claimed the month of March to rally communities around its vital service, celebrate our senior neighbors and increase support for this successful public-private partnership that has ensured millions of older Americans can remain healthy and independent at home. This annual celebration comes at a time when eight out of ten local Meals on Wheels programs are still delivering meals to more older adults than they were prior to the pandemic, and operational and food costs are soaring due to historic inflation. The network expects the demand is here to stay as COVID-19's impact on older adults goes beyond a higher risk for serious infection: it also includes limited access to care leading to a decline in overall health and wellbeing, as well as considerable social and economic hardships. All of which leaves an already vulnerable population even more in need of the safety net that Meals on Wheels delivers.