National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. 

This year's National Preparedness Month campaign will feature a call to action for the Black and African American community.

The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”. The campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events that continue to threaten the nation.

Be sure to follow us on our social media for all sorts of resources to help you and your family #KSPrepared!

Sarah Schale joined the Health Department in March 2023 as a WIC Nurse.

Sarah works with caregivers, whether moms, dads, grandparents, or foster parents. She also works with infants and children. “I help encourage and provide resources to caregivers about their children or help to come up with ideas on how to introduce them to new food items,” she said.

Sarah enjoys working at the Health Department because they encourage work-life balance. “I like being able to see my son run in track or be able to go to parent-teacher conferences. I have also made some great friends working in WIC,” Sarah said. Sarah wishes more nurses knew about what the health department does, specifically about WIC.

When asked what she is most proud of at work, Sarah said her friendships she is building: “Sarah has been doing an amazing job. She’s kind, caring, and compassionate towards clients and coworkers. She helps find her clients the resources they need. She has been a joy to work with,” Virginia Soukup, WIC Division Coordinator.

Outside of work, Sarah likes embroidery, playing piano, camping, and driving around the backroads. She has four boys, 22, 20, 15, and 13.

Thank you for all you do, Sarah!

This Suicide Prevention Month, the #988Lifeline is here to help everyone, no matter what you are going through. Connect with a trained crisis counselor who is ready to support you. For more information on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, click here.

Vaccines for Infants

RSV is the leading cause of hospitalizations for infants and older babies at higher risk. RSV causes 80,000 pediatric hospital visits and 300 deaths annually in the fall and winter.

CDC updated recommendations that infants younger than 8 months receive an antibody for RSV.

The antibody, Nirsevimab, is expected to be available this fall. It protects during a baby's first RSV season, when they are at higher risk.

For more information on RSV vaccines for infants, find here.

Vaccines for Older Adults

Every year, RSV causes approximately 60,000-160,000 hospitalizations and 6,000-10,000 deaths among older adults.

Adults 60 years or older are at a higher risk for RSV infection.

The vaccines are expected to be available in the fall when RSV circulates at the highest. Once the vaccines are available, adults who consult with their medical provider will be able to receive a dose based on their discussion.

For more information on RSV vaccines for older adults, find here.

Find more information on the importance of flu vaccines and how they work:

Flu Vaccines - CDC

Influenza- KDHE

We want to know what you would like to see more of in Community Health Matters. Our goal is to provide you with the most value possible, so please take a moment to share your thoughts and reply to feautoa@salinecountyks.gov.