Commission Holds Study Session on Health Department Grant Applications

Health Department Director Karla Nichols


Commission Chair Ron Hirst, center, with Commissioners Richard Winger, left, Randy Parks and Ron Vincent, right.A large crowd of about 35 people attended the study session. Dr. Ellen Losew, right, speaks to Commissioners. County Administrator Randy Partington clarifies part of the information during the study session.

On Monday, March 2, 2026, the Reno County Commission held a study session to review two Reno County Health Department grant items that had previously been removed from the agenda to allow for additional information before a vote. The  study session was held at 4:00 p.m. in the Veterans Room of the courthouse at 206 W. First Avenue and had more than 30 people in attendance. Commissioner Don Bogner was unable to attend. 

At the February 25 Commission meeting, Commissioners removed the following items #7.C and #7.D in order to request a more detailed breakdown of the services and programs supported by each grant:

• Approval of the Reno County Health Department’s KDHE Aid-to-Local (ATL) Grant Application in the amount of $889,513.80

• Approval of the Reno County Health Department’s KDHE Outreach, Prevention, and Early Intervention (OPEI) Services passthrough grant in the amount of $350,000

The Health Department staff walked commissioners through the grant applications and supporting materials in the packet given to them. The Commission emphasized the study sessioin was about being better informed ahead of budget season, not an intent to shut down services. The goal was transparency and preparation for potential future funding uncertainty.

Members of the Reno County Health Department who shared information and answered questions were: 
Karla Nichols, Director of the Reno County Health Department
Karen Hammersmith, Assistant Director- Clinical Services
Megan Gottschalk, Assistant Director - Community Health Operations
Heather Peterson, WIC Coordinator
Candace Davidson, Health Promotion Supervisor 
Tammy Depperschmidt, Childcare Licensing Specialist
Kelly McClure, Childcare Licensing Specialist
Dr. Ellen Losew, a pediatrician with the Hutchinson Clinic and medical consultant to the health department

AGENDA ITEM #7.C
Approval of Reno County Health Department (RCHD)’s KDHE Aid-to-Local (ATL) Grant Application for $889,513.80

SUMMARY & BACKGROUND OF TOPIC:
On an annual basis, the RCHD must have the Board of County Commissioners sign their Aid-to- Local Grant Application Signature page, for Grant Period: July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027 for $889,513.80. This signature page is then submitted to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for review and approval. This listing (attached) includes:

-Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR). Supports evidence-based strategies to reduce chronic disease by addressing tobacco use, physical activity, nutrition, and chronic disease self-management.

-Childcare Licensing (CCL). Protects children in out-of-home childcare by licensing and inspecting facilities, enforcing health and safety standards, reducing predictable risks, and increasing availability of regulated, quality childcare.

-Family Planning (Title X). Provides access to preventive and reproductive health services, prioritizing low-income and high-risk individuals to improve overall health outcomes.

-Immunization Action Plan (IAP). Provides vaccines for residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by state insurance, ensuring children and adults remain protected against preventable diseases.

-Maternal and Child Health Services (MCH Title V). Supports healthy pregnancies, healthy births, and early childhood development, including services for children with special health care needs, ensuring families have the support needed for a healthy start.

-Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP). Strengthens Reno County’s ability to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. As recommended by the Board, RCHD partners with Reno County Emergency Management to fulfill preparedness and response requirements.

-State Formula. Provides core financial support to ensure essential public health services are available to all Reno County residents.

-Universal Home Visiting (UHV). This grant has been part of the MCH program in past years, however, this year KDHE separated it into its own standalone grant. Provides in-home support services for families, reducing barriers to care and offering personalized education, screenings, and connections to community resources.

Programs 
CDRR SFY2027 $115,226.40
Child Care Licensing Program SFY2027 $189,174.40 
Family Planning SFY2027 - Returning Applicant $114,950.00
IAP SFY2027 $20,240.00 
MCH SFY2027 Application Year 1 of 5 $152,750.00 
PHEP SFY2027 $74,136.00 
State Formula SFY2027 $111,187.00
UHV ATL2027 $111,850.00 
Total $889,513.80

AGENDA ITEM #7.D
Approval of Reno County Health Department (RCHD)’s KDHE Outreach, Prevention, and Early Intervention (OPEI) Services passthrough grant for $350,000.

SUMMARY & BACKGROUND OF TOPIC:
The Reno County Health Department is the grant administrator for the passthrough of state and match funding under the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Outreach, Prevention, and Early Intervention (OPEI) Services grant of $350,000.

KDHE will draw down funds of $175,000, and the Hutchinson Community Foundation (from Early Childhood Block grant, United Way of Reno County, and private grant/donations) will provide certifiable, matching, non-federal funds in the amount of $175,000 of the total contract amount of $350,000. As the grant administrator, the Reno County Health Department will retain a 10% administrative fee. The remaining funds will be provided to the Kansas Children Service League (KCSL) for new, low-income parents and children with emphasis on adolescent and pregnant teen parents of at-risk infants in Reno County.

To see a link to the BOCC February 25th agenda, go to https://www.renocountyks.gov/agendas 

Study sessions are work sessions intended for Commissioners to ask questions and gather information, and no formal action was taken during the March 2 session. 
Any formal vote regarding the grant applications will occur at the regularly scheduled Commission meeting beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, in the Veterans Room of the courthouse, 206 W. First Ave.

Health Department Director Karla Nichols talks to Commissioners during their study session March 2, 2026.

Candace Davidson, Health Promotion Supervisor, talks to Commissioners about the CDRR grant. 

Karen Hammersmith, Assistant Director- Clinical Services, talks to Commissioners about immunizations for children. 

Commissioner Ron Vincent, right, talks to the Health Department representatives about vaccinations during the study session.

Commissioner Richard Winger talks to the Health Department representatives about his use of the Health Department services through the years. Commissioner Randy Parks, right, talks to the Health Department representatives during the study session with Chair Ron Hirst, left.