Explore public health resources during National Health Education Week
National Health Education Week is about making healthy choices, and Johnson County plays an important role in educating the public.
Several county departments, including the Johnson County Department of Health Environment, Johnson County Mental Health Center, and Johnson County Park and Recreation District, promote good health – from healthcare and disease prevention to recreation and wellness activities.
Taking place this week, Oct. 16-20, National Health Education Week raises awareness about the importance of health education and advocates for its integration into our daily lives. At Johnson County, we strive to empower the public to make informed choices for their body and mind.
Explore the many county resources and programs that promote healthy habits and well-being.
Physical Health Resources
JCDHE provides numerous resources to help the public care for their physical health.
Residents are encouraged to keep up with their vaccinations, as this keeps our community safe from spreading disease. Find factual information about immunizations and why you should get a flu shot this fall.
On the topic of immunizations, too, the latest JoCo on the Go podcast is all about seasonal respiratory diseases like flu, COVID-19 and RSV, with information about vaccines and who should receive them.
Additionally, you can track your blood pressure, as JCDHE’s Registered Nurses provide regular blood pressure clinics throughout the county.
JCDHE offers Community Outreach presentations for classrooms and organizations. Students can also apply for an academic field experience.
Stay informed on health-related data, as JCDHE releases monthly disease reports, weekly respiratory illness reports and more on its Data and Reports webpage. For more health resources, explore JCDHE’s Health Resources webpage.
To stay up on health news and information, follow JCDHE on Facebook, X and Instagram. For a weekly update sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to the JoCo Community Health e-newsletter.
Healthy Living Resources
JCDHE partners with Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) on healthy living and tobacco cessation classes called “Live Your Healthiest Life.” These classes take place regularly at the Central Resource Library. View a list of upcoming courses.
Need help quitting tobacco products? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free resources and support to help you successfully quit any tobacco product. Visit 913vapefree.org for more information about the dangers of youth vaping.
LiveWell Johnson County is an initiative of JCDHE, with strategies to prevent obesity, diabetes and other health conditions. Explore LiveWell’s blog with tips for healthy eating, chronic disease prevention and more, including these new entries:
For pregnant and breastfeeding women, new moms and kids under five, the Women, Infants and Children Program provides nutrition support and tips for eating well.
Follow LiveWell on Facebook and Instagram for more information and to attend its virtual events.
Mental Health Resources
Johnson County Mental Health Center offers services to those needing mental health care. A first step in accessing care could be using JCMHC’s same-day, walk-in services at the Olathe or Shawnee offices – known as Open Access. You can also call the JCMHC Crisis Line at 913-268-0156. You don’t have to be in crisis to call. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7/365. Sometimes, you just need to talk through something you are experiencing, whether that be grief, relationships, depression/anxiety or loneliness.
JCMHC is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, an effort to expand care services to those in need. This includes integration with physical health care, intensive mental health care for veterans, educational resources and more.
JCMHC also provides a variety of educational resources. Its Community Toolbox is full of grab-n-go curriculums on the topics of self-care, suicide prevention and more. Additionally, mental health resources on employee burnout are also available. You can also request a presentation from JCMHC staff members on topics like depression, substance use prevention, self-care, etc.
Follow the Mental Health Center on Facebook, X and Instagram (@JOCOMNH) to stay up on mental health news and tips.
Also, you can subscribe to two mental health e-newsletters: monthly mental health news and a weekly mental health moment.