Health
Latest IN HEALTH NEWS
HIV, hepatitis testing to expand for underinsured Douglas County residents
New funding will allow two local health service providers to expand testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C through outreach for people who are uninsured and underinsured in Douglas County.
MORe HEALTH NEWS
Unlike most jails in Kansas, Douglas County has found a way to lock up fewer mentally ill inmates
The number of people booked into the Douglas County jail with serious mental illness dropped from 18% in 2014 to 10% in 2022 — and hit a low of 5.5% in 2018.
Kansas medical marijuana committee holds final meeting, prepares for January legalization push
Medical marijuana may have a future in Kansas after all, though lawmakers are still uncertain whether any medical marijuana legislation will garner support in the Senate, or wither away like previous bills.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Behavioral Health Partners ‘withdrawing’ as operating entity for Treatment & Recovery Center
Behavioral Health Partners Inc. has decided to withdraw from consideration to operate the Douglas County Treatment and Recovery Center. Instead, Bert Nash will take the reins.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Douglas County Commission to hear Treatment & Recovery Center update, consider $153K for peer-led detox program
The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday will hear an update on the county’s Treatment and Recovery Center, including a proposed phased opening plan. It will also consider providing additional funds for social detox services until the TRC is fully operational.
Lawmakers plan to introduce medical marijuana legislation at start of session
After months of meetings, compiling data and listening to research, lawmakers say they’re ready to take another shot at legalizing medical marijuana.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
At Nostalgia Room, Lawrence’s new nonalcoholic bar, sobriety and sentimentality mix together
Memories and feelings of family converge at Nostalgia Room, telling the story of Emily Kate Johnson’s sobriety — and of how she opened the new sober bar in East Lawrence.
Ahead of the Kansas legislative session, abortion rights once again under discussion
Kansas Republicans haven’t discussed new abortion legislation yet, but they do plan to address the subject when the legislative session starts in January.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Opening plans for first component of Treatment & Recovery Center expected later this month
Leaders of the Douglas County Treatment and Recovery Center and the board that oversees its management will present plans in mid-December for a partial opening, as well as how they intend to fill the center’s vacant medical and executive director positions.
Kansas legislators say it’s time to fix mental health bed shortages
After months of meetings and complaints from civilians and law enforcement officials, lawmakers say they have clear targets in addressing the state’s severe mental health care shortages.
Judge blocks Kansas law that banned prescribing abortion pills over telemedicine
Kansas women could soon be able to seek abortion pills through telemedicine appointments after a judge blocked a state law banning the practice.
Lawmakers say marijuana is workforce issue, urge caution in legalization discussion
Kansas lawmakers said marijuana legalization, political stances and state funding were potential roadblocks in addressing the state’s severe workforce shortage.
Kansas health experts monitoring COVID-19, flu and RSV trifecta as holiday season arrives
Physicians and public health researchers anticipate a surge in COVID-19 infection during the holiday months would complicate the medical response to rising prevalence of flu and a tricky influenza virus.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Q&A: Bert Nash is changing to a new model of care. Here’s what it means.
After what critics call decades of underfunding, mental health reform is underway in Kansas. Here’s a Q&A on what it means for Bert Nash and its clients.
Tricia Masenthin/Lawrence Times
Medical and executive director of Treatment and Recovery Center stepping down
Dr. George Thompson, executive director and medical director of the Treatment and Recovery Center of Douglas County, is stepping down from the role, according to a news release Friday.
Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library to hold community resource fair
Lawrence community members on Friday can get connected to resources and chat with staff members from local social service agencies including some related to retirement, health care, pets, and more.


