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Latest IN HEALTH NEWS
Douglas County launching local program to restore people’s legal competency as they await trial
People who are booked into jails statewide have long waited several months — even more than a year — for beds at state mental hospitals, so their competency to understand court proceedings can be restored. Douglas County is now working on a local solution to that problem.
See the latest COVID-19 stats for Lawrence and Douglas County on The Lawrence Times’ stat dashboard at this link.
Find out where you can get the free COVID-19 vaccine at this link.
MORe HEALTH NEWS
KU will no longer require masks in classrooms effective Monday
The University of Kansas will not require masks in classrooms beginning Monday, March 28.
LMH Health: No COVID inpatients for the first time since June
Lawrence’s hospital has had zero COVID-19 inpatients for two days in a row, according to a community update Wednesday.
Kansas COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalizations slowing as weather warms up
For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, some Kansas hospitals are seeing low to no COVID-19 patients in critical care units as case numbers statewide appear to be in a lull.
Kansas’ anti-abortion amendment wording is purposely confusing, panelists say
The “Value Them Both” amendment would pave the way to a complete ban of abortion in Kansas despite language implying otherwise, panelists said Saturday. If the majority votes “yes” in August, legislators could ban abortions even in cases of rape, incest, and risk of death.
Community partners to hold workshop Saturday on how to access mental illness and addiction resources
Organizers of an upcoming workshop aim to offer information, break down barriers and empower community members to navigate resources for mental illness and addiction in Douglas County.
Lawrence panel to address how to fight Kansas’ anti-abortion amendment
The Douglas County Democratic Party is holding an event this weekend to help inform the public about how to protect the right to an abortion in Kansas.
Kansas Senate health panel endorses vaccine opt-out for school kids, ivermectin prescriptions
The Kansas Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee adopted a bill that gives an easy out for childhood vaccine requirements and allows doctors to prescribe ineffective treatments for COVID-19 without fear of discipline.
Kansas Senate launches effort to legalize medical marijuana by end of session
Retired Holton mechanic Jim Ricketts, 71, is a criminal. That’s because in order to ease the pain of injuries he suffered in a pair of car crashes, he relies on smoking pot — which has allowed him to stop taking opioids.
At two-year mark of pandemic, Kansas doctors remember first patient and appetite for information
When the first Kansas patient to be treated for COVID-19 arrived two years ago at the University of Kansas Health System, doctors weren’t sure how to handle the new and scary sickness.
Lawrence Public Schools to lift mask mandate effective Monday
Masks will be optional for all students and staff in Lawrence Public Schools buildings effective Monday, the district announced Friday afternoon.
Douglas County Commission to allow mask mandate to expire
As new COVID-19 cases have continued to drop in Douglas County, commissioners on Wednesday evening were set to let a countywide mask mandate expire.
New Douglas County health officer sworn in; COVID-19 cases slowly dropping but still in red transmission phase
Douglas County’s new health officer, Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, made her appointment official Wednesday afternoon, as new COVID-19 cases are dropping but still at levels where spread is a concern.
Douglas County Commission extends mask mandate through March 2
After hearing from county health officials and more than a dozen concerned residents, Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday voted unanimously to extend the county’s current indoor mask mandate through March 2.
Lawrence women establish support group for girls with ADHD
A new support group is forming in Lawrence to provide a safe space for the growing number of girls and young women who are diagnosed with ADHD.
Douglas County to consider loosening mask mandate to only events with 500+ people in attendance
The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday will consider an emergency health order that loosens current restrictions and only requires masks for indoor gatherings with more than 500 people in attendance.