Grant County Health Department’s Sunflower Health Hands Out Free Backpacks, Shoes

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Sunflower Health was back in Ulysses July 14 for the second time this year giving wellness exams, HPV shots and lead screenings for kids who need it.

“These are preventative screenings you do where insurance wants you to have a wellness exam every year to make sure your height and weight is where it needs to be and that you’re learning and progressing as you should be doing at your age,” said Grant County Health Department Director Denise James.

Kids who have a Can Be Healthy exam through Sunflower Health receive a backpack for school.

Kids who receive an HPV vaccine as part of “Shoes for Shots” receive shoes.

The HPV, or Human Papilloma Vaccine, is designed to precent certain types of cancers or genital warts and is recommended for kids starting at the ages of 11 or 12 before potential exposure through sexual activity. Most kids receive two shots within 6-12 months. Those who start between the ages of 15 and 26 require three shots.

“We do our best to make sure you only get two,” James said. “Less pokes is better, and it has a better efficacy rate the sooner you start it.”

Originally the vaccine was promoted to girls to prevent cervical cancer, but the shot also helps prevent other types of cancer. It’s also recommended for boys.

The local health department had their annual event last month, but they were already going to Garden City July 17, and agreed to come back to Ulysses July 14.

“We didn’t do ‘Can Be Healthy’ when we did our last event, we just did the lead and the HPV,” James said. “So, we focused more on ‘Can Be Healthy’ for this event. It was nice, she was already going to be in the area. They get their backpack (July 14), she brings it with her, and the shoes.

“So, we know what size shoe they wear and everything.”

James anticipates the department will do an all-encompassing event next year – the Can Be Healthy exam, lead screening and HPV vaccines.

In the fall, the health department will do flu and tetanus shots, and will travel to your business to give the shots for employees who want them.

“Tetanus is one of the important ones, especially when we go to the feed-lots,” James said. “They don’t get to come in – they’re not here when we’re open – we’re closed on Friday, but we stay open through the lunch hour and we stay open until 6. It’s been that way since 2006, and I think it’s worked out really well to have that over the lunch hour and the extended time so people can come in.”