Everyone knows to dial 911 for emergencies. But, what about 211?
By calling 211, Douglas County residents can be connected to services and programs on everything from legal services and counseling to job training, education programs, and child or adult day care.
April 1, 2020, is Census Day. The census is a count of all persons living in the United States that is conducted every 10 years by the federal government and is required by the U.S. Constitution. It is used to determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives, how federal and state legislative districts are redrawn, and the appropriation of federally-funded programs.
Douglas County is one of 13 counties selected by the National Association of Counties to participate in a new County Justice Peer Learning Network. As a participant, Douglas County will receive technical assistance to implement solutions to provide support for justice-involved individuals with mental illness using a racial and ethnic disparities framework.
In January, Douglas County became a member of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a national network of local, state and regional governments working to advance racial equity and increase opportunities for all. GARE members collaborate and share effective practices to advance policies and practices and develop solutions to racial equity challenges.
Douglas County’s three areas of focus will be:
Douglas County has been selected by SAMHSA’s GAINS Center to participate in a Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) workshop that will result in a community-wide strategic plan for addressing behavioral health needs for those involved or at risk for involvement in the criminal justice system. The workshop also will help the community establish priorities for change and produce a local systems map.
Douglas County is scheduled to launch a pilot Drug Court in January and the program will accept 15 participants. Douglas County District Court Judge B. Kay Huff will preside over the specialty court in addition to her regular judicial duties.
Drug Court is a 16-month, four-phase program for adults who have been arrested and charged with a non-violent felony offense and are having difficulty staying substance free.
The one-story brick building with a partial basement located at 2518 Ridge Court in Lawrence has a long history with Douglas County. The approximately 25,000-square-foot building was built in 1960 and then owned and operated by the County as a care home for aging residents for many years.
In 1996, the building transitioned into a space for direct human service providers and other agencies.
Community leaders are working on implementing a number of new initiatives and programs in Douglas County to help prevent vaping, substance abuse, mental illness and suicide.
“We’re working to build an integrated system of care that moves from crisis and illness as a norm to recovery and prevention as a practice,” said Bob Tryanski, Director of Behavioral Health Projects for Douglas County. “Our focus is to prioritize prevention.”
From damaging winds and large hail to flooding and the threat of tornadoes, individuals and businesses in Douglas County are at risk from severe weather. It’s up to each of us to know the right steps to take to ensure our safety should severe weather strike. This is why Douglas County Emergency Management is hosting several severe weather awareness activities. They are:
The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council announces funding is available through the 2020 Natural & Cultural Grant program and informational sessions about the grant program will be held in January. Members of the public interested in the conservation of local landmarks and natural areas within Douglas County are encouraged to apply.
Informational sessions will be:
Courthouse:
1100 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Judicial and Law Enforcement Center:
111 East 11th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044