photo by: Contributed

From left to right: Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Executive Director Jonathan Smith, Douglas County Commissioner Erica Anderson, Douglas County Commissioner Gene Dorsey, LDCPH Clinic Services Director Christine Ebert, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center CEO Kirsten Watkins, and Bert Nash Center Sr. Director of Community Based Services Marsha Page-White.

The Lawrence-Douglas County health department and Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center will use county funding to expand access to HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing for uninsured and underinsured patients.

As the Journal-World reported, during the Douglas County Commission’s March 18 meeting, commissioners awarded $409,269 – almost 71% of the Municipalities Fight Addiction Fund – to multiple community partners. Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and Bert Nash were awarded $50,000 for the testing project.

“These funds will help bridge the financial gap that may prevent uninsured residents from accessing testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C,” Brittnay Schuetz, an LDCPH APRN, said in a news release. “Testing is critical for identifying infections early, connecting individuals to treatment, and reducing the spread of infection. This initiative also helps address health disparities and ensures our most vulnerable community members have access to the care they need.”

Bert Nash and LDCPH will offer testing both during community outreach events and during patients’ visits, and they will coordinate on following up with people who test positive about treatment.

“At Bert Nash, we know that access to care must be integrated, accessible, and responsive to the realities people are facing,” Marsha Page-White, senior director of community based services at Bert Nash, said in the release. “This partnership strengthens our ability to meet individuals where they are and support their health and recovery.”

The release said the testing initiative would also fit into some of Douglas County’s long-term plans, including the Community Health Improvement Plan and the joint city-county “A Place for Everyone” plan on housing and homelessness. Part of the latter plan is reducing systemic barriers to health care.

“Expanding access to essential testing and care is a critical step in supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents,” Douglas County Commission Chair Shannon Reid said in the release. “This partnership reflects our community’s commitment to reducing barriers, strengthening coordinated care, and investing in local solutions that improve outcomes for individuals and families across Douglas County.”