The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) was established in 1885 as the Kansas State Board of Health, making it one of the oldest state health departments in the United States. The idea for a state health agency came from the need to protect public health and address environmental concerns in Kansas. Over the years, it evolved and expanded its responsibilities, officially becoming KDHE in 1974 when it merged with the state's environmental protection efforts. Today, KDHE is a state government agency, owned and operated by the State of Kansas, with Janet Stanek serving as the current Secretary, appointed by Governor Laura Kelly. KDHE, headquartered in Topeka, Kansas, covers a wide range of news and information related to public health, environmental protection, and healthcare finance. Their coverage includes updates on disease outbreaks, environmental quality, healthcare policies, and community health initiatives across Kansas. The department is divided into three main divisions: Health, Environment, and Health Care Finance, which includes the state's Medicaid program (KanCare). KDHE regularly issues press releases and advisories on topics such as air quality, vector-borne diseases, and public health conferences. **One interesting fact**: KDHE operates a unique Facility Recognition Awards program for newborn screening. In 2022, they honored 93 birthing facilities, midwives, and screening facilities for their dedication to achieving higher newborn screening standards. The program recognizes healthcare providers in categories such as Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening, Hearing Screening, Collection Age, Transit Time, and Unsatisfactory Rate for Metabolic and Genetic Screening.