Douglas County Awards Funding to Expand HIV and Hepatitis Testing Through Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health–Bert Nash Center Partnership
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health (LDCPH), in partnership with Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center (Bert Nash Center), has been awarded $50,0000 from the Douglas County Municipalities Fight Addiction Fund, approved by the Board of County Commissioners on March 18, 2026, to expand access to HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV) testing for uninsured and underinsured residents in Douglas County.
This funding strengthens a collaborative effort through the organizations’ Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO) agreement to reach individuals most at risk of opioid-related harms, while also closing a critical gap in services for uninsured individuals accessing behavioral health care; and expanding the community’s capacity for harm reduction and integrated, coordinated care.
“These funds will help bridge the financial gap that may prevent uninsured residents from accessing testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C,” said Brittnay Schuetz, LDCPH APRN. “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.”
Testing will be available during outreach and integrated care visits ensuring individuals can access services in the settings where they already receive care.
Follow-up for individuals who test positive will be coordinated through shared workflows and navigation support, ensuring timely access to treatment and continuity of care across systems.
“At Bert Nash, we know that access to care must be integrated, accessible, and responsive to the realities people are facing,” said Marsha Page-White, Senior Director of Community Based Services. “This partnership strengthens our ability to meet individuals where they are and support their health and recovery. This focus on primary health and whole person care is the cornerstone of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. (CCHBC).”
The project aligns with approved opioid remediation strategies, including expanded access to HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and advances key Douglas County priorities. It aligns with the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and advances A Place for Everyone (APFE) by reducing systemic barriers to care.
By strengthening collaboration between two of Douglas County’s primary safety-net providers, this initiative will reduce undiagnosed infections, improve connections to treatment, and enhance coordinated behavioral health and public health services.
“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. “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.”
About Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health:
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health (LDCPH) is a nationally accredited city-county health department serving the Lawrence and Douglas County, Kansas community since 1942. Driven by a mission to create abundant and equitable opportunities for good health, LDCPH promotes and protects the health of the community through patient care, family support programs, regulatory services, emergency preparedness, disease control and prevention, and public health research.
Media Contact:
Rachel Grollmes
Public Health Information Officer
200 Maine St. Ste B, Lawrence KS, 66044
rgrollmes@ldchealth.org 785-843-3060
About the Bert Nash Center:
Established in 1950, the Bert Nash Center (BNC) serves as Douglas County, Kansas’ designated community mental health center & Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). BNC is the safety-net provider to anyone grappling with mental health or substance use issues - regardless of diagnosis, residence, or financial status. Our mission is to advance the mental health of the Douglas County community through comprehensive behavioral health services responsive to evolving needs and changing
environments.
Media Contact:
Daniel B. Smith
Community Engagement Coordinator
200 Maine St. Ste A, Lawrence KS, 66044
dsmith@bertnash.org 785-830-1854
