Coffey County Board approves $50,070 in state public‑health grant applications

The Coffey County Board of Health voted to approve submission of state fiscal year 2027 grant applications totaling $50,069.77 and authorized the chairman to sign the signature page.

Health department administrator Amelia Mucha told commissioners the county is applying for five grants that would support existing programs and staffing. Proposed awards include a $3,500 fall‑prevention mini‑grant to fund Matter of Balance classes, a $2,000 grant to support a Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower that supplies safe‑sleep materials and connects caregivers with community resources, an Immunization Action Plan request of $3,761 to boost vaccination outreach, a maternal‑child health request for $10,485 (with a matching amount), and an $8,818 public‑health emergency‑preparedness request. Mucha said budget justifications emphasize employee salaries and program supplies and noted the family‑planning request requires a local match (the department proposed a 50% match to exceed the minimum requirement).

Mucha described how some grants support one‑time participant incentives (medication organizers, small exercise equipment for Matter of Balance) and training costs for staff who will lead or audit services. The department plans recorded or in‑person training and said programs will prioritize low‑income and high‑risk residents where appropriate. Mucha cautioned that state notification of awards can vary; counties often learn results in June or July but some funds have been delayed into September in prior years.

The board approved the application by voice vote and recessed back to the commissioners’ session after signing the grant paperwork. The health department said award notices typically arrive in summer months and staff will report back to the board once funding is confirmed.