TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Janet Stanek, state and local leaders, and community members Wednesday to cut ribbon at the new state-of-the-art Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories (KHEL). The new facility is located in the Capitol Complex, situated between Topeka Boulevard and Harrison Street in downtown Topeka.
“The opening of the new Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories is a significant step forward for public health in Kansas and a testament to the power of scientific advancement and innovation,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m confident the new lab will be a catalyst for positive change for decades to come.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Governor Kelly, KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek, former Kansas State Senator Carolyn McGinn, and Department of Administration Secretary Adam Proffitt, as well as a facility tour and a reception.
The cutting-edge laboratory houses high-tech clinical and environmental equipment, which dedicated staff will use to conduct critical functions for the state.
“With its diverse functions and advanced capabilities, this state-of-the-art facility significantly enhances our ability to monitor and tackle pressing public health challenges,” KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. “It will give us the tools necessary to improve the overall health of our population and elevate our response capabilities and outcomes statewide. It helps us ensure that we are not only prepared for today’s challenges but also equipped to face future health concerns head-on.”
KHEL serves many functions as it relates to health and environment laboratory testing:
- The Newborn Screening Laboratory identifies nearly three dozen inherited and metabolic conditions in every child born in the state.
- The Virology and Serology Laboratory detects infectious diseases such as sexually transmitted infections and HIV, as well as emerging viruses like West Nile virus and Zika.
- The Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory tests for human pathogens, including influenza and norovirus, and tracks the origins of these viruses.
- The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory tests samples for bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and M. tuberculosis.
- The Organic Chemistry Laboratory analyzes drinking water for harmful bacteria and tests other samples for dangerous herbicides, pesticides, volatile compounds, oil products, and disinfecting byproducts.
- The Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory tests drinking water, well water, and stream samples for pollutants like lead and copper and assesses nutrient levels resulting from agricultural runoff.
- The Radiochemistry Laboratory monitors a 90-mile radius around the Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant for radioactivity in public drinking water and surrounding ecosystems.
- The Toxicology Laboratory identifies per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other emerging contaminants in drinking water and wastewater, as well as tests for elevated lead levels in children.
The lobby of the new facility includes a museum that celebrates the history of public health in Kansas. It features three exhibit structures showcasing historical laboratory equipment, photographs, and interactive displays. This collection reflects KHEL’s achievements in laboratory science and highlights its commitment to the safety of Kansans. The museum is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
