Governor Laura Kelly, along with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Janet Stanek, state and local leaders, and community members, gathered Wednesday to cut the ribbon on the new Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories (KHEL) in downtown Topeka. The state-of-the-art facility, located in the Capitol Complex, will house advanced clinical and environmental equipment for essential state functions.

The ceremony included remarks from Governor Kelly, Secretary Stanek, former Kansas State Senator Carolyn McGinn, and Department of Administration Secretary Adam Proffitt, followed by a tour and reception.

KHEL plays a vital role in health and environment laboratory testing across various areas, including:

• Newborn screening for inherited and metabolic conditions
• Detecting infectious diseases like HIV and West Nile virus
• Testing for human pathogens such as influenza and norovirus
• Analyzing bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella
• Assessing drinking water for harmful substances
• Monitoring pollutants in water, including lead and copper
• Tracking radioactivity around the Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant
• Identifying emerging contaminants like PFAS and lead exposure in children

The lobby features a public museum showcasing Kansas’ public health history with interactive exhibits and historical laboratory equipment. The museum is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.