TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Local officials got a checkup on what's happening with public health programs.

The Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment hosted its quarterly Northeast Public Health Regional Meeting on Thursday. The gatherings give the state a chance to update local health departments and county commissioners about the importance of public health in their communities.

Organizers say the meetings facilitate conversation and open dialogue for solving problems about health concerns. KDHE's Director of Local Public Health Programs Jane Shirley says the communication is especially important with the changing landscape of health.

Among discussions during the meeting were one focusing on increasing immunization rates for children.