KDHE opens new Office of Vital Statistics in Topeka

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has opened its new Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) to the public in the Curtis State Office Building in Topeka. The new office, around the corner from the old office, will provide an inside entrance, more space and additional conveniences to the public who come to the office for certified copies of vital event records, such as birth, death and marriage certificates.

“The OVS serves approximately 130 walk-in customers daily and 35,000 each year,” said Lou Saadi, Ph.D., State Registrar and Director of KDHE’s Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics. “In our old environment, the space was limited which forced family members to wait in the hall. The new area provides a more family-friendly experience for our customers. There is more room for individuals to wait while their family or friend conducts business with our office. Also, an intercom system has been installed so individuals can easily hear when we need them to return to the counter. We will have a much better opportunity to serve Kansans in this new environment.”

Other notable items about the new offices:

• There will be 4 kiosks installed in approximately a month which will be used for initial check-in. The individual will complete their application and verify personal identity.  After successfully entering information into the kiosk, the individual will proceed to the service window where a member of the OVS staff will complete their request.  The kiosk process will increase efficiency and enhance security.
• The old customer service lobby was 375 square feet and the new is 1120 square feet.