Community Health Improvement Week with Jackson County Public Health
Published on June 10, 2024
June 10-14 is Community Health Improvement Week, an opportunity to celebrate the partnerships and professionals that improve health in our community. We are proud to recognize the accomplishments of Jackson County Public Health (JCPH), which provides public health services to over 278,000 residents. Individuals served are primarily located in Eastern Jackson County, which is defined as all areas outside of Kansas City. However, most Jackson County residents can utilize services regardless of where they live.
JCPH Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH summed up the mission of the organization. "Health is more than what happens at the doctor’s office. It is shaped in complex ways across a range of factors. The places where we live, learn, work, and play — and the choices we make — all matter to our physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these complexities is no small feat: it truly takes all of us to make a change. We work collectively with our local partners and community members on initiatives to address these key findings and improve the health of those living in Eastern Jackson County."
In the last year, JCPH had over 70,000 interactions with residents, including 10,744 vaccines to 5,694 patients, distributing 708 Narcan kits, 11,874 COVID-19 kits, 40,563 vital records (birth and death certificates), 997 breast and cervical cancer screenings, and much more.
JCPH offers a variety of services, most of them free or low cost. These include:
- Vaccinations, screenings, and testing services
- Vital records printing (birth and death certificates)
- Family services: car seats and safety inspections, child care health consultations, and sex education classes for teens
- Adult Brain Injury (ABI) program, connectHERE resource referral program, Narcan and fentanyl test strip kits, and free grocery distribution days in partnership with Harvesters.
Residents can make appointments and find more information on JCPH’s website, jcph.org
or by calling (816) 404-6415. The newly renovated professional office is located at 3651 NE Ralph Powell Rd in Lee's Summit, just off I-470 and Woods Chapel Road. The building is fully ADA compliant and accessible to those with disabilities. Sensory kits are available in the lobby to ensure a less stressful visit for people with autism or PTSD. Translation services are available in 13 languages for visitors immediately upon arrival. In fact, 20-30% of visits on any given day at JCPH require translation services.
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| Jackson County Legislature Chair Jeanie Lauer and Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. with plaque commemorating new JCPH building at 3651 NE Ralph Powell Rd in Lee's Summit. |
At the open house for the new health department building on June 12, 2024, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. praised the leadership and staff of JCPH, stating that “Your selfless and heroic efforts during the pandemic ensured that many people are alive today in Jackson County that might not have been. While they may not know to thank you, I do. On behalf of those whose lives you saved, their friends and their families, thank you!”
Jackson County is fortunate to have a highly dedicated, professional and caring organization in Jackson County Public Health that makes such a big impact on the health and well-being of our community. They are deserving of praise and respect every day, and we are proud to recognize them for #CHIWeek!