A tax-supported health agency is celebrating 100 years since its origin by a group of compassionate, committed local women.
The Cole County Health Department today serves about 2,000 clients in need of health care and services, including preventative initiatives.
Although state lawmakers in 1973 passed enabling legislation for Missouri's counties to establish and finance county health departments, organizing to meet area health care needs traces its beginnings to the formation of the Council of Clubs in 1916.
The Council of Clubs - which remains an active, thriving organization - was created when representatives from six separated clubs joined to explore and address community needs.
The council initially selected a nurse and raised funds to purchase a vehicle. Subsequent strides in medicine were reflected in council efforts, including establishing pre-natal and well-baby clinics, and acquiring medicine and equipment.
Sponsorship by the council ended in 1974, when oversight was transferred to the Cole County Commission, which annually budgets for agency operations.
Modern health department services - supplemented by grants and applicable fees - include: Women's, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program; Safe Crib Program; immunizations; education, including reproductive health; breast exams; food inspections of retail and child care facilities; monitoring for communicable diseases; and more.
In observance of the centennial, the agency will host a Live to Be 100 Fun Run/Walk from 9-11 a.m. Aug. 13. Additional information is available online at: colecounty.org.
We join in celebrating the humble origins and enterprising vision that has guided the Cole County Health Department's mission to prevent and treat individual illnesses and to protect the overall health and welfare of county residents.