A new statewide survey reveals that Missourians overwhelmingly trust and support their local public health agencies (LPHAs)—and they want to see them thrive. The Missouri Public Health Trust Poll, conducted in early 2025, highlights both the strengths and opportunities in public health outreach across the state.

Key findings include:

Nearly 60% of Missourians have used their local public health agency—demonstrating the essential role LPHAs play in communities.
71% of LPHA users trust their local health department, reinforcing the importance of direct engagement.
83% of Missourians support increased public health funding, recognizing its impact on community well-being.
26% of Missourians are unaware of the services available through their local LPHA, highlighting an opportunity for increased outreach and education.

“In a time where it can be confusing to know who to trust as a source of reliable information, it’s reassuring to see these results and know that people still largely trust their local health agencies,” said Darrell Meinke, Clay County’s director of public health. “I hope they can look at the members of our team and recognize neighbors who are working hard to make a positive impact on the health of their own community, to the best of their ability.”

The results provide a roadmap for strengthening public health trust and accessibility in Missouri. For both the Independence Health Department and Clay County Public Health Center that means expanding outreach efforts, increasing visibility in the community, and ensuring that every resident has access to the vital health services they need.

“We are in our community every day, providing everything from car seat inspections for new families and oral health classes to preschoolers to public health preparedness, food safety inspections, and mental health care,” said Christina Heinen, Health Director for Independence. “Public health is here for everyone, and these results show that Missourians believe in the work we do. One of our most successful outreach programs pairs a community paramedic from the Fire Department with one of our licensed clinical social workers. They have made a tremendous impact in our community – responding to 800 persons in mental health crisis in our community last year alone, eliminating almost $300,000 in ambulance and emergency room costs.”

The Independence Health Department ensures the public's health through activities that protect the public from environmental hazards, prevent injury and disease, and promote healthy lifestyles. These goals are accomplished through enforcement of ordinances, health promotion, planning, and surveillance activities. In 2024, it handled 3,624 communicable disease cases, distributed 481 boxes of Narcan, and performed 1,757 permitted health inspections. It is located within Independence City Hall at 111 E. Maple, Independence, MO 64050 and more information can be found on its website.

Clay County Public Health Center aims to empower everyone to lead healthier lives through clinical services like immunizations and STI testing, as well as WIC services and school-based dental services. They also work to prevent foodborne illness, track diseases, connect community members with resources, and educate about healthy behaviors. Their building is located at 800 Haines Dr., Liberty, MO 64068 and more information can be found at clayhealth.com.

About the Missouri Public Health Trust Poll

The Missouri Public Health Trust Poll, which was conducted by Breakthrough Campaigns, surveyed 607 Missouri adults from February 26 – March 3, 2025, with an oversample of rural residents to ensure balanced representation. Respondents included a mix of urban and rural residents, individuals across income levels, and diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Check out the full breakdown of the Missouri Public Health Trust Poll HERE.

KPGZ News – Kelsey Neth contributed to this story.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently recognized Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC) for its commitment to food safety and continuous improvement within its environmental health program. For the past 10 years, the program worked to successfully pass the verification audit and meet all FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards.

The nine standards require an environmental health program to operate at the highest level. This includes developing a comprehensive training program for regulatory staff, the ability to prepare and respond to emergencies, consistency with national inspection criteria, regular self-assessment, industry and community relations, and more. Overall, participants are always focused on one goal: reducing factors that lead to foodborne illness.

“We want to be the most effective and responsive environmental health program we can be,” said Director of Public Health Darrell Meinke. “The work we’ve done to accomplish these standards will have a positive impact on the health of the people in our community for many years to come. I am extremely proud of our staff, past and present, for their efforts to achieve this recognition.”

Clay County Public Health becomes one of nine programs across the United States to complete all nine standards and receive a Certificate of Achievement from the FDA. There are 3,300 environmental health programs in the nation and 980 are currently enrolled in the FDA Retail Food Program Standards, actively working towards this goal.

“The performance measures specified for each of the nine standards are not minimum criteria, but instead represent a high benchmark to which a regulatory retail food program should aspire,” said Kimberly Destromp, acting office director of FDA’s Office of Retail Food Protection. “Active participation in this program clearly demonstrates a remarkable level of commitment to achieving program excellence.”

Clay County Public Health Center’s environmental health program is currently made up of nine employees and headed by Section Chief Robert Gilliland. They oversee 745 food establishments in Clay County, completing regular and complaint-based inspections, training food handlers and managers, and assisting facilities with any information they need to ensure the public is protected from foodborne illness. The program also provides oversight for pools/spas, hotels, septic systems, and vector (mosquito) concerns.

KPGZ News – Kelsey Neth contributed to this story.