Jackson County Public Health - MO

09/24/2025

In response to Monday's announcement, we are providing important context:

Current evidence does not support a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. On the contrary, untreated medical conditions such as maternal fever can pose serious risks to both the pregnant individual and the developing baby. In some cases, failing to manage these conditions may lead to severe harm.

It is always important to consult with a healthcare provider when considering any medication use during pregnancy.

We recommend the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - ACOG's FAQ guide for more information on this subject. ➡️ https://bit.ly/3KgtARP

09/24/2025

Our 100 Years of Health Literacy partnership with the Mid-Continent Public Library is wrapping up next week. But there is one book still to come…

Our exhibit displays and recommended reading list are on view through September 28th. Plus, join us for Community Heroes story time:

Thursday, Sept. 25 | 10-10:30 AM | MCPL Raytown
Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 10:30-11 AM | MCPL Grandview

Find all the details below…and stay tuned for a special book announcement very soon! In the meantime, swipe for photos from our visit to the Buckner branch last week.

📚 https://bit.ly/4pCsVdA

09/23/2025

Our team recently earned national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). We are honored to be one of eight health departments in the State of Missouri that have earned this recognition.

Accreditation is more than a badge of honor—it directly strengthens how we serve our community. Continue reading what this means for our work 👉 https://bit.ly/428ZENA

We enjoyed celebrating this milestone with ice cream from Howdy Homemade KC last week!

09/17/2025

This September, Mid-Continent Public Library visitors can view a special exhibit display produced by our communications team. Swipe to see it come to life!

In recognition of our 100th anniversary, we look back at the history of JCPH and how health myths have changed over the past 100 years. We also explore questions like: How do systems around us impact how we learn about health? How can we open our minds to new information? And how can we verify if popular health beliefs are fact or fiction?

Plus, our staff members share examples of when they have changed their minds or opened up to someone else’s perspective. They recommend a few good books, too!

Check it out at these MCPL branches from now through September 26th: Blue Springs North, Blue Springs South, Colbern Road, East Independence, East Lee’s Summit, Grain Valley, Grandview, Lee’s Summit, North Independence, Oak Grove, Raytown, and South Independence.

09/17/2025

We are looking forward to being a part of this event! Saturday, October 4th from 11am-3pm at Kenagy Park. See you there!

Don't forget about our upcoming Safety Fair on Saturday, October 4th. Join us from 11a-3pm to meet multiple vendors, check out public safety equipment, and participate in Trunk or Treat!

Vendors include:
Raytown SWAT
Raytown K9 Serin
Missouri State Highway Patrol

Raytown Fire Protection District
Raytown Helps
Lee's Summit Underwater Rescue
Operation Lifesaver Railroad
Jackson County Public Health - MO
& More!

09/16/2025

This Saturday, visit us at Second Missionary Baptist Church! We're offering free giveaways, COVID-19/flu test kits, lunches, naloxone, and more. Plus, event vendors will have free health screenings, educational exhibits, resources, and info sessions such as CPR.

Saturday, September 20th
10:00am - 1:00pm
5111 Harry S. Truman Dr.
Grandview, MO 64030

The event is free to attend and there will be activities for kids. We hope to see you there!

09/16/2025

We'll see you tomorrow morning (Wednesday 9/16) for food pick up! Check-in begins at 9:30am and the event starts at 10am. Find all the info on our website! www.jcph.org/food

Another week, another mobile! If you need help supplementing your groceries, use the links below to connect with a Harvesters' distribution site in your area. We have several hundred partners in Missouri and Kansas!

NOTE: This is not the full list of distributions this week. Use the links below to see more!

Mobile food distributions:https://www.harvesters.org/wp-content/uploads/agencies/agencies-list-ks-mo.pdf
Pantries, kitchens and more: www.harvesters.org/foodlocator

09/15/2025

In an emergency, every second counts. 📲 Take a few minutes today to save important contacts in your phone and in your emergency kit.

Essential phone numbers include trusted family and friends, your doctor, and your child’s school. (Tip: Add a battery-powered phone charger to your emergency kit in case of a power outage.) Plus, make sure you're subscribed to the National Weather Service and other emergency channels—tap for a list of alerts: https://bit.ly/3RoluVE

Preparing now could make all the difference when you need help fast.

09/12/2025

¿Necesita en su hogar ayuda con alimentos? Una vez al mes, nuestra asociación con Harvesters - The Community Food Network ofrece GRATIS productos frescos y saludables y artículos no perecederos a las familias en nuestra clínica de Lee's Summit.

No es necesario una cita previa. El registro se abre a las 9:30 a.m. Los suministros se distribuyen por orden de llegada.

¡Esperamos verte el 17 de septiembre! Más información: https://bit.ly/4cbXLmB

09/11/2025

Our partnership with Harvesters - The Community Food Network is back this month on Wednesday, September 17th from 10am-12pm (check-in begins at 9:30am). Fresh, healthy produce and pantry-friendly items will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone who needs them.

We encourage bringing your own reusable grocery bags if you have them for this event. If you need an extra set of hands to carry food, our team members are happy to help.

For more information and additional resources, visit: https://bit.ly/4cbXLmB

09/11/2025

Our team recently earned national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Accreditation is more than a badge of honor—it directly strengthens how we serve our community. We are excited to share more about what this means for our work very soon! In the meantime, we are honored to be one of eight health departments in the State of Missouri that have earned this recognition. Thank you for sharing, PHAB!

“PHAB Accreditation is more than a credential—it reflects a department’s leadership, transparency, and dedication to building healthier communities,” said PHAB President and CEO Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MD, MPH, FACEP. “We commend each department for their hard work and vision in meeting today’s public health challenges head-on.”

Congratulations to the 24 health departments that achieved Initial Accreditation or Reaccreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board!

See the full release here: https://phaboard.org/news/24-public-health-departments-recognized-for-meeting-national-standards-for-quality-and-performance-through-the-public-health-accreditation-board/

National Initial Accreditation:

Brown County Ohio Health Department (OH)
Carter County Health Center (MO)
Hamilton Township Division of Health (NJ)
Jackson County Public Health - MO (MO)
Winnebago Public Health Department (NE)

National Reaccreditation:

Cattaraugus County Health Department (NY)
Champaign Health District (OH)
Forest County Potawatomi Community Health & Wellness Center Community Health Department (WI)
Greene County Public Health (OH)
Kansas City Missouri Health Department (MO)
Knox County Health Department (TN)
Lincoln County Health Department (WI)
Louisiana Department of Health (LA)
Mohave County Department of Public Health (AZ)
Northern Kentucky Health Department (KY)
Northern Nevada Public Health (NV)
Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA)
Putnam County Health Department (OH)
Scott County, Iowa Health Department (IA)
Southwest Suburban Health Department (WI)
Summit County Public Health (OH)
Three Rivers District Health Department (KY)
USA MEDDAC Fort Riley Department of Public Health (KS)
Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health (WI)

09/10/2025

We’re giving out free lunches and resources at Community Heroes story time this month!

Our staff will read books with Mid-Continent Public Library staff to celebrate our 100 Years of Health Literacy partnership this September. Plus, we’ll have a small activity outside at our mobile unit for kids to take home after story time.

Thursday, Sept. 18 | 10-10:30 AM | MCPL Buckner
Thursday, Sept. 25 | 10-10:30 AM | MCPL Raytown
Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 10:30-11 AM | MCPL Grandview

Can’t make it this time? Check out our staff’s favorite book recommendations, including titles for kids and caregivers to read together. 👉 https://bit.ly/47Amfpy