100 Years of Health
Since 1925, we’ve worked to promote health in Eastern Jackson County. In celebration of our 100th anniversary in 2025, we looked back on the history of health in Jackson County with a special publication, a partnership with local libraries, and activities in our lobby.
Since 1925, JCPH has grown from a small rural health unit to a resource serving hundreds of thousands of residents across Jackson County.
In the 1920s and 1930s, we combated the spread of tuberculosis and ensured the safety of unpasteurized milk sold at roadside stands.
By the 1950s, our department played a pivotal role in vaccinating thousands of children against polio in a time of nation-wide outbreaks, protecting the youngest members of our community.
During the 1980s, our focus turned to the AIDS crisis, providing education, resources, and support to those affected.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. Our staff worked to protect the safety of our residents during a time of uncertainty.
Explore Our 100th Anniversary Book
To commemorate this historic milestone, we created a one-of-a-kind 100th Anniversary Book: a decade-by-decade journey through the evolution of public health in Jackson County. It tells the stories of the people, programs, and pivotal moments that have shaped our region’s health landscape.
From the 1925 campaign to examine every school child in the county, to our response to the 2017 Oak Grove tornado, the opioid epidemic, and the fight against COVID-19, this book honors the resilience of our staff and the strength of the community we serve.
100 Years of Health Literacy
Public health is not just about vaccines, and public libraries are not just about books. You can visit JCPH and MCPL for a wide variety of needs, from finding local resources to participating in community programs.
By partnering in recognition of our 100th anniversary in 2025, we aimed to inspire new ways of thinking about how health and literacy intersect. Our understanding of health has evolved over 100 years, but myths and misinformation persist. We collaborated with MCPL to bring you a reading list featuring recommendations from our staff, thought-provoking exhibit displays, and story time events for kids and caregivers.
100 Years of Building Community
Whether it’s staying home when we’re sick, checking in on our neighbors after an emergency, or getting the annual flu shot, all of our collective actions help shape a healthier, more connected community.
In July, we celebrated this spirit of community by creating an interactive art display in our front lobby. Visitors were invited to write or draw on sticky notes in response to meaningful prompts about public health. People also had the opportunity to follow along and contribute virtually on social media.
This project was led by our very first Communications Intern in collaboration with multiple teams at JCPH.
The next century starts now.
Follow us on social media or sign up for emails to stay up-to-date on our programs. The future of public health begins today!