Local public health agencies (LPHAs), also known as city or county health departments, are located throughout Missouri and work to improve the health of thousands of individuals every year. These agencies address a wide range of public health issues, from assessing the health risks of environmental problems to providing emergency services during natural disasters. Local public health agencies protect food safety through inspections and work to control communicable diseases like the flu and tuberculosis, as well as manage chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Most local public health agencies were formed under Chapter 205, Revised Statutes of Missouri, which allows counties to enact a property tax to support local public health services. Each of these public health agencies has an elected board of trustees that sets policy for the agency.
Other local public health agencies are governed by locally elected bodies such as county commissions and city and county councils. Local funding for those agencies comes from city and county general revenue.
Missouri’s 115 local public health agencies operate independently of each other and are independent of state and federal public health agencies. The local agencies work directly with our department through contracts to deliver public health services to the communities they serve. Funding for many of the contracts comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other federal agencies, state general revenue and other sources. We also provide technical support, laboratory services, a communication network and other services to support local public health efforts.
Local public health agencies also work with numerous partners, including private healthcare professionals and health advocacy organizations, to improve the health of Missourians.
Laws & Regulations
Laws
- Chapter 70 – Powers of Political Subdivisions to Cooperate or Contract with Governmental Units
- Chapter 105 – Public Officers and Employees, Miscellaneous Provisions
- Chapter 192 – Department of Health and Senior Services
- Chapter 205 – County Health and Welfare Programs
Regulations
- 19 CSR – Rules of the Department of Health and Senior Services