Division Of Family Services Springfield Mo – Above is an archival photo of a view of South Street from Park Central Square, 1890. From the City of Springfield Archives.
Celebrate the lasting legacy of our department with the extraordinary milestone of 150 years of service! Since June 30, 1873, when the department was founded, we have witnessed the transformative power of public health and enriched the lives of individuals in our community for generations.
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Public health has evolved in form and function to provide the services needed to address today’s most pressing health problems. Although health threats have changed, our commitment and service to the community is strong and steadfast. In turn, we are supported by a community that values health.
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Through strategic partnerships focused on creating a collective impact, we were able to effectively adapt and respond to new challenges. Our joint efforts not only strengthen our capabilities, but also expand our impact, allowing us to reach more individuals and meet the specific needs of our community.
At the heart of our department’s success lies a legacy of incredible leadership. I had the privilege of working directly with three of the best in the business: Harold Bengsch, Kevin Gipson and Clay Goddard. Their dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to our mission have played an important role in shaping our performance and ensuring the well-being of those we serve. Their tireless efforts and passion for public health have driven us forward and inspired us to strive for excellence in everything we do and for every person we serve.
When I assumed the role of director in July 2021, I felt respect for this role and the need to preserve our history. I strive to support and expand the impact of this department by continuing our legacy of excellence. It is an honor to continue to lead this department as we enter the next 150 years. I hope that we never lose sight of the progress we have made and that we can face new challenges with creativity, strong leadership and compassion for our community. And just as Mrs. Brela Finch, our first female director, appointed after the death of her principal husband in 1924, said: “… but I will do my best.” Let’s all do our best to live a long, healthy and happy life.
For an extraordinary 150 years, Springfield-Greene County Health has proudly served our community by providing essential services and nurturing connections for all individuals to live longer, healthier and happier lives. As a cornerstone of public health, we are constantly adapting to meet the new and urgent needs of the people we serve. From confronting historic health challenges to confronting contemporary crises, we remain a resilient institution, committed to the health and vitality of Springfield and Greene County. Our lasting legacy emphasizes the importance of promoting the health and happiness of past, present and future generations.
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A look through the history of Springfield-Greene County Health is a testament to our evolution as a public health leader in our community. The main focus of the department has always been to control the spread of disease within the community. As diseases and distributions have changed over the years, we have grown and adapted to meet the needs of the changing landscape. Our proactive and often modern approach to meeting people where they are has enabled us to lead critical public health initiatives for the past 150 years.
Our founding mission was to combat the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera through basic sanitation and clean water. In the early 20th century, we moved to test and treat other diseases that occurred in the community. Among them are: tuberculosis, hepatitis A, venereal diseases (sexually transmitted diseases) and other diseases of that time.
As immunization became the standard of care, public health nurses became instrumental in the preventive work to ensure vaccination acceptance throughout the city and county, helping to reduce the negative diseases, such as polio, that were common. With their help, Springfield-Greene County Health has completed several vaccination efforts in our history.
For more than 150 years, we have had exceptional leaders who have paved the way for our department and shaped our mission. Her leadership reminds us again and again of our responsibility – through the centuries, social changes and disease epidemics – to help ALL people live longer, healthier and happier lives.
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Harold Bengsch was appointed Director of Public Health on June 7, 1983. With a distinguished career spanning 45 years, including 21 years as director, Bengsch played a key role in shaping public health. From navigating the 1968 H3N2 flu crisis to ground-breaking discussions on HIV/AIDS, his leadership has been steadfast. Bengsch was with the department during the merger of the city and county health departments and is credited with helping establish the Jordan Valley Health Center. Recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his service, Bengsh is a beacon in public health.
Kevin Gipson was appointed Director of Public Health on March 28, 2004. Gipson was instrumental in fostering the community collaboration that led to the tremendous growth of Jordan Valley Health Center. During his tenure, he pushed the ministry to move toward accreditation and led the first collaborative community health needs assessment. Gipson also led during the 2009 H1NI outbreak and the 2014 multistate hepatitis A outbreak.
Clay Goddard was appointed Director of Public Health on November 12, 2017. Serving in various roles for 25 years, Goddard’s long history with the department can be seen through his proactive and innovative approach to community welfare. As director, he led key initiatives including the local prescription drug monitoring program, the Tobacco 21 ordinance, and community mental health and substance use assessments. Under his leadership, SGCHD received accreditation. During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Goddard became a trusted public figure for the community at a time of great uncertainty.
Katie Townes was appointed Director of Public Health on July 18, 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. Her leadership during the Delta outbreak and the COVID-19 vaccination campaign quickly established her as an asset to the regional health community. During her tenure, the department’s efforts in mental health, substance use, STD prevention, and maternal and child health have grown rapidly, including the upcoming launch of Family Connects, a community outreach program since before the pandemic began. City management continues to position SGCHD as a valued community partner and regional leader in public health.
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Delivered more than 1,000 cans of Shingrik to the Greene County 60 and over belt program, with ongoing support from the Greene County Senior Citizen Services Fund Board
He received 2,787 ounces of donated breast milk to feed a medically fragile baby in the first three months since the Greater Ozarks Regional Breast Milk Depot reopened.
Epidemiology prevents the spread of infectious diseases in our community by investigating their occurrence and possible cases of transmission.
The immunization program provides both routine vaccinations and vaccinations required for international travel. Routine vaccinations help prevent the spread of the virus in our community. Travel vaccinations allow us to keep our community safe as members travel internationally to regions with unique risks. We vaccinate against diseases such as hepatitis A and B, tetanus, measles, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid and others. Vaccinations are offered through the clinic and through community events.
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The tuberculosis program prevents the spread of the disease by providing case management to people who have been exposed to tuberculosis or are showing symptoms of tuberculosis.
Through laboratory services, many programs in the department are supported by laboratory research (STD, well water) and daily pollen counts.
A specialist disease intervention program provides case management for people who test positive for syphilis or HIV. DIS staff connects these individuals to treatment and helps their sexual partners access testing and treatment. This program was initiated as a result of rising syphilis trends at the local level. Learn more about the DIS program in 2023 below.
Community health advocates focus on improving the lives of individuals and families in our community by connecting them with resources such as naloxone, health care referrals, housing assistance, employment and educational assistance, children’s resources and social-emotional support.
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Community wellness provides tools, education and resources to prevent or manage chronic diseases. Examples include corporate education about healthy eating and active living, distribution of harm reduction materials to community partners working with people with substance use disorders, and facilitating community partnerships to improve public health outcomes.
Food Safety and Compliance enforce local and state regulations regarding the health and safety of food establishments (restaurants, bars, school cafeterias, concession stands, food trucks, etc.) in Greene County.
Water Safety offers free tests for public pools and hot tubs to ensure the water is safe for those who use them. Inspectors work with operators to ensure that chemical adjustments are made to make these environments safe and enjoyable for the public.
Animal Control works to prevent rabies in our community through animal safety enforcement and education. This is done within city limits by investigating animal bites, controlling aggressive dogs and securing stray dogs.
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