Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight -

In this edition of the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight, we’re proud to highlight one of our nonprofit Chamber members - the Dallas County Health Department. From immunizations and health screenings to environmental health and education, this dedicated team works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep Buffalo and the surrounding areas safe, informed, and thriving. Today, we’re proud to shine a light on their vital work and the compassionate professionals who make it happen.

Dallas County Health Department - Serving Dallas County for Over 60 Years

For over 60 years, the Dallas County Health Department has been serving the residents of Dallas County. The Dallas County Health Department was established by a vote of Dallas County residents in 1953. The voters approved a 10-cent mill tax that is still in effect today. The doors soon opened in January 1954. The first Board Members were appointed by the County Commission. In 1956, the five-member board was elected by a vote of the people. These five were Dr. Evelyn Griffin, Dorothy Steelman, Kenneth Nyberg, Margaret Blodgett, and Ralph Stanton.

What Does The Dallas County Health Department Do?

Dallas County Health Department is a community-funded public health preventive service provider.  Using evidence-based decision-making to develop public health interventions.  They are guided by the Ten Essential Public Health Services that include:

1 – Monitor Health to Identify and Solve Community Health Problems

2 – Diagnose and Investigate Health Problems and Hazards in the Community

3 – Inform, Educate, and Empower People About Health Issues

4 – Mobilize Community Partnerships to Identify and Solve Health Problems

5 – Develop Policies and Plans That Support Individual and Community Health Efforts

6 – Enforce Laws and Regulations That Protect Health and Ensure Safety

7 – Link People to Needed Personal Health Services and Assure the Provision of Health Care When Otherwise Unavailable

8 – Assure a Competent Public and Personal Healthcare Workforce

9 – Evaluate Effectiveness, Accessibility, and Quality of Personal and Population-Based Health Services

10 – Research for New Insights and Innovative Solutions to Health Problems

Programs and Services

The Dallas County Health Department provides a wide range of services, including:

Health Education

Women's Services

Environmental Health

WIC

Nursing services include:

• Blood pressure screening
• Immunizations
• Laboratory Services
• STD/STI Screening

The Dallas County Health Department also has three local ordinances in place.

- Any person selling food for human consumption must have an inspection and a permit.

- All housing units must have a proper working onsite wastewater system. New construction, repairs, and replacements are required to be done by a registered onsite wastewater installer and have a permit.

- They also respond to emergencies involving food. Fire, tornado, power outage, and truck wrecks are examples of their emergency response.

Residents can also obtain vital records through the health department, such as Birth/Death Certificates for those born/died in Missouri.  There is an application and fee for each certified copy.

From routine checkups to emergency response, the Dallas County Health Department is more than a public service—it’s a trusted partner in our shared wellbeing. Their work reminds us that a healthy community is a strong community, and that behind every program and policy are people who care deeply about their neighbors.

We’re grateful to have the Dallas County Health Department as a nonprofit member of the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce, and even more grateful for the heart, expertise, and dedication they bring to our region every day. If you haven’t connected with their team yet, now’s the perfect time to learn more, get involved, or simply say thank you.

For more information about the Dallas County Health Department and a full list of services, visit their website at www.dallascountyhealth.com

We’re proud to shine a light on the nonprofit organizations that make our town thrive—and we hope you’ll join us in supporting the incredible people behind them. Stay tuned for more spotlights as we celebrate the heartbeat of Dallas County, one story at a time.