Public Health Impact Highlights 2023

In reflection of the past year, 2023 marked another milestone for the Lincoln County Health Department, dedicated to serving our community since 1966. Our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of residents remained strong, offering a diverse range of programs and services.

From ensuring the safety of our youngest members through car seat programs to promoting overall health with flu shots and dental appointments, we continue to be your dedicated partner in building a safe, healthy, and well-informed Lincoln County.

Throughout the year, our team invested countless hours engaging with the community, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact. As we move into the new year, we look forward to furthering our mission and continuing to serve you with excellence. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey towards a healthier and happier community.

Check out our list below for the top 6 highlights from 2023.

  • Increased community access to vaccines and other services

    • Our staff have been hard at work, providing mobile health clinics at the following locations:

      • Sts. Joachim & Ann Care Service, Elsberry

      • Winfield County Market

      • Hawk Point Phillips 66

      • Bread for Life Food Pantry, Troy

  • 7,594 WIC contacts (not including December 2023)

    • Our WIC Department connected with moms and children from all over Lincoln County to provide support. WIC provides healthy food, health care referrals, nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion and support to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5.

  • 1,256 passport applications processed

    • In 2017, we proudly became a Passport Acceptance Office, and this year has seen an unprecedented number of visitors at our office. Our Passport Office works seamlessly with our Nursing Department, ensuring that travelers not only obtain passports (and photos) efficiently but also receive all necessary vaccines for safe and healthy travels.

  • Dental outreach

    • Our passionate dental staff traveled to local school districts with our mobile dental clinic to provide much needed dental services to students. Thank you to all of the schools and families who trusted us to provide your care!

  • 3,762 vaccinations (not including December 2023)

    • Our Nursing Department made huge strides in reaching high-need populations this year. They hosted vaccine clinics both in our office and throughout the community all year long.

      • 794 COVID-19 vaccines given

      • 608 flu vaccines given

  • Suicide prevention education for youth

    • Our Public Health Educator dedicated extensive hours to present the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program to local schools in the 2023-2024 school year. With more presentations to come in the spring, we're committed to spreading awareness and making a positive impact on mental health in our community.

A heartfelt thank you to all our Lincoln County residents for visiting us in 2023! Your trust means the world to us. As we step into 2024, we're eager to make your experience even better. Stay tuned!

Sarah Valenza