Jackson Country Invests $5 Million in Rebranded “Our Healthy Jackson County”

Jackson County plans to further fund its community-based program which aims to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in socially vulnerable neighborhoods with an investment of $5 million.

Our Healthy Jackson County (OHJC), formally Our Healthy KC Eastside, will extend its reach to the county as a whole. The program increases access to COVID-19 vaccinations and health screenings where people live, work, play, and worship.

“By investing in the expansion of Our Healthy Jackson County, we are taking significant strides towards addressing the pressing health challenges our communities face,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said in a news release. “This funding allows us to continue our mission of supporting our most socially vulnerable neighborhoods, while also providing vital preventative health services. Together, we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of Jackson County residents, working towards a healthier, more equitable future for all.”

In addition to COVID-19 prevention efforts, OHJC plans to also assist in providing service initiatives related to cancer screenings, diabetes and heart disease prevention, and infant mortality.

With the additional funding, the program is now able to reach all of Jackson County, however, the program looks to further reduce the risk among Jackson County residents who are African American, Latino or live in under-resourced areas.

The program began in 2021 the program administered nearly 13,000 COVID-19 vaccinations and provided more than 4,100 health services, including blood pressure checks, blood glucose screening, mental health screenings, dental assessments and STI testing in six months, according to the release.

Posted June 14, 2023.