Lafayette County Health Department

06/03/2026

☀️🚗Summer Car Seat Safety Reminder🚗☀️

Did you know? On an 85°F day, the inside of a vehicle can reach over 100°F in just 10 minutes. Car seat buckles, straps, and surfaces can become hot enough to burn a child’s skin.

✅Check buckles and seat surfaces before placing your child in the car seat.
✅Park in the shade when possible.
✅Cover the car seat when parked.
✅Keep an essential item in the backseat as a reminder to check before leaving the vehicle.
❌NEVER leave a child alone in a vehicle.

A quick safety check can help prevent burns and heat-related injuries. If you have questions about car seat safety or would like to schedule a car seat safety check, please contact the Lafayette County Health Department 660-259-4371.

06/03/2026

📢 Notice from Lafayette County Health Department Clinic

The LCHD Nursing Clinic will be closed on Tuesday, June 9th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for our nurses to participate in a special outreach clinic.

LCHD & LCHD WIC will remain open and continue providing all other services as usual during this time.

Thank you for your understanding.

05/20/2026

LCHD will be closed Monday, May 25th, in honor of Memorial Day. Regular office hours will resume 8:00am Tuesday, May 26th.

05/14/2026

Lafayette County Health Department Earns Full Accreditation Through 2030

The Lafayette County Health Department Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that the Lafayette County Health Department (LCHD) has earned full accreditation through March 30, 2030, from the Missouri Institute for Community Health (MICH). This achievement reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality public health services and advancing the health and well-being of the community it serves.

The decision, announced by the MICH Board of Directors following a comprehensive review, confirming that LCHD meets the standards established under the Missouri Institute for Community Health Accreditation Program. The designation highlights the department’s capacity to provide essential foundational public health services to residents across Lafayette County.

In its review, the accrediting board praised the department’s broad range of services and its ability to remain responsive to community needs. According to the report, LCHD staff “ensure the department’s foundational public health services are organized, sustainable, and responsive to needs of their community.”

A key strength noted in the accreditation review was the department’s 2025–2028 strategic plan, which clearly outlines its mission, vision, values, and three primary goals, each supported by measurable strategies designed to track progress and improvement over time.

The Community Health Assessment (CHA) also received recognition for its clarity and accessibility. Reviewers noted that the document includes effective visual data presentation and integrates both quantitative and qualitative information, along with comparisons at local, state, and national levels, making it more accessible for public understanding and engagement.

Community collaboration was another major highlight. LCHD engaged more than 40 community stakeholders, partners, and residents in identifying and prioritizing health improvement goals. The resulting Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) focuses on three priority areas: Women’s Health, Healthcare Access, and Safety and Mental Health.

The 2025–2030 CHIP was described as particularly thorough, outlining background information, supporting data, community assets, goals, objectives, implementation strategies, responsible partners, budget estimates, and performance measures. The report noted that its structure and organization could serve as a model for other health departments developing similar plans.

The accreditation review also recognized LCHD’s reflection on operational improvements made possible through accreditation standards, while continuing to support adaptation to evolving public health needs.

“Administration and staff worked diligently over the past three years to complete the highly detailed accreditation process. This achievement represents a significant milestone in the department’s ongoing mission to protect and improve the health of Lafayette County residents,” said Breann Jensen, Administrator.

05/11/2026

It's Women's Health Week! Visit womenshealth.gov to find more information on women's health. 👩‍🦱👩‍🦳🧕🤰🤱👩‍🦽 https://womenshealth.gov/

04/28/2026

Did You Know?

You don’t have to travel far or pay high prices for important lab tests. Right here in Lafayette County, affordable lab services ordered by your physician are available close to home through the Lafayette County Health Department.

From routine lab work ordered by your doctor to essential services like immunizations, WIC, STD testing, and family planning LCHD is here to help you stay healthy without breaking the bank.

Quality care. Affordable options. Close to home. ❤️

04/27/2026

04/14/2026

Today, the Lafayette County Health Department Saving Smiles Program partnered with Immanuel Lutheran School to provide follow-up dental health screenings for students who had signed up in the Fall. These screenings don’t replace regular visits to your dentist, but they help monitor oral health between routine 6-month checkups.

Oral health is especially important for children because it supports proper growth, speech development, and overall well-being. Healthy smiles help kids stay confident, focused in school, and free from pain or infection. We are proud to partner with our local school districts and promote good oral health habits that lead to lifelong oral health.

04/01/2026

Celebrating 40 Years of Service

The Lafayette County Health Department is proud to recognize Carol Wells for an extraordinary milestone 40 years of dedicated service to the health and well-being of the Lafayette County community.

For four decades, Carol Wells has been the welcoming face greeting individuals as they walk through the doors of the Lafayette County Health Department. She has served as a part of the foundation of the organization, demonstrating unwavering commitment, compassion, and professionalism in her work. Throughout her career, Carol has played a vital role in keeping the department running smoothly while providing exceptional support to the community. She has consistently supported clients and families with care and kindness, all while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of public health.

Over the years, Carol has seen healthcare change in many ways, including updates to immunizations and new public health challenges. Through it all, she has been a familiar and trusted face for both staff and the entire community. “Carol’s dedication and passion for serving others have made a lasting impact on our department and the community we serve,” said Breann Jensen, Administrator “Her knowledge, experience, and kindness have helped shape the standard of care we strive to provide every day.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carol is known for her kindness, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to support her coworkers. Her contributions have not only strengthened the health department but have also inspired those around her.

As the Lafayette County Health Department celebrates this remarkable milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to Carol Wells for 40 years of exceptional service. Her legacy is one of compassion, commitment, and lasting impact on public health.

03/16/2026

Due to hazardous road conditions and staff shortages due to illness, LCHD will be closed today, 3/16. Regular office hours will resume tomorrow, 3/17, 8:00 am to 5:00pm. Stay safe and well!