McDonald County was created in 1849. Two communities, Rutledge and Maryville (which was later named Pineville), competed fiercely for the county seat.

Eight years, three deaths and a demolished courthouse later, commissioners were appointed to select a legal county seat. They chose Pineville, and the first courthouse was built there in 1858.

Today Pineville is much more peaceful and is also the home of the McDonald County Health Department, serving a population of more than 21,000 county residents. The Health Department provides a variety of services at virtually no cost to its clients.

With one of the most rapidly growing counties in the state with a huge increase in Hispanic population the Health Department, in collaboration with the McDonald County CHART Team and community organizations, has established McDonald County's top Public Health Priorities. Teenage pregnancy is rated the number one health issue for our county. Other health issues include drug and alcohol use, dental care shortage, motor vehicle deaths and lack of public transportation.

One of the Health Department's most widely used programs is its Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Program, which provides nutrition education, counseling and food vouchers to about 13,000 clients each year.

Another service used actively by the community is the Immunization Program. Last year the Health Department gave more than 4,000 shots to children and adults.

The array of services the Health Department provides are paid for by donations, grants and contracts with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

The Health Department works with a staff of 9 full-time employees to serve McDonald county residents for the better health of the county.

MISSION STATEMENT
To provice service and education which prevent disease, prolong life and promote health, through assessment of health status and needs, development of policies, and the assurance that needs identified are addressed, thus creating a healthier and safer community for the residents of McDonald County.

We are part of the Southwest Missouri "Homeland Security Planning Region D." In 2006 grants were redistributed, giving each county in Region D the opportunity to hire its own bioterrorism preparedness staff. We are now working in cooperation with Vernon, Barton, Dade, Jasper, and Newton counties while being served by Regional Planner Lawrence "Mac" McKeough working out of Joplin.

McDonald County Health Department
Located in South West Missouri

500 Olin
Pineville, Mo 64856
(417) 223-4351
 8:00am to 4:00pm M-F
 

Disclosure

The McDonald County Health Department and WIC Program are equal opportunity providers/employers.    Services provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Standards for participation in the WIC Program are the same for everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap. If you desire a copy of this publication in an alternate format because of disability, contact the McDonald County Health Department / WIC Program.