In 1973, 38 counties in the state still did not have a public health agency. The state legislature appropriated approximately $2.5
million in federal funds to help counties establish public health agencies. The public health agencies established with these dollars were called demonstration units. Counties, where the demonstration units were established, were expected to put on the ballot a tax levy to support the agency within 18 to 24 months. The number of counties with tax levy support increased dramatically, dispersed throughout the state. Many of the demonstration unit agencies became certified under Medicare to deliver home health services.
By 1991, the number of local public health agencies supported by a tax levy had grown to 81. The majority of the public health agencies governed by county commissions were located in the central part of the state.
Presently, the 114 local public health agencies in Missouri have various forms of governance. Most (85) of the agencies are established under Chapter 205, RSMo, and funded by a dedicated tax. County commissions govern 15 of the agencies, and the remaining 14 have other forms of governance, including city charters, city/county agreements, or other unique agreements.
The Miller County Health Center, as we are known today, has been serving the county since 1930. In August 2000, the Miller County Health Department passed a local tax that changed us from a health department to a health center. A small change in our name but a big change in how the health center operates. We continue to seek State, Federal and Competitive funding to assist in the monies generated through the local tax to provide services for the residents and visitors of our county. The local tax that was passed in 2000 helped ensure the health center did not lose services to the community and paved the way for improvement. In February 2006, the builidng at the present location of the Miller County Health Center at 2125 Hwy 52, Tuscumbia, MO was completed.
There have been program changes throughout the years, but our priority has always been and continues to be providing quality public health services at a local level to all citizens of Miller County.
Our Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Miller County Health Center to promote health, prevent illness, and control communicable disease by providing quality services, health education, and environmental health services for Miller County.