1950-2025

Jackson County Health Department Celebrates 75 Years of Service

In November 1948, the citizens of Jackson County established a health department by voter
referendum. The following year, the County Supervisors met and elected the first Board of Health. On
January 1, 1950, the first health officer was hired. Jackson County Health Department was the 15th local
health department formed in Illinois. The first office space was upstairs at 1015 1/2 Chestnut Street in
Murphysboro. The Board of Health voted that the Board of Supervisors be asked to levy the full 1/2 mil.
tax to support the agency with a beginning budget of $58,000.
In 1950, the primary services provided were: communicable disease control, venereal disease clinic,
tuberculosis screening and treatment, rheumatic fever clinic, program inspections of nursing homes,
dental program and environmental health programs.
In stark contrast to our meager beginning of a $58,000 budget, our current budget is $4.7 million. We
provide over 45 programs both throughout the county and regionally and remain a leader and strong
advocate for the citizens of Jackson County.
We invite everyone to help us celebrate this milestone during our open house on Thursday, April 10
from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Join us at JCHD for a press conference; highlighting our history and community
partners, interactive events, giveaways and refreshments.
Stay tuned in the upcoming months to learn about exciting programs that JCHD continues to offer!