The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) is a state agency that is dedicated to providing services for elderly and disabled residents of Missouri. Its mission is to be the leader in promoting, protecting and collaborating for health. Established in 1883, the MDHSS was created after citizens campaigned for a state agency that would be responsible for promoting the health of Missourians and preventing diseases. The MDHSS is responsible for managing and promoting all public health programs to improve the lives and well-being of Missourians. It offers support for caregivers, help for independent living, and advocacy for older people who are too frail to speak for themselves.
In October 1967, the Legislature re-created a State Board of Health, but within the framework of the Division of Health. At that time, the division's environmental engineering and solid waste programs were transferred to the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Crippled Children's Service became part of the Division of Health. When the state government was reorganized in 1945, the State Board of Health was replaced by the Health Division of the Department of Public Health and Welfare. The reorganization of the state government in 1974 placed the Division of Health in the Department of Social Services. That month of September, the department received official power and was responsible for overseeing and managing all the public health functions and programs formerly managed by the Division of Health. The steady increase in population and prolonged life expectancy of Missourians demonstrate that MDHSS has successfully fulfilled its mandate to create an effective state public health agency.
It continues to strive to provide quality services to its citizens, ensuring that they have access to quality healthcare. The MDHSS works hard to ensure that all Missourians have access to quality healthcare services. It provides resources such as support for caregivers, help for independent living, and advocacy for those who are too frail to speak up for themselves. The MDHSS also works with other state agencies to ensure that public health programs are managed effectively and promote a healthy lifestyle among Missourians. Additionally, it works with local communities to provide resources such as health education, disease prevention, and access to healthcare. The MDHSS is committed to providing quality services to its citizens.
It strives to ensure that all Missourians have access to quality healthcare services. Through its efforts, it has been able to successfully fulfill its mandate to create an effective state public health agency.
