Public health is powered by people. By the individuals who show up every day to serve their communities, often without recognition, but always with purpose.

 

Throughout the month of April, we are proud to highlight the “Faces of Public Health.” A collection of stories that celebrate the professionals, partners, and leaders who make this work possible across Missouri. From local health department staff to community partners and system leaders, these individuals represent the heart of public health: committed, collaborative, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.

 

Each story is a simple but meaningful thank you. Written by members of our team, these reflections shine a light on the impact, leadership, and humanity behind the work. Whether it’s strengthening systems, supporting neighbors, building partnerships, or stepping up in moments that matter most, these individuals truly shine.

 

And this month, we’re proud to celebrate them.

 

“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Sharon Whisenand, Administrator of the Randolph County Health Department, numerous times. The one that stands out the most is when she requested a policy and advocacy training for her staff.  Topics regarding those areas can tend to be either super boring, go completely over folks’ heads with the terminology used, and/or fail to provide actionable and effective strategies for attendees.  While knowing this training was not going to be either of these things, I wanted to ensure that the intended audience, Sharon’s staff, was centered in the development of the content for the training. With that in mind, Sharon and I partnered on this endeavor.

 

Although I provided foundational items from previously developed resources and trainings, working with Sharon supported the combination of both educational and actionable components in an accessible way for her agency.  This included an activity where staff created profiles of those that represent their jurisdiction, and directly connecting public health policy and advocacy via a discussion about how the Randolph County Health

 

Department is funded.  Utlimately, the two-part training we developed was a valuable experience for attendees.

 

Public health policy and advocacy can often leave leaders feeling hopeless as they consistently navigate challenging sociopolitical realities for the betterment of the communities we serve. True leadership in this space entails those that deal with those challenges while empowering their team to do the same. The realities are plainly visible, however, that empowerment helps individuals see the opportunities for change, which is where hope resides. This illustrates the essence of what true leadership entails and is what I will strive to embody as I continue my professional journey.

 

Thank you,” Kelly McGowan, Policy and Membership Engagement Manager.