At the Missouri Public Health Institute, we know that public health is most effective when communities trust and engage with it. To better understand how Missourians feel about public health, we recently conducted the Missouri Public Health Trust Poll—and the results are both encouraging and insightful.

What We Learned

• Nearly 60% of Missourians have used their local public health agency (LPHA)—that’s more than 3.6 million Missourians relying on public health services.
• Trust in public health is strong, especially among those who engage with LPHAs. Among those who have used LPHA services, 71% express trust in their local public health department.
• Missourians overwhelmingly support public health investment. A striking 83% support increasing public health funding, recognizing its value in keeping communities safe and healthy.
• There’s an opportunity to improve awareness. More than 1 in 4 Missourians (26%) don’t know what services their local LPHA offers—a key area for growth.

Why This Matters

These findings reaffirm something we’ve long believed: when people connect with public health, they trust it. They see its impact firsthand—whether it’s through vaccinations, nutrition programs, emergency preparedness, or maternal and child health services.

But the poll also highlights a challenge and an opportunity: we need to make sure more Missourians know about the essential services available to them.

Building on This Trust

Public health is about meeting people where they are—in rural communities, urban centers, schools, workplaces, and homes. To strengthen trust and engagement, we can:

• Improve outreach and communication so more people understand what LPHAs offer.
• Ensure services remain accessible and visible in every Missouri community.
• Listen to community needs and build stronger connections with those we serve.

Who Took the Poll?

The poll surveyed 607 Missouri adults between February 26 – March 3, 2025, with an oversample of rural residents to ensure balanced representation. Respondents included people from across income levels, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and geographic areas. Notably, public health engagement was highest among people of color (72%) and households with children (70%)—groups that often rely on LPHAs for critical services.

Looking Ahead

This poll gives us a roadmap for strengthening public health trust in Missouri. By building on existing confidence, increasing awareness, and keeping our focus on community-driven solutions, we can ensure that every Missourian has access to reliable, trusted, and effective public health services.