Four Seeking Full Terms On The Grundy County Health Department Board

Editor’s Note: The Trenton Republican-Times is profiling candidates for the Grundy County Health Department Board in the April 5 election. Four candidates, Amy May, Cari Blackburn, Stacey McCullough and Jewell Harris, are seeking to fill the two full terms on the ballot and are profiled today. Two candidates, Korynn Skipper and Ken Weaver, are seeking to fill an unexpired term.
Name: Amy Lynne May

Provide a brief summary of your background and any special skills/training you would bring as a member of the Grundy County Health Department Board of Directors:
I have lived in Grundy County for almost 15 years. I moved here after meeting my husband whose family lived in this area. I have a Specialist and Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. I am CPR certified. I have worked for North Central Missouri Mental Health Center going on 10 years and worked in Education for 7 years prior to that. I believe having a diverse background in different career fields helps me bring different insights to the board.
Unlike past elections, several candidates are seeking seats on the health department board. What prompted you to seek a seat on the board at this time? 
I feel that during the Pandemic (which we all thought would be over) citizens did not understand what our health department’s role was. The Grundy County Health Department Staff and Board were put to the test in doing their best to make sure they were following statutes, laws, and court rulings to protect the community at large with an unprecedented pandemic. My goal is to continue supporting the Grundy County Health Department Staff in the decisions that they need to make regardless of the opinions of others.
In your opinion, what is the role of a board member?
The Board Member’s role is to adopt local public health rules, make policy for the local agency, impose fees for services, and approve and stay updated with the budget. It is the Board Member’s role to support the staff in carrying out rules and policies that are not always favored by the community.
Local Public Health Agencies have had a large role and great responsibility during the COVID-19 Pandemic. How would you, as a board member, provide leadership and support to the staff of the health department?
I have been the new Clinical Director at NCMMHC since January 2020. I trained with the old Clinical Director prior to that. I have learned that you must listen to all sides of a conflict. Support those decisions that are made by people that have more control than you do and implement and champion those decisions regardless of your own beliefs. I am very uplifting, like to give lots of praise, and yet straightforward. I am available to talk with staff as much as needed to get through challenging times or even when they just need someone to talk to. I do my own research and form my own opinions and decisions based on what is in the best interests of everyone. I have an open mind to hear opinions that are different from my own and respect the other person’s opinions and beliefs. That does not mean I will do what another person wants if it goes against what is best for the overall agency/clients. I feel that colleagues I work with would say I am a good problem solver.
The Grundy County Health Department was put in the spotlight during the pandemic, with many people feeling the board overstepped its authority in issuing public health orders. How would you, as a board member, try to balance the need for public safety with the rights of individuals citizens?
According to Title 7 Chapter 205.05 “It is the purpose of the public health center to establish, maintain, and operate for the improvement of the health of all inhabitants of said county or counties.” In an unprecedented pandemic, the only thing a person can do is make the best decisions with the information given to them. Mandates are not something I support personally. However, I do support the people who are in a position to have to enforce the mandates that are imposed by the President and/or other Government agencies. I think showing respect and listening to everyone’s opinions and concerns is important and can help them have a voice. However, in the state statute for what the purpose of the public health center is it states clearly “Improvement of the health of all inhabitants of said county or counties.” This means to me that I can empathize with those individuals who think that these things are unfair and even agree with them. However, as a Grundy County Health Department Board member my job would be to think of the whole county not just individuals.
Please feel free to share any other information that would be relevant to your candidacy.
In the job I currently have I have overseen keeping track of all our COVID numbers for both clients and staff. I have had to keep track of vaccine status and quarantine status. I have been an integral part in making decisions regarding the Pandemic and how our agency should best move forward. I have had to make decisions that are against some of the people that I worked with and even my own opinions. I believe this is helpful in being supportive to the Health Department Staff when tough decisions come up.
Name: Cari Blackburn

Provide a brief summary of your background and any special skills/training you would bring as a member of the Grundy County Health Department Board of Directors:
I have worked in healthcare since 2005 ranging in careers such as RN, Quality Manager & Infection Control Manager as well as Nurse Practitioner. I am experienced in Outpatient/Clinic, Inpatient, and ER. I feel that my experience in healthcare would provide sound knowledge and advice as a member of the Grundy County Health Department Board of Directors.
Unlike past elections, several candidates are seeking seats on the health department board. What prompted you to seek a seat on the board at this time? 
Due to my experience and previous collaboration with the health department during infection control management, I felt that it would be a good position to serve the community as well as the staff at the health department.
In your opinion, what is the role of a board member?
The role of the board member is to oversee the management of the health department’s finances, their responsibilities, and to ensure the unique needs of the community are of focus as well.
Local Public Health Agencies have had a large role and great responsibility during the COVID-19 Pandemic. How would you, as a board member, provide leadership and support to the staff of the health department?
I am able to provide support to the staff of the GCHD via ensuring their time is valued and not taken for granted. Also by reviewing the time it takes for them to serve the communities needs and assessing that their own personal time is not sacrificed through work duties and hours outside of their job descriptions. I can also provide leadership in terms of relevant health education, and updated guidance, etc.
The Grundy County Health Department was put in the spotlight during the pandemic, with many people feeling the board overstepped its authority in issuing public health orders. How would you, as a board member, try to balance the need for public safety with the rights of individuals citizens?
I am certainly able to provide insight to the requirements of the public health sector as I have experience in Infection Control in the healthcare and outpatient settings. I have read the regulations set forth by Missouri State and I have had to ensure that hospitals and clinics follow their guidelines. All the while, respecting the rights of individual citizens. I also have experience in being the provider for patients requiring the guidance of quarantine/isolation/etc. It is a very delicate balance requiring understanding of both sides of the argument.
Please feel free to share any other information that would be relevant to your candidacy.
No comments listed.
Name: Stacey McCullough

Provide a brief summary of your background and any special skills/training you would bring as a member of the Grundy County Health Department Board of Directors:
I was raised in Iowa and moved to Grundy County 22 years ago when I married my husband, Tom. We have one daughter, Evy, who graduated from Trenton High School last spring and is a freshman in college. I have been a registered nurse for 31 years. My nursing background includes 20 years combined experience in emergency and critical care nursing where I held specialty certifications in both areas. In addition to working at the bedside as a staff nurse, I was privileged to lead several healthcare teams over the years as a preceptor, charge nurse, CCU Manager and ER Director. Outside of the hospital setting, I served the Trenton R-9 School District for eight years as the TMS/THS District Nurse and most recently worked as a family advocate for the North Central Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center. I feel that my diverse nursing experience and commitment to represent the health interests of Grundy County will allow me to effectively serve the community in a board member role.
Unlike past elections, several candidates are seeking seats on the health department board. What prompted you to seek a seat on the board at this time? 
The response to the Covid pandemic by our government health agencies and the devastating impacts it brought to the citizens, healthcare workers and businesses in our country inspired me to get involved in public health at the grassroots level. Having the opportunity to serve in a role that protects the health rights of the individual and promotes the health of the community as a whole would be an honor.
In your opinion, what is the role of a board member?
The role of a board member is to assist the department in setting public health policies that represent the interests and assessed health needs of the entire community. Additionally, they participate in and provide oversight for the budgetary and fiscal operations of the agency and are responsible for holding the health department accountable for the policies it puts in place. Members of the board must stay up to date on key public health issues affecting their constituency and must take into consideration the entire community when creating public health policies.
Local Public Health Agencies have had a large role and great responsibility during the COVID-19 Pandemic. How would you, as a board member, provide leadership and support to the staff of the health department?
I would lend support and leadership to the health department by contributing valuable insight from my years of experience and expertise in both hospital and school health nursing. As a board member, my strong critical thinking skills and sound medical knowledge base will be a positive contribution when discussing challenging public health issues.
The Grundy County Health Department was put in the spotlight during the pandemic, with many people feeling the board overstepped its authority in issuing public health orders. How would you, as a board member, try to balance the need for public safety with the rights of individuals citizens?
The Covid response and the subsequent mandates issued by our government health agencies over the last two years have adversely affected the livelihoods of thousands and generated a public mistrust of the medical community in the process. This poses a significant challenge to public health departments and the communities they serve. I believe that people have the right to fully informed consent and the freedom to make choices about their health without coercion. It is imperative that any and all policies set by the health department are equitable and represent all cohorts. If elected, I will do my best to support the health interests of the Grundy County community as a whole and will evaluate any proposed public health recommendations from a measured, evidence- based point of view.
Please feel free to share any other information that would be relevant to your candidacy.
I believe in medical freedom and the right of every individual to make their own choices about their health. Though we may disagree individually, the shared goal of the public health department should always be to protect and improve the health of all people in the communities they serve. I would appreciate the opportunity to represent the citizens of Grundy County as a board member. Thank you for your consideration.
Name: Jewell Harris

Provide a brief summary of your background and any special skills/training you would bring as a member of the Grundy County Health Department Board of Directors:
I have had the privilege of working in my hometown community for over 22 years as a Registered Nurse. I have cared for the ill and injured, managed teams, taught future nurses and currently support the educational and professional development needs of the healthcare providers within my organization. I feel my commitment to the healthcare profession and lifelong devotion to Grundy County will equip me to serve my community and county health department well.
Unlike past elections, several candidates are seeking seats on the health department board. What prompted you to seek a seat on the board at this time? 
Seeing the impact that the Covid crisis had on our health care system and our community has motivated me to get more involved in organizations that support public health. During the past 2 years, I often did not understand they “why” behind some of the mandates. I found myself complaining about the decisions, which led to a conviction to become more involved. I feel the health department board would be a perfect opportunity for me to serve and represent fellow patriots in decisions that impact the overall health of our community.
In your opinion, what is the role of a board member?
I think the role of the board member is to remain educated on public health concerns and to be a voice that represents the citizens of Grundy County. I feel that every employee of the health department as well as the board members are in place to serve and support the community members. I feel the board needs to be aware of the overall encompassing health needs (mental, physical, and psychosocial) of the community and consider all of these when making decisions.
Local Public Health Agencies have had a large role and great responsibility during the COVID-19 Pandemic. How would you, as a board member, provide leadership and support to the staff of the health department?
I would like the opportunity to ensure that decisions made by our public health department do not infringe on individual rights of citizens, students, or local business owners. I hope to support our county health department by bringing my years of experience and knowledge in infection prevention in the health care setting to the public health arena. I also feel I have a “common sense” approach to problem solving and am a leader in the nursing field.
The Grundy County Health Department was put in the spotlight during the pandemic, with many people feeling the board overstepped its authority in issuing public health orders. How would you, as a board member, try to balance the need for public safety with the rights of individuals citizens?
I believe the role of the county health department is to provide resources, education, and recommendations to the citizens. I think the public mistrust of the government officials who passed down Covid treatment recommendations and mandates this past 2 years, put the local health departments in a very hard position—-between their regulatory agencies and their citizens. If elected, I will do my best to look at recommendations from a common sense and evidenced based perspective. I firmly believe that each citizen has the right and ability to make their own health care decisions and would rather see education and empowerment of the public to make good decisions as opposed to putting mandates in place.
Please feel free to share any other information that would be relevant to your candidacy.
I am committed to doing my own research and believe every citizen should do the same. I also understand that we will never all agree on everything public health related. I feel very strongly that as we disagree on certain details, we all have the common goal of keeping our community safe and healthy. I would like the opportunity to collaborate with the community, the wonderful health department staff, and the other board members to serve the Grundy County public health needs.