Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services
We serve the city of Columbia and surrounding communities within Boone County, Missouri as a nationally accredited public health department through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).
Our vision
Optimal health, safety, and well-being for all.
Our mission
To promote and protect the health, safety, and well-being of the community.
What is public health?
This video can help explain our role.
What is national accreditation?
This press release can help explain.
Core values
- Service: We exist to provide the best possible service to all.
- Communication: We listen and respond with clear, compassionate, and timely communication.
- Continuous Improvement: We value excellence through planning, learning, and innovation.
- Integrity: We are ethical, fair, and responsible stewards of our community’s resources.
- Teamwork: We build trust and achieve results by working together.
- Diversity: We champion diversity and inclusion to the benefit of our organization and community.
- Equity: We believe in and strive for equitable opportunities for all.
About the department
Department leadership
Stephanie Browning, Director
Stephanie Browning became the Columbia/Boone County Director of Public Health on July 1, 1999. During her tenure as Director, she has led the department to become a nationally accredited public health agency providing comprehensive, evidence-based, diverse programs and services aligned with the department’s vision of “optimal health, safety, and well-being for all.” The department’s services available to residents of the City of Columbia and Boone County include Communicable Disease Control and Prevention; Epidemiology and Planning; Clinical Preventive Services; Public Health Nursing; Environmental Health; Animal Control; Human/Social Services; Health Promotion Services; Vital Records; and WIC.
Browning previously worked for the Yuma County Health Department in Yuma, Arizona. In 1988, Browning established the first HIV/AIDS program for the county which included HIV counseling and testing, disease surveillance, disease investigation, contact tracing, community education, and case management. In 1992, she was promoted to the position of deputy director. During her tenure as deputy director, she was responsible for oversight of all department programs, including bi-national efforts for TB Prevention and Control and a Community Health Worker initiative to improve birth outcomes for pregnant women.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Central Arkansas, with graduate studies in Public Health from the University of Arizona, and is a National Public Health Leadership Scholar University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Browning has been actively involved in Missouri’s public health system, serving on numerous statewide committees working to improve Missouri’s public health system, including statewide planning task forces for pandemic flu and altered standards of care.
She is actively involved with the Missouri Association of Local Public Health Agencies. Her involvement includes serving as board member 2000 – present; vice chair 2004 – 2005; chair 2006 – 2007; past chair 2008 – 2010; Workforce Development and Education Committee chair 2011 – present.
Rebecca Roesslet, Assistant Director
Dima Dandachi, M.D., Medical Director
Columbia United Church of Christ
Columbia United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation, inclusive of all people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We strive to welcome all of God’s children into full inclusion in our family of faith.
Columbia Second Chance
Second Chance was founded in 1985 as a privately-funded organization dedicated to rehoming unwanted animals. Since then, we’ve grown into the largest animal rescue organization in mid-Missouri and have helped match countless pets with their perfect families. We are only able to care for more animals year after year due to the support of our foster families, donors and volunteers.
Columbia Entertainment Company
Founded in 1979, Columbia Entertainment Company is now in its 45th season as a nonprofit community theatre located in Columbia, Missouri. This season is an anniversary season themed “A Season of Favorites: Yours and Ours.”” The lineup includes Rock of Ages
Columbia College
Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through education for more than 160 years.
Columbia College is a private, non-profit liberal arts and sciences college. We provide high-quality programs, offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees designed to meet the workforce of today and tomorrow.
We take pride in our experienced, committed faculty members and small classes sizes.
We serve roughly 18,000 students, and our alumni network exceeds 97,000.
Locations
Our campus in Columbia, Missouri, serves a traditional audience, as well as working adults through our evening program.
We have more than 30 locations in 12 states and Cuba.
Programs
We offer degree programs designed to meet the needs of today’s job market while preparing students for the future.
Accreditation
Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Athletics
Columbia College is part of NAIA Division I competitive sports . We offer men and women’s basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, track and field. We also have women’s softball, women’s volleyball, women’s bowling, men’s baseball and men’s lacrosse.
A competitive co-ed eSports team began in fall 2016.
Religious affiliation
The college is a nonsectarian school that welcomes all students regardless of religious affiliations. We are affiliated by covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The college is not owned by the church, rather it merely holds an affiliation.
Coco Locos Pineapple Drinks & Whip
Children’s Grove
Children’s Division
Central Bank of Boone County
We are rooted in local communities at more than 140 locations across the Midwest.
At Central Trust Bank, we are committed to creating a work environment built on trust, respect, and valuing differences. We know that our team members come from different backgrounds and perspectives, and we believe that this diversity makes us stronger. By working collaboratively and leveraging our unique strengths, we can better serve our customers and shareholders. We know we are stronger together and strive to be an inclusive and supportive employer, where every team member can thrive.
Central Bancompany ranked by Forbes on “America’s Best Banks”” list for 2022.