Due to COVID-19, the Jackson County Courthouse will be operating with adjusted hours until further notice.
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Due to COVID-19, the Jackson County Courthouse will be operating with adjusted hours until further notice.
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Official Website for Jackson County, Iowa
The Jackson county Department of Health is governed by the Jackson County Board of Health. The county health department oversees the Environmental Health programs, while Genesis VNA is contracted to provide Community Health services for Jackson County.
The Board of Health (BOH) is responsible for safeguarding the health of the citizens of Jackson County. The Board consists of five members appointed by the Jackson County Board of Supervisors. The BOH supports the mission of public health by discussing health issues and concerns, soliciting input and sharing plans for public health, developing public health policies, assuring compliance with legal responsibilities and maintaining fiscal accountability.
Pamela DeMoss, MSN, RN
Term Expires 12/31/2022
Chair
Dr. Jerald Bybee, M.D.
Term Expires 12/31/2021
Vice Chair
Dr. Darwin Schipper, D.V.M.
Term Expires 12/31/2020
Douglas Latham
Term Expires 12/31/2020
Nin Flagel
Term Expires 12/31/2021
Board Meetings are held 6 times per year unless a special meeting is required. Regular meetings are in January, March, May, July, September and November. Generally, on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 P.M.
The Jackson County Board of Health contracts for community health services with Genesis VNA.
Contact Genesis at 563-242-7165, Option 3 for general information, or questions, regarding the following services:
Disease prevention, surveillance, & follow-up (including Covid & Foodborne Illnesses)
Immunization programs
Emergency preparedness planning & prevention
Child, Maternal & Senior Health
Tuberculous (TB) Control Program
Community Health Needs Assessment
Community Health Manager for Jackson County is Michele Cullen.
Environmental Public Health Programs are carried out under the jurisdiction of the Jackson County Board of Health. Our office is located inside the Jackson County Courthouse. Appointments are recommended (no link) as most of the work done in this department is out in the field; leaving the office unmanned most of the time. Call 563-652-1729 (leave a message) or email.
Six Primary Activities of this Department:
Regulation/ Policy Development:
The Jackson County Code of Ordinances has several chapters to protect public health and the environment. These chapters include regulations for Nonpublic Water Wells, Private Sewage Disposal Systems (aka Septic Systems), and Public Health Nuisances. Local rules are updated as necessary to stay current with the ever-changing regulatory environment.
Permitting/Licensing:
Permits or licenses are issued prior to the commencement of an act that may have the potential to impact public health and the environment. Such acts are defined by the above-mentioned regulations and may include the installation or repair of a nonpublic water well or private sewage treatment system. Permits establish construction, operating, testing, monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements for the owner/operator of the facility.
Inspecting/Assessment:
Prior to issuing construction permits assessments are made to determine suitability and location of the system being permitted. Inspections are conducted to verify compliance with regulations and the conditions of their permits and licenses. When deviations are found we work to make immediate corrections to ensure compliance.
Outreach/Education:
Providing information and training to the regulated communities and the public. Business and industry have numerous federal, state, and local environmental rules that need to be followed in order to protect public health and the environment. We work with the regulated community to keep them informed of current and new regulations.
Enforcement:
In certain instances of violation or for repeatedly failing to comply, then we may take legal action. Working with the County Attorney's Office, we may issue citations and penalties for those parties, or corrective action orders until they can operate in compliance.
Data Management/Archiving:
Maintaining and preserving official documents, permits and inspections is an essential role of the department. Various data needs to be uploaded or reported to state or federal agencies to be properly monitored and tracked so that policies can be developed and refined. Data and documents need to be archived in a manner that safeguards and preserves them for the future.
Private Water Supply Well Program
Permits and inspections of new private water supply wells and their systems, private well abandonment, private well rehabilitation permits and inspections, and water sampling.
Private Onsite Wastewater Program (AKA Septics)
Permits and inspections of new/existing private septic systems, site assessments, soil reviews, tracking, renovation/ rehabilitation inspections, Time of Transfer (TOT).
Rabies Surveillance Program
Animal bite reporting and follow-up
Public Health Nuisances
Indoor Air Quality Program
Radon, Mold, Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Iowa Smokefree Air Act
Drug Free Community Grant
Health Department Contact Information
Jackson County Courthouse
201 West Platt Street
Maquoketa, IA 52060
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Phone Number: (563) 652-1729
Fax Number: (563) 652-1798
Health Administrator: Kimberly Grandinetti
Please call for an appointment.