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.

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 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, 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