Center alumna Marvia Jones named director of Kansas City Health Department


We couldn’t be prouder of Dr. Marvia Jones, who is taking the helm as the Director of the KCMO Health Department February 14. 

“My vision for the department is to continue to develop innovative and responsive strategies for public health needs that center the many different communities we serve, even if this means taking a look outside of traditional measures,” said Dr. Jones. “Community engagement is integral to public health because it demonstrates to residents that they have value, and that their voice is respected. Community engagement centralizes residents as partners.”

Dr. Marvia Jones is a valued colleague and graduate of the Applied Behavioral Science Department at the University of Kansas. Thank you, Dr. Jones, for your deep commitment to advancing health and health equity. We look forward to seeing this new chapter of your journey unfold. #communityhealth #healthmatters

Dr. Marvia Jones answers questions from the media Friday. Jones, a specialist in violence prevention, is the first Black woman to run the Kansas City Health Department.
Dr. Marvia Jones answers questions from the media Friday. Jones, a specialist in violence prevention, is the first Black woman to run the Kansas City Health Department.

Read the NPR article here.