Candidates for the Stoddard County Health Board discuss priorities

There are four candidates for two positions on the Stoddard County Health Board. Candidates successful in the April 2 election will serve three-year terms.

Candidates Frank Killian, Cale Williams, Matthew Harris and Jeff Riddle were asked the same series of questions. Information is presented in ballot order. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

Candidates were asked: What is the most concerning health care and wellness issues facing Stoddard County residents; and Are enough programs or services available in Stoddard County to address this issue?

Editor’s note: Due to a production issue on the Statesman’s part, Williams' responses and biographical information for Harris and Riddle was not included in the original article. The content is available, free access, on the Statesman’s website and will appear in the Thursday edition of the Daily American Republic. The Statesman regrets this error and any confusion it caused.

Killian

Age: 58

Spouse: Cathy Ann Killian (Anthony)

Children: Chasidy Jones, Brent Wamble, Brandi Killian, Brooke Green and Brett Killian

Occupation: Education

Education: Bachelor’s, master’s and specialist in Educational Leadership

Current Affiliations: Education Commission of the state, consultant for educational committee, Missouri Retired Teachers Association, MSHSAA Official

Issues: This will depend on which age group is surveyed as well as what is occurring at that time. 

When COVID hit, the concern was keeping our loved ones safe during an unknown time of sickness. We lost many loved ones such as my friend Mark Stidham. We grieved and supported all of our Stoddard County neighbors as well as assisting the Stoddard County Health Department during these very trying times. 

I believe a survey today would show mental health; the price of medicine, especially for fixed income and elderly, leading to choices of getting medicine or food; the price of food leading to some going hungry; and homelessness issues that seem to be growing; as well as obesity that could be partly attributed to the rising cost of healthy food choices.

Programs: As for programs, we should not throw money at issues hoping money without communication and cooperation with all partners will fix issues. All Stoddard County schools and churches are working hard to help students, families and congregations with mental health issues facing our kids and adults. Ben Godwin and the health department offer many resources and helpful information in this ongoing battle. 

In the past, I have assisted my wife and others when fixing and delivering meals to our elderly and homebound population through Meals on Wheels. The health departments also offer immunizations, as well as information to help keep COVID, flu and other health issues from exploding in Stoddard County. 

As for the price of life-changing, life-saving medicines, as well as the cost of food, especially healthy food choices, Godwin and I have had conversations at length and we both wish these issues were something the Stoddard County Health Department could control with a program. If this were possible, the program would be instituted today. Godwin and the health department are always in search of solutions to add to the extensive programs offered to the great patrons of Stoddard County. 

Williams

Age: 38

Spouse: Alexi Williams

Children: Carson (18) and Shepard (4)

Occupation: President of Heavy-Duty Trux Ltd.

Education: Bachelor in business administration

Current Affiliations: Lions Club (Dexter Chapter), SEMOFOA Board of Director, MSHSAA official

Issues: The most pressing health care and wellness issue confronting the citizens of Stoddard County is the widespread use of illegal and legal drugs. Illegal Fentanyl continues to be smuggled across borders, and numerous families become devastated from the loss of a loved one due to laced drugs.

Heroin usage is escalating, resulting in the need for readily accessible Narcan to rescue individuals from overdoses. Moreover, marijuana legalization has inadvertently made these drugs readily available to adolescents, making drug prevention education in schools increasingly important. Elderly medications are also ending up in the hands of children, exacerbating the perils of these issues. These issues should alarm everyone.

Programs: A heightened emphasis on educating the public about the dangers of drug use is imperative. Education initiatives should not merely fall under the school’s jurisdiction but require a community-wide approach, spearheaded by the Stoddard County Health Department and other local mental health providers.

Given that drug abuse touches almost everyone, initiatives must involve churches, civic organizations, non-profits, schools, and other relevant community players. The local health department is well-suited to embrace the vision of openly confronting this predicament. It will take a community-wide effort to effectively tackle this issue before it becomes an inextricable problem.

Harris

Age: 33

Spouse: Bethany Harris

Children: Teagyn (9), Lynnlee (8), Duke (5), Grady (4), Whitten (due June 25)

Occupation: Location manager Southern FS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in agribusiness plant and soil science 

Affiliations: President Dexter Chamber of Commerce

Board member Dexter economic development 

 

Issues: The foremost concern revolves around the elevated risk of obesity, along with associated conditions like diabetes and heart ailments.

Programs: Currently, the Stoddard County Health Department effectively engages with school-age students through community outreach efforts addressing obesity, hygiene, and nutrition. 

Riddle

Age: 56

Spouse: Not married

Children: Clayton (24), Eric (19)

Occupation: Owner and Operator of JSR Environmental Services, LLC.

Education: Three Rivers College, ag business degree

Current Affiliations: Dexter Fire Department for 30 plus years, chairman of the Bootheel Local Emergency

Planning committee/district for the past 10 years. Currently on the Stoddard County Health Board

for the past two years

Issues: I would say mental health is our most concerning issue in Stoddard County. There is access to mental health care, but not as much as needed. But I do think the county is going in the right direction. Generally, public health and mental health are separate entities.

Programs: There are mental health programs in Stoddard. And I feel there is enough to care for the citizens

in need of this service. The problem with mental health is, those in need of service won’t ask for it, or don’t even realize they need it until it’s too late.

The nurses at the heath center think there is a need for more treatment facilities… maybe for the youth population.

Stoddard County offers a wide variety of programs for any age group. Most programs are online for the convenience of looking over them. Others are available in-person programs that can address everyone’s needs.