City of Kansas City, Missouri Health Department

2400 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO 64108
816-513-6008

Mission
The Kansas City Health Department works with communities and partners to measurably improve the health & health outcomes of Kansas City residents through community-directed programs, services, and collaboration.

Vision
The impact we seek is to cultivate an engaged and healthy community.

Values

  • Community members engaged as partners
  • Transparent and accessible communication at all levels
  • Radical ownership and accountability
  • Widespread collaboration on every initiative
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Equitable opportunities for all

Kansas City Health Department Leadership

Picture of Dr. Marvia Jones

Dr. Marvia Jones, Director of Health

As the Director of the Kansas City MO Health Department, she is tasked with overseeing the City’s efforts to improve the quality of life for KC residents. 

Dr. Jones has worked in the areas of community health and development, behavioral health, and violence prevention for over 10 years. She earned a Masters of Public Health and PhD in Community Behavioral Psychology from the University of Kansas. She has a passion for supporting the development of strong, healthy families and neighborhoods.

Dr. Jones was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. However, she considers Kansas City, MO to be her beloved adopted home, where she resides with her husband (who is a KC native) and her two young sons.

Naser Jouhari

Naser Jouhari, Deputy Director

Naser Jouhari began his career at the Kansas City Missouri Health Department in 2001. Starting as a health inspector, Naser quickly promoted within the organization leading teams through national standardization and accreditation.  In his current role of Deputy, Naser oversees the Division of Environmental Health, Division of Communicable Disease Prevention & Public Health Preparedness, Information Technology, HIV Services, Community Engagement, Policy & Accountability, the Health Department's Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), HIPAA compliance, Safety Net Provider partnerships, and building services. 

Naser serves on several mayoral appointed and community boards.  His partnerships with elected officials, Department leadership throughout the City, and community organizations have made him a reliable pillar in Kansas City.

In his career with the City, Naser has been instrumental in making public health changes within the community.  He has been integrally involved in researching, developing, and implementing numerous ordinances that positively impact the health of the residents he serves.  With his time in the City, Naser has presented on public health initiatives all over the country.  Under his Leadership, the Environmental Public Health Program was the second in the nation to receive Food & Drug Administration Standardization and the Healthy Homes Rental Inspection Program was created. Additionally, he has received many accolades for his accomplishments in public health. Naser’s thumbprint on public health has been vast.

Mr. Jouhari has a Bachelor degree in Agriculture Engineering, a Master in Management Information Systems, and a Master of Public Health. 

Jacqueline A. DillardJacqueline A. Dillard, Deputy Director

Jacqueline began her career in 1999 as an Analyst in the Finance Department and later transitioned to roles in the Human Resources Department, where she became a Senior Human Resources Specialist.  In 2005, she dedicated herself to the Health Department, ultimately serving as the Human Resources Liaison and Manager for the Office of Employee Engagement. 

As Deputy, Jacqueline oversees Administration, Office of Employee Engagement, and Behavioral Health and Injury Prevention Division, which encompasses Aim4Peace, Violence Prevention, and Maternal Child Health.  Her teams support employee engagement, community outreach, and customer support, reflecting Jacqueline's commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture.  Jacqueline's responsibilities include overseeing various human resource and payroll functions, facilitating recruitment and orientation, and fostering employee relations. She actively mediates issues for a harmonious workplace, and her leadership has significantly contributed to maintaining a positive work environment. 

Jacqueline has a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration, a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management, and a Master’s in Business Administration.

Picture of DR. Benjamin Grin

Dr. Benjamin Grin, Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Grin provides strategic direction for health department clinical programs and onsite clinics that serve the residents of Kansas City. He optimizes processes and trains leadership and staff on medical issues. Dr. Grin’s extensive clinical and research work with marginalized populations is an important perspective at the department. He is an assistant professor of primary care at the KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Grin maintains an active clinical practice at the KC CARE Health Center where his clinical work includes primary care, HIV care and treatment of patients with substance use disorders.