Voshell honored for board of health service

Former Jasper County Board of Health member Margot Voshell was honored for her 12 years of service to the county at the January board meeting. Voshell, who served as the board chair during most of her term, saw the transformation of public health through Skiff Medical Center, now MercyOne, to the county entity of the Jasper County Health Department.

“You really want to leave it better than you found it, and I think that is what Margot did,” Jasper County Health Department Administrator Becky Pryor said. “She really pushed us to do more and a lot of different program changes. There have been tough times. We have shed tears. We’ve had happy times. There has been a lot that has happened. I thank her for pushing us to be better and thinking about the community, all of your volunteer hours. We respect you and appreciate everything that you have done for us.”

During her time on the board, Voshell was a champion for the health department in the county. Helping lead during the pandemic is not something anyone anticipated, but Voshell was there every step of the way for guidance and support for the department.

She also took the time to learn about all aspects of public health including what environmental health does not only for Jasper County but the greater Central Iowa area.

“We want to thank Margot for your time. Septic stuff isn’t the most fun, but you took the time to learn and you kept us involved when we didn’t fit the page very easily,” community development director Kevin Luetters said.

Voshell was presented with a certificate from Regional Community Health Consultant at Iowa Department of Public Health Heather Bombei along with a gift from the health department in appreciation for her time and effort.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege,” Voshell said.

As Voshell departs, Jody Eaton, former CEO at Central Iowa Community Services, is joining the five-member board. Eaton has a wide range of experience with health care, specifically mental health services.

“As a former county employee, I have a little bit of knowledge of how the budgets work, how supervisors work and the workings of the county,” Eaton said.

Also with Voshell’s departure a new board chair was approved. Julie Smith will now lead the meetings and the board for the coming year.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 534 or jpierson@shawmedia.com