By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Health Department is introducing a new director with a strong background in public health.
Melissa Miller, a Tribune native, spent about 10 years in Denver before returning to rural Kansas. She launched her public health career as the office manager at the Greeley County Health Department.
"I was looking for a full-time job... I really thought it would be scheduling appointments and answering the phone. I had no idea that it would turn into a passion for public health," Miller said.
Starting Monday, Miller will bring her experience and dedication to the health department, focusing first on understanding Ellis County.
"My first priority is just to listen and to learn," Miller said.
Although Miller has some familiarity with Ellis County, she acknowledges that stepping into her new role comes with a learning curve, especially in identifying health challenges affecting residents.
Miller plans to build on existing initiatives and assess opportunities for improvement or expansion rather than making immediate changes.
One of Miller's long-term goals is to enhance public awareness of public health's impact on prevention, screenings, maternal health and community support programs.
"I really feel like living a well-rounded life takes a village. And so people helping people is very important to me," Miller said.
By evaluating community needs and strengthening partnerships with local organizations, she aims to introduce effective health strategies to Ellis County.
"Accessibility starts with awareness. If people don't know what services are available to them, they can't take advantage of them," she said.
Growing up on a farm in Tribune, Miller developed a deep appreciation for the vital role public health plays in small communities.
She recalls classic public health campaigns from her childhood, like "Don't be a Litterbug" and "Smokey Bear," which have remained influential across generations, including her children.
"Public health isn't just for a certain demographic of people. It's not limited to people of certain ages or different income levels or backgrounds. It really just benefits society as a whole," Miller said.
Ellis County announced her hiring in a Facebook post.