By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
After serving as the county’s top health official through the height off the COVID-19 pandemic, Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy stepped down from his post Monday.
Kennedy took over the position of Health Services Director in December 2019 when then Health Services Director Kerry McCue retired.
Shorty before, the county commission elected to combine the Health and Emergency Medical Services into one department.
At Monday’s commission meeting, Kennedy thanked the community and the commission.
“This is a great community, a phenomenal community (and) I look forward to serving it in a different capacity,” Kennedy said. “I am truly thankful for the time I’ve had hear and for that working relationship with you guys.”
Commission Chair Butch Schlyer said in a statement Monday that Kennedy has done a “phenomenal job with us at Ellis County and has made many improvements to both departments he served as the director and has taken the lead role in Ellis County during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Five months after Kennedy took over the position, the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Ellis County. He also served as the county public health officer and Kennedy will continue to serve in that role until the spring.
“To ensure our citizens get a consistent public health voice from Ellis County as we hopefully move to the end of pandemic,” Schlyer said.
Kennedy also addressed the pandemic Monday.
“This has not exactly been the easiest two years for anybody in this community and I appreciate the support (and) the dedication of you guys.” Kennedy said. “We have been able to walk through this pandemic together without a lot of the issues that we have seen around our state and our nation.”
Kennedy will help with the transition at the EMS until Nov. 26 and, at that time, Danita Schroeder will take over as the interim department head.
Kim Reel was named the interim head of the health department. Kennedy will help with the transition until Dec. 10.