By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In a partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Wichita State University, the “Foundations of Public Health” training program was launched to give participants the knowledge, skills and connections needed to excel as public health professionals in Kansas.
Misty Trudeau, Barton County Health Department Financial Officer, completed the program and was recognized at the recent Governor’s Conference.
"I am passionate about saving the taxpayer money but still doing the work," said Trudeau. "I really like helping people. As a financial officer, my patients are the people, our employees and businesses in the county."
The training program lasts a year and requires participants to finish homework prior to each session and complete a final project. Trudeau said there are a lot of great ideas and initiatives with public health, but there is still a funding requirement for which she actively pursues ways to secure grants.
"I don't like to be told no when it comes to obtaining grants and funding," said Trudeau. "I don't like community members to be told no, but I also don't want them to have to pay for it. If I can find a way to get that funding to help people...that's where my heart is."
The Barton County Commission thanked and recognized Trudeau at Tuesday’s meeting for being the first member of Barton County to complete the training.