Knox Public Health recently looked back at its long history, noting that as the nation celebrates its freedom, the county can also celebrate the remarkable evolution of public health—from its beginnings in 1877 to the innovative programs and services supporting residents today. It is a story of nearly 150 years of dedication, progress, and partnership in protecting and improving community health.
That story begins with the Knox County Infirmary, which opened in Bangs in 1877 to provide shelter, food, and medical care for older adults, people with disabilities, and residents experiencing poverty. The infirmary marked one of the county’s earliest organized investments in health and social services, signaling a growing recognition that structured support was essential for community well‑being.
A major shift came in 1919 when Ohio’s Hughes and Griswold Acts established county health districts statewide. Knox County formed its own health department, focusing on disease prevention, sanitation, food safety, and vaccinations—cornerstones of modern public health.
In 1983, the Mount Vernon City Health Department and the Knox County Health Department merged, underscoring the value of unified leadership and expanded services for residents across the county.
The modern era accelerated in 2015 when the Board of Health voted to pursue designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). In 2017, that vision advanced with a federal HRSA grant, allowing the Knox County Community Health Center (KCCHC) to open at Upper Gilchrist Road and serve 2,504 unique patients in its first year.
Growth continued. KCCHC opened the Danville Health Center in 2019, added Knox County Dental in 2021, and purchased Moore Family Practice and Walk‑In Clinic in 2022. In 2023, Knox Public Health remodeled the former Strang Glass building, opening the Mount Vernon Health Center in 2024 and serving 9,278 unique patients across medical, dental, and behavioral health services. In 2025, behavioral health services expanded again with the remodeling of the former Moore Family Practice office.
Today, Knox Public Health’s community health centers hold NCQA Patient‑Centered Medical Home recognition, showcasing a commitment to team‑based care, patient‑centered access, and continuous quality improvement. From the infirmary to modern FQHC excellence, Knox County’s public health journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and enduring dedication to community health.
