Kip Kendrick, Presiding Commissioner

Justin Aldred, District I Commissioner

Janet Thompson, District II Commissioner

Roger B. Wilson

Boone County Government Center

801 E. Walnut St., Rm 333

Columbia, MO 65201-7732

(573) 886-4305 (573) 886-4311

Boone County
Commission

Boone County News Release

Boone County Health and Justice Coordinating Council Holds Inaugural Meeting

COLUMBIA, Mo. (October 29, 2025) - The Boone County Health and Justice Coordinating Council (HJCC) convened its first official meeting on Tuesday, October 28, marking a significant milestone in the County’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between health, justice, and community systems.

This inaugural meeting represents the culmination of more than a year of dedicated work focused on researching national best practices, establishing meaningful partnerships, and building upon the existing initiatives already underway in Boone County.

The gathering saw robust attendance from a diverse range of stakeholders, including leadership from law enforcement, city, county, and state government, healthcare providers, and mental health agencies. This strong participation reflects the shared commitment across sectors to address complex challenges at the intersection of health and justice.

Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe emphasized the value of cross-sector collaboration, adding, “Complex challenges—like mental health, substance use, and public safety—don’t fall neatly within one department or jurisdiction. This Council gives us the structure to align our efforts, share data, and make coordinated, evidence-based decisions that improve outcomes for everyone in Columbia and Boone County.”

The meeting was structured around the best practices for coordinating councils as developed by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), ensuring a foundation of evidence-based collaboration and sustainable governance.

During the session, members identified shared challenges across their organizations, discussed opportunities for growth and systemic change, and began developing the council’s governance framework. The collaborative dialogue underscored the importance of collective action in improving outcomes for individuals and families impacted by health and justice systems.

Kip Kendrick, Boone County Presiding Commissioner, emphasized the importance and timeliness of this work, stating, “While important now, this work will become critical soon with fewer federal safety net dollars coming to our communities. This group is ultimately tasked with finding efficiencies and breaking down silos to serve people, keep our communities safe, and address the growing issues we experience across multiple agencies.”

As the HJCC continues to develop, there will be future opportunities for community collaboration and engagement. The council is committed to maintaining transparency, fostering partnership, and driving meaningful progress toward a healthier, safer Boone County.

For more information about the Boone County Health and Justice Coordinating Council or to learn about future engagement opportunities, please contact Victoria Woods at hjcc@boonecountymo.org. The Boone County Community Services Department is proud to provide ongoing support and assistance to the council, ensuring that community-based perspectives, expertise, and resources remain integral to its mission of strengthening coordination across Boone County’s health, justice, and social service systems.

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