Authorization and Charge (Resolution)
In April 2001, the mayor and City Council accepted the Mayor’s Minority Health Improvement Task Force recommendations, for minority racial/ethnic health improvements. On April 19, 2001, the mayor by resolution number 010601 established the Kansas City Health Commission. This Commission was charged with: 1) implement the recommendations from the Minority Health Improvement Task Force; 2) provide structure and oversight for the development of a Community Health Improvement Plan for Kansas City; 3) begin discussions for launching a collaborative process for developing a metro-wide Community Health Improvement Plan; and 4) advise the mayor and city council on public health matters.

Authorization and Charge (Ordinance)
In January 2006, the Health Commission became an ordinance (No.051261). The charge is to provide structure and oversight for the cyclical development, implementation and evaluation of a community health plan for the City of Kansas City, Mo., and advise the mayor and City Council on public health matters and policies. The Health Commission’s mission is to achieve a citywide collaboration and partnership of organizations and individuals to work together to build a healthier community.

To ensure fulfillment of its charge the Commission adopted the following responsibilities:

• Aiding in the development of prevention and risk reduction strategies
• Recommending ongoing systemic modifications that provide access and improved care
• Advocating for current policies, resources, and infrastructures and recommending the development of new policies, resources and infrastructures to prepare for and respond to new public health and health care concerns
• Advocating for the effective pursuit of good health as a basic human service for Kansas City residents and visitors
• Advising the mayor and City Council on public health matters and policies.

Structure
The Health Commission is led by four co-chairs, presiding in descending order:
1) community co-chair, 2) City Council co-chair, 3) vice-chair, and 4) director of Health Department as an ex-officio co-chair.

The Health Commission consists of 17 members, appointed by the mayor. The director of the Health Department, serves as a non-voting ex-officio co-chair. Members serve staggered terms to ensure continuity of membership and a regular introduction of new members. Although the commission does not have designated seats, when recommending new members for appointment, consideration is given to the extent diversity is currently represented.

The commission’s backbone is its committees. Each commissioner is expected to serve on a committee. Each committee has two co-chairs-in presiding order: a commissioner co-chair and a community co-chair. The committees are made up of community members. And attempts are made to reach as many grassroots residents as possible, to become members. The Health Commission Committees are

• Health Planning
• Minority Health and Health Equity
• Tobacco Use Reduction
• Women’s, Infant’s and Children’s Health
• Budget and Contract Evaluation
• Executive Committee.

The last two committees membership consist solely of Health Commissioners, however the general public is invited to all of the meetings.