The Barton County Health Department has hired a new public health educator, Health Director Shelly Schneider told the County Commission Monday morning.

“We have hired a replacement for Janel Rose,” Schneider said. Taking over will be Great Bend native Cameron Jackson, who is in his final semester of graduate school at Kansas State University.

He has a major in kinesiology, which addresses physiological, biomechanical, and psychological dynamic principles and mechanisms of movement. He has a minor in gerontology, the scientific study of old age, the process of aging, and the particular problems of old people. 

“He is coming with a different lens for our aging population,” she said. “I am so excited to have him on board.”

Jackson is working remotely from Manhattan now, she said, noting he travels back and forth quite a bit. So, he is writing the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Grant from two different places.

Schneider said she comes at her job from a background in pediatrics, so “I am excited to see what he thinks our county needs. We are thrilled to have him on staff.”

Talk of filling the vacancy came after discussion about programs the department takes part in that help youth. 

Commission Chairwoman Alicia Straub asked about senior citizens. “What are we doing to serve the elder residents in our communities?”

In addition, Schneider said the department is looking at other programs to meet these needs. They don’t what to duplicate what other people are doing, but want instead to  enhance existing services and fill empty niches. 

Jackson takes over for Rose who had been with the office for 28 years. She retired at the end of last year.