The Clay County Health Department was formed by resolution of the Clay County Board on December 29, 1966. It started operations on February 7, 1967.

The primary intent of the health department was to make home health nursing visits to Medicare patients. Our first check was dated October 16, 1968 and a copy of it is framed in the Administrator's Office. Since that time, the services we offer have greatly expanded. The Clay County Tuberculosis Sanitarium Board was abolished and the Board of Health was increased from eight to eleven members by resolution of the Clay County Board on May 20, 1983. In the same resolution, all assets and liabilities of the Sanitarium Board were transferred to the Health Department and an additional tax of .032 was established. The Clay County Animal Control program joined the health department by resolution of the Clay County Board on May 11, 1983. The Animal Control program includes: the control of stray dogs and cats, investigation of animal bites, registration of dogs, issuance of rabies tags, and the overall enforcement of the Illinois Animal Control Act.

Clay County voters overwhelmingly passed a Public Health Referendum on November 03, 1992. The referendum followed some serious financial difficulties the department experienced and provided for the institution of an additional levy of .070.

The Clay County Health Department's purpose is to promote and protect the health of all Clay County residents. Towards this end, the Clay County Board has chosen eleven citizens of Clay County to serve on the Clay County Board of Health. These Board of Health members are selected according to certain guidelines and expertise that they might offer and serve without compensation. Drawing upon their base of knowledge and expertise, the Board of Health offers guidance and advice towards the management of the health department. The Board of Health has selected an Administrator to aid in carrying out their directives. The Administrator is then responsible for staffing and daily management of the health department as it strives to carry out this goal. The department's slogan is "Promoting and Protecting Your Health".