Public health is not just a service in Missouri. It is a shared commitment among residents, health care providers, community partners and educational institutions, working together to improve health outcomes across the state. 

The Ozarks Public Health Institute (OPHI) at Missouri State University brings university expertise into communities. It focuses on practical solutions that address real public health needs beyond policy discussions. 

Created to address public health needs 

Over two decades ago, President John Keiser of what was then Southwest Missouri State University formed a committee with representatives from every college to establish an institute focused on health prevention funding.  

As discussions progressed, the work aligned under public health, with a focus on preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health. For this reason, the committee named the institute OPHI to address pressing public health challenges in Missouri. 

On Feb. 16, 2001, the university’s Board of Governors officially approved OPHI and appointed Dr. Dalen Duitsman as its director.  

Since then, OPHI has followed a grassroots approach, bringing together local government and academic partners to support better health outcomes across Missouri communities. 

“For 25 years, the OPHI has shown what’s possible when a university commits to partnering with communities, said Dr. Mark Smith, dean of McQueary College of Health and Human Services. “Under Dr. Duitsman’s steady and visionary leadership, OPHI has built partnerships with local agencies, advanced prevention efforts and prepared the next generation of professionals.” 

A statewide track record 

OPHI has a strong history of supporting Missouri’s public health system through local, regional and statewide projects. 

For example, OPHI managed a multi-year Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) project that supported nearly 60 local agencies and partners working to reduce health disparities in their communities. 

OPHI’s tobacco prevention work is another long-term effort.  It helped advance smoke-free laws in Nixa and Springfield. It also supported Missouri State’s move to become a smoke-free campus in 2012. 

The institute has also played a key role in emergency preparedness. It served as a primary evaluator during Missouri’s statewide full-scale emergency response exercise, contributing to exercise design, implementation and after-action reporting. 

As it marks 25 years of service, OPHI continues to expand its work. Current efforts include strengthening resources tied to Missouri’s Foundational Public Health Services Model. OPHI is also building a statewide database and mapping tool for sexual violence prevention and response, while partnering with DHSS to improve communication with local public health agencies. 

 In addition, the institute is supporting rural health departments as they pursue accreditation through quality improvement, strategic planning, performance management and community health assessment. 

Student engagement and the next chapter 

OPHI carries out its mission through community partnerships, applied research and workforce development. A key part of that work is student engagement. Faculty, staff and graduate assistants (GAs) from across the university contribute to OPHI projects. 

Over the years, OPHI has employed many GAs from the public health program. More recently, it has expanded student involvement to include counseling, sustainability, project management, marketing, English and digital film and television production. These students contribute directly to public health projects while gaining practical field experience. 

Looking ahead, OPHI will continue to work in public affairs, rural health, health communication and workforce development to respond to emerging public health needs across Missouri. 

“As we look to the future, OPHI’s foundation of collaboration, innovation and service ensures its impact will continue to shape healthier communities across our state for decades to come,” Smith said.  

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