In September 2005, our fourth edition of Our Health Matters™ featured the headline:
“What Doctors Know Is Not Necessarily What You Understand.”
 This title reflected the voice of our mission to increase your knowledge and equip you with an understanding of the doctor-patient relationship. My Publisher’s Greeting was titled Life and Community. I wrote: “Whether we acknowledge it or not, our entire life is centered around our health.” That truth remains. Our Health Matters has built a movement around health literacy—because understanding your health is just as important as having access to care.
When I launched Our Health Matters™, there was no local media offering inclusive, culturally relevant health content. I envisioned a magazine that would inform families about health disparities, educate about chronic diseases, promote health equity, and connect people to local resources. I didn’t know where it would lead—but I trusted the vision.
One of the first people I wanted to reach out to for an opinion was John Bluford, then CEO of Truman Medical Centers. I didn’t know him personally, but I made the call. He invited me to share my concept—just a few words on paper. My presentation consisted of these few sentences: I want to develop and distribute a magazine that informs individuals and families about health disparities, educates about chronic preventable diseases, promotes health equity and identifies local healthcare resources. Our magazine will fill the void left by the lack of health media that provides informative and useful content for minority families and people of all backgrounds. It will promote conversations that highlight that health is important for everyone.
After our meeting, he said, “I think you should do this.” And we did. From our evolving taglines—Get Informed, Be Aware, Live Healthy—to In Touch With Your Health and today’s Your Guide to Healthy Living, our mission has remained constant: to empower you to take control of your health. That means listening to your body, asking questions, seeking second opinions, and being an active member of your healthcare team.
I thank God for placing this vision in my heart and guiding me through valleys I’d never traveled—with just the words, “Trust Me.” I thank Lora Lee, who helped position Our Health Matters™ as a trusted health media brand. And I thank the contributors who have helped shape our legacy: Bruce and Justin, who endures my design micromanaging, perfectionist tendencies (sometimes I’ve been right about those “can’t-ignore” edits, LOL). Ideas for trending health topics start with confidants and editorial assistants Jeanene, Donna, Tenille, Julie and Bebe—Our Health Matters’ ambassador from the first day we met. Many others include author Dr. Robert Lee Hill, E. Nathan Gause, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Jim Nunnelly, community health advocate and so many others.
Our editorial planning sessions are focused on keeping you informed. We research and engage with experts on a variety of topics. In this issue, learn how the Municipal Court and Jackson County Mental Health Court are using specialty courts to reduce repeat offending to increase public safety. Read about Prosecutor Melesa Johnson’s new policy to hold serious domestic violence offenders accountable (pages 7-13). We sound the alarm about why many third graders are not reading at grade level—and a community solution to address this issue. These stories and more provide insights to support your family’s health and well-being.
Special thanks to the Health Forward Foundation for their consistent support—a true change maker partner! To readers, advertisers and partners—Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, Swope Health, University Health and many others—thank you. Your support has made this journey possible.
And honorable mention to my late husband, Floyd Wiggins, Jr—for standing beside me in the early years, ensuring Our Health Matters™ reached our readers even when funding was slim. Floyd, you believed in the mission that health matters to all of us.
As we celebrate 20 years, I am more committed to our purpose. We’re expanding into podcasting, events and deeper community engagement. We’re still asking questions. We’re still listening. And we’re still here—because your health still matters.
