Audrain County Health Department Signs Lease for Expanded Services in Vandalia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 22, 2025 9:00 a.m.
Media Contact:
Chris Newbrough, PIO/Emergency Planner
573-581-1332
cnewbrough@audraincountyhealth.org
Audrain County Health Department Signs Lease for Expanded Services in Vandalia
Mexico, MO — The Audrain County Health Department (ACHD) is proud to announce the signing of a new lease agreement with the Audrain County Commission and the City of Mexico to occupy the former Vandalia Medical Clinic located in Vandalia, Missouri. This significant milestone marks a new chapter for the delivery of public health services to residents of eastern Audrain County and surrounding communities.
The building, which became available following the bankruptcy of the former hospital in Mexico, was acquired by Audrain County, City of Mexico, and the Hospital Foundation as part of a broader initiative to establish a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in Mexico. “The lease of this facility to ACHD reflects a shared commitment to ensuring continuity and expansion of public health services to eastern Audrain County, including Vandalia, Farber, Laddonia and Martinsburg,” states Alan Winders, Presiding Audrain County Commissioner.
Currently, ACHD operates WIC and Foot Clinic services from the Lange Building in Vandalia. With this new, more permanent location, ACHD will now be able to broaden its footprint by offering additional services, including immunizations and other public health initiatives. “The move positions the health department to better serve the long-term needs of families, seniors, and children in eastern Audrain County,” states Leslie Meyer, eastern County Commissioner.
“This opportunity honors our commitment to preserving access to public health services for the people of Vandalia and eastern Audrain County,” said Craig Brace, Administrator/CEO of the Audrain County Health Department. “By securing the former Vandalia Medical Clinic building, we are investing in the future of public health for the region and reinforcing our mission to prevent disease, promote wellness, and protect our residents.”
“I’m pleased to hear the health department has the opportunity to find a more permanent location for the continuation and expansion of services to our residents,” said Darren Berry, Vandalia city administrator. “We look forward to supporting the health department as they establish a dedicated facility to serve the citizens of Vandalia.”
Renovations to the facility are set to begin in the coming weeks, with ACHD aiming to open the new location by early fall. The building will serve as a central hub for enhanced public health services and future growth opportunities for the eastern part of Audrain County.
“We’re excited to see such a positive outcome of expanded public health services as a result of an unfortunate situation surrounding the hospital bankruptcy,” states Bruce Slagle, City Manager, Mexico, Missouri. “We can’t think of a better use of the building in service to our county residents.”
The ACHD extends its gratitude to the City of Vandalia for the use of the Lange building for the past several years, as well as the Audrain County Commission and the City of Mexico for their partnership and support in making this vision a reality.
About the Audrain County Health Department (ACHD)
The Audrain County Health Department is committed to promoting healthy communities through education, prevention, and compassionate care. Guided by its mission to prevent disease, promote health and wellness, and protect the citizens of Audrain County, ACHD offers a wide range of services including immunizations, WIC, environmental health, lab services, chronic disease prevention, and more.
