Black History Month, celebrated each February, is an opportunity to learn about, celebrate and honor the central role Black and African-American people have played in the United States in both the past and the present.

This month, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment celebrates and honors Black and African-American community leaders in Johnson County who have been at the forefront of creating positive change in Kansas. The work they do improves the well-being of their communities and paves the way for a healthier future for all.

If you’re involved in public health in Johnson County, you probably know of or have met Dr. Wanda Vaughn. Dr. Vaughn describes herself as an “interested community member,” and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Prior to retirement, Dr. Vaughn served as a school nurse with the Shawnee Mission School District for 18 years, as well as a Reservist in the U.S. Army Reserve for 31 years.

Currently, Dr. Vaughn serves on the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment Public Health Leadership Council, the Caring for Kids Program at Rushton Elementary, and the Johnson County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, among other roles.

Aside from serving her community, Dr. Vaughn is an adjunct professor who teaches anatomy and physiology and teaches in the lab at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta and a proud mother and grandmother of two daughters and two grandchildren.

What Dr. Vaughn enjoys most about volunteering is the collaboration that occurs across sectors and the opportunity to learn from and build upon others’ successes. As for challenges, at times, she says it can take longer than anticipated to implement action. Ultimately, Dr. Vaughn would like to see disparities disappear across sectors, including health, education and housing.