Frequently Asked Questions related to Health
Reports or Complaints
The Independence Health and Animal Services Health Inspection Division investigates complaints concerning a suspected foodborne illness or other concerns related to food establishments like restaurants, food trucks, and other establishments that serve or sell food within Independence city limits. You can submit a complaint by calling us at 816-325-7803.
For cases of foodborne illness not related to a food establishment, please call 816-325-7176.
You can submit a complaint by calling us at 816-325-7803.
The Independence Health and Animal Services Health Inspection Division investigates complaints related to lodging establishments within Independence city limits. You can submit a complaint by calling us at 816-325-7803.
Landlord/tenant complaints are handled by the Community Development Regulated Industries Division. Please visit the Rental Ready Program page for more details. For questions please call 816-325-7079.
The Independence Community Development Property Maintenance Division works in partnership with the people of Independence to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment. Complaints can be submitted online.
Vaccines and Vital Records
Most childhood vaccines are available through your child's pediatrician. Childhood vaccines are also available at Jackson County Public Health. Appointments are required and can be scheduled online.
Vaccine records can be obtained for free from the Independence Health and Animal Services Department. Records will need to be picked up in person on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 111 E Maple Ave. Please bring a your photo I.D. and a copy of your child's birth certificate. For questions, please call 816-325-7176.
In 2024, The Independence Health and Animal Services Department began offering certified copies of both birth and death certificates.
To obtain a copy of a birth or death certificate, the requestor must bring a photo ID to the IHAS office in City Hall during business hours of 8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. The requestor must fill out some forms and provide identification. The whole process should take about 15 - 20 minutes.
The cost for a birth certificate is $15. The cost for the first copy of the death certificate is $14, with additional copies costing $11 is requested during the same visit.
If the requestor does not have a photo ID, two other forms of identification are accepted, such as:
- a letter from a government agency
- a signed social security card
- an insurance card
- a car title, etc.
Those with additional questions should call 816-325-7803.
Narcan
Narcan is available for all Independence residents. We are only able to provide Narcan to individuals. If you are a community member wishing to distribute to others, you may order Narcan from the Addiction Science Team at University of Missouri - St. Louis. We are also happy to distribute Narcan at your event, please call us at 816-325-7186 discuss details.
Please visit us on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 111 E Maple Ave, to pick up your box of Narcan. We will also provide a brief training if you are unfamiliar with how to use Narcan or just need a refresher.
There is no cost for the Narcan.