Joseph Shepard: Building Trust, Demanding Accountability, and Protecting Community Health

For Wichita City Council Member Joseph Shepard, the groundwater contamination concerns surrounding 29th and Grove are more than a public health issue. They’re a matter of community trust, historical injustice, and ensuring residents have access to the resources they deserve.

Representing Wichita’s District 1, Shepard has deep personal connections to northeast Wichita. He attended Wichita State University, previously lived near the affected area, and has family members who still call the community home.

Those connections have strengthened his commitment to ensuring residents have the information, support, and resources needed to make informed decisions about their health.

A Community with a History of Perseverance

Shepard describes northeast Wichita as a community that has faced generations of challenges, from urban renewal and economic disinvestment to concerns about groundwater contamination.

Despite those hardships, he sees a neighborhood defined by perseverance, hope, and a determination to create a better future.

He also emphasizes that the history of the area reflects a diverse community, with families of many racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.

For Shepard, the contamination concerns extend beyond the neighborhood’s current residents. People who once lived, worked, or spent time in the area may now live elsewhere, making community outreach especially important.

Building Trust Through Access to Care

One of Shepard’s greatest concerns is the fear and uncertainty surrounding potential exposure to environmental contaminants.

He recognizes that some people may hesitate to seek testing because they are afraid of what they might learn or uncertain about what happens afterward.

“Trust is essential, which is why this initiative is important.”

Shepard believes Clearway Testing helps address those concerns by connecting residents with trusted community healthcare organizations and providing access to testing and follow-up resources.

He specifically recognizes the importance of organizations such as the Wichita Black Nurses Association and Love Clinic & Med Spa in helping residents feel comfortable seeking care.

His message is clear: financial concerns and a lack of insurance should not prevent people from learning more about their health.

Accountability and a Path Forward

For Shepard, addressing groundwater contamination is also an opportunity to confront longstanding inequities and rebuild relationships between residents and local government.

He believes meaningful progress requires more than acknowledging past injustices. It requires listening to residents, building relationships, and taking action.

“We’re not responsible for the past. But for those of us in a position to do something about it today, we have an obligation to do something about it.”

Shepard views Clearway Testing as one important step in a much larger effort to restore trust, improve community health, and ensure that public policies reflect the needs of residents.

He hopes the community’s response will become an example of strong neighborhood representation, with residents continuing to advocate for accountability, transparency, and lasting change.

You Don’t Have to Face It Alone

Throughout the interview, Shepard returns to a message of encouragement for anyone worried about potential exposure.

He wants residents to understand that seeking health testing is not something they have to navigate alone. Community organizations and healthcare providers are available to help people understand their results and determine appropriate next steps.

“You don’t have to feel that you are alone. These resources are here to help you.”

Shepard also reminds residents that their voices, experiences, and knowledge are essential to the neighborhood’s future.

By taking steps to understand their health, residents can help protect themselves while continuing to advocate for the community they call home.

Learn More About Free Health Testing

Clearway Testing provides free health testing and follow-up care for people who live in or have spent time in Sedgwick County, Kansas. You do not have to currently live in the 29th and Grove neighborhood to be eligible.

Free health testing is available through December 31, 2026. Testing may still be available in 2027, but fees may apply.