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Health.Mo.Gov

Volume 4

Issue 3

MCH Communiqué

“The names of the [people] whose lives we save can never be known. Our contribution will be what did not happen to them. And, though they are unknown, we will know that mothers and fathers are at graduations and weddings they would have missed, and that grandchildren will know grandparents they might never have known, and holidays will be taken, and work completed, and books read, and symphonies heard, and gardens tended that, without our work, would never have been.” ~Donald Berwick, MD, Founder of Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)

An uninsured six-year old girl presented to a rural hospital emergency department with a greenstick fracture of the forearm resulting from a bicycle accident. Through the course of receiving conscious sedation, closed reduction of the fracture and application of a long arm plaster cast, the frightened child was comforted by a caring nurse. Although this wasn’t the child’s first encounter with emergency care, it was the first time a caring healthcare professional didn’t treat her differently for being poor and made a distinct positive impression on her. For the first time, the child was aware of her “Why,” and, from that point on, the child knew her calling was to be a nurse and care for others. She grew up to become a child/family clinical nurse specialist (advanced practice registered nurse) and has spent her adult life caring for children and their families and working to promote optimal health outcomes for mothers, infants, children, adolescents and families.

Over the years, knowing my “Why” has sustained me through the most demanding seasons, reminding me that purpose outlasts pressure. That calling has sustained me through moments of uncertainty and fatigue, grounding me in a purpose greater than any single challenge. It has carried me through setbacks, doubts and long days/nights, continually driving me forward when mere motivation and discipline weren’t enough. My “Why” has given me the fortitude to persevere through professional and/or organizational shifts, competing priorities and times of turbulence, serving as a steady north star when everything else seemed in flux.

Knowing your “Why” is more than just a cliché – it is the anchor that keeps you grounded in purpose. Understanding your “Why” provides meaning, direction, clarity of purpose and inspiration to your work, acting as a compass amid life’s uncertainties. In times of challenge, it transforms tasks into meaningful contributions, guides decisions and fosters ongoing engagement. When we understand why our work matters, we show up with more intention, communicate more effectively and remain committed to our purpose. A compelling “Why” doesn’t just explain what we do – it elevates how and why we do it.

Martha J. Smith, MSN, RN

State Director, Maternal and Child Health

Together building a maternal-child public health system that addresses the needs of Missouri’s mothers, infants, children, adolescents and families, including Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.

MCH Communiqué

Program Highlights

Program Spotlight

News of Note

Save the Date

MCH Resources

Program Highlights

Comment Corner: State Adolescent Health Leader

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013-2023, 4 in 10 students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023¹. Additionally in 2023, 2 in 10 students seriously considered attempting suicide and almost 1 in 10 students attempted suicide¹. These findings remind us that supporting and protecting adolescent health is not only important – it is urgent and takes all of us.

Recognizing the Signs^{2, 3, 4, 5}

Adolescence brings new experiences, responsibilities, pressures and emotions. Fluctuations in mood and behaviors are normal, but ongoing distress may signal that a youth needs extra support. Signs to watch for include:

If you notice changes in a youth’s behavior or mood, take a moment to reach out. Checking in with compassion and care can help youth open up and feel supported. Early recognition and response make a difference; even a simple conversation can help identify concerns sooner and connect teens to the supports and resources they may need.

Our Role^{2, 5, 6, 7}

Everyone can, and does, play a role in supporting adolescent mental health.

Schools:

• Foster positive behaviors and mental health through integrating education, prevention and early intervention efforts.
• Provide safe and supportive environments that connect students to caring adults and encourage peer relationships.
• Engage families in their child’s learning and development.
• Link students to mental and behavioral health supports when needed.    

Families:

• Communicate openly and honestly, including checking in.
• Promote and encourage healthy behaviors, routines and decision-making to support well-being.
• Spend time together through shared meals, hobbies and activities.
• Monitor changes in youth, including mood, energy, appetite and interests, and offer support early.

Providers:

• Incorporate mental and behavior health screenings during visits.
• Promote positive parenting practices and resources.
• Talk to parents about how to connect with their youth, communicate effectively and monitor behaviors.
• Educate parents and youth about adolescent development and health risks.
• Link patients to mental and behavioral health supports when needed.

Communities, including youth- and family-serving organizations/programs and trusted adults:

• Promote welcoming spaces where youth feel accepted and involved.
• Promote mental and behavioral health resources, services, and supports.
• Foster skills, positive development, confidence and resilience.
• Help navigate challenges and systems.

We can make a difference by recognizing signs early, creating opportunities for open conversation and helping youth access the resources they need. When we work together across settings, communities and systems, we create a robust web of care and support that promotes resilience and well-being for Missouri’s youth.

Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Available 24/7 to offer free and confidential support through call, text, web chat, and videophone.
• Missouri Child Psychiatry Access Project (MO-CPAP) – Connects primary care providers with child psychiatrists for consultation, resources, and support to deliver comprehensive and timely mental health care to children.
• NAMI Missouri – Serves residents across Missouri with free mental health support, online groups, resources and education.
• Connect With Me – Tools to strengthen the connections and help start meaningful conversations between youth and adults.
• ACT for Youth - Provides training, research and a clearinghouse of resources to advance positive youth development and adolescent well-being.
• CDC Adolescent and School Health – Mental Health – Webpage with information, messaging campaigns, and resources on supporting adolescent mental health.

^{1.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY DATA SUMMARY & TRENDS REPORT.; 2023. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/dstr/pdf/YRBS-2023-Data-Summary-Trend-Report.pdf}

^{2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mental Health. Adolescent and School Health. Published November 29, 2024. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth/mental-health/index.html}

^{3. MedlinePlus. Teen Mental Health. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2019. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/teenmentalhealth.html}

^{4. Chung R. Mental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger Signs. HealthyChildren.org. Published November 9, 2019. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Mental-Health-and-Teens-Watch-for-Danger-Signs.aspx}

^{5. Office of Population Affairs. Mental Health in Adolescents. opa.hhs.gov. Published 2022. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://opa.hhs.gov/adolescent-health/mental-health-adolescents}

^{6. Crisis Text Line. What Do Young People in Crisis Need From Their Communities? - Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line. Published February 8, 2024. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.crisistextline.org/what-do-young-people-in-crisis-need-from-their-communities/}

^{7. Mental Health First Aid USA. Five Ways to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health. Mental Health First Aid. Published August 12, 2025. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://mentalhealthfirstaid.org/news/five-ways-to-support-your-teens-mental-health/}

Comment Corner: MCH Family Leader

Missouri families thrive when they have access to trusted information and compassionate support. The ParentLink Program, implemented in 1989, plays a vital role in that mission. ParentLink is an outreach initiative of the University of Missouri’s College of Education & Human Development. The program’s mission is to strengthen families across Missouri by connecting them to reliable services, evidence-based information and vetted community resources¹. ParentLink serves parents, caregivers and professionals who work with families, offering a comprehensive support system through a variety of accessible programs designed to meet families where they are and support their unique needs.

ParentLink Services²:

• Warmline: Offers guidance and resources for parents and caregivers seeking information on child development, parenting, special healthcare needs, or healthcare concerns.
• Kin-4-Kid Line (Kinship Caregivers/Grandfamilies Navigator Line): Provides advocacy and connections to services that support kin caregivers, grandparents, legal guardians, and foster parents.
• TEL-LINK: Connects Missouri families to maternal and child health services and information.
• ParentLink Access Navigators System of Care: Connects individuals and families with resources to improve overall health and well-being.
• Child Developmental Screenings: Provides Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to help families track developmental progress.
• Family Fun Fests: In partnership with the City of Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department, ParentLink hosts family events to promote connection and community engagement.
• Parenting Classes: Offers free classes that build parenting skills, improve family communication, and encourage positive discipline strategies.
• SchoolLink: Provides support and assistance to school professionals and families.
• Services for Incarcerated Parents: Provides education and resources through Parenting Corners, to incarcerated parents located at 21 correctional facilities throughout Missouri.

Impact and Achievements in 2024³:

In 2024, ParentLink provided support to over 8,000 individuals and families, including:

• WarmLine: 5,043 individuals
• Kin-4-Kid and Access Navigators: 3,640 individuals
• Tigers Connected: 272 participants

Additionally, ParentLink supported more than 18,000 professionals through its outreach and training efforts. Other key 2024 highlights include:

• 282 WarmLine calls answered
• 64 professionals reached by Kin-4-KID and Access Navigators
• 313 Outreach Events and 10 Family Fun Events conducted, reaching 34,373 individuals
• 66 Family Care Kits and 30 Baby Care Kits distributed
• 86 SNAP application signatures collected

ParentLink Hours and Contact Information:

• Phone: 1-800-552-8522, or locally 573-882-7323 (Language Select service available)
• Email: parentlink@missouri.edu
• Facebook: ParentLink Warmline
• Location: 2800 Maguire Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65211
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

ParentLink continues to be a trusted partner in Missouri’s efforts to strengthen families, empower caregivers and parents and support the health and development of every child. Through collaboration with community partners and the dedication of family-serving professionals, ParentLink exemplifies how statewide connection and compassion can make a lasting difference.

October Declared “Let’s Talk Month” in Missouri

Governor Mike Kehoe has officially proclaimed October as “Let’s Talk Month” in Missouri, recognizing the importance of open, honest and ongoing communication between adults and youth about health and well-being. The proclamation highlights the state’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue around adolescent health. The initiative is led by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Adolescent and School Health Program (ASHP).

“Let’s Talk Month” aims to encourage trusted adults—parents, teachers, mentors and caregivers—to engage youth in conversations about topics that impact their physical, emotional and mental health. To support these efforts, DHSS is promoting a suite of tools and resources designed to make these conversations easier and more effective.

Among the featured tools is the “Connect with Me” resource, available as both a mobile app and a physical card set. The tool offers conversation starters organized by youth-relevant themes such as body image, mental health and relationships. These prompts are intended to help adults and youth navigate discussions that may not arise naturally. Additional materials, including pamphlets and topic-specific guides, are available for free through the DHSS website. ASHP continues to expand its offerings and welcomes suggestions for future resources to better serve Missouri’s youth and those who support them.

The Prenatal Substance Use Prevention Program Releases Community Place Site Infant Manikin Report

The Prenatal Substance Use Prevention Program (PSUP) prioritizes the prevention and/or reduction of the incidence of substance use during the preconception and prenatal periods. In addition to providing educational materials and tools to pregnant women and health care providers, PSUP promotes educational outreach through the placement of infant manikins at community sites for educational sessions and presentations. The community placement sites are required to submit usage reports on a semi-annual basis. During the most recent reporting period, a total of 169 educational sessions were conducted, reaching 2,184 participants. The diversity of participants included educators, childcare providers, expectant parents and substance use disorder clients, all of whom provided valuable feedback. Comments from participants highlighted the importance of understanding the realities associated with prenatal substance exposure and the effectiveness of using manikins for educational purposes. Click here to review the full report.

Missouri Maternal Health Action Network Updates

Explore the latest updates from the Maternal Health Action Network by visiting the Weekly Snapshot page. Here, you’ll find network updates, systems updates, nutrition resources, resource highlights, program highlights, upcoming training and development opportunities, upcoming events and ways to submit system updates and organizational news. If you have any questions about the action network, contact Danielle Chiang, PhD, Principal Investigator, at mo_actionnetwork@umkc.edu.

Program Spotlight

Safe Cribs for Missouri Program

Every baby deserves a safe place to sleep. That simple truth is at the heart of the Safe Cribs for Missouri Program, an initiative housed within the DHSS Bureau of Genetics and Healthy Childhood. The program’s mission is straightforward yet deeply impactful: to reduce sleep-related infant deaths by combining education, community partnerships and access to safe sleep resources for families across Missouri.

How does the Safe Cribs for Missouri Program engage with families and/or communities?

Engagement with families is the foundation of the Safe Cribs for Missouri Program. Local educators are trained to provide culturally responsive, practical guidance that meets families where they are. The program emphasizes listening first by understanding each family’s unique circumstances and offering support that feels realistic and respectful. Through outreach events, partnerships and community education, the Safe Cribs for Missouri Program helps normalize conversations about infant safety and empowers caregivers with the tools and confidence to keep their babies safe.

Whom do you partner with/plan to partner with to implement the Safe Cribs for Missouri Program activities/goals and improve the health of the MCH population?

The program thrives through partnership. Local public health agencies, hospitals and home-visiting programs are vital collaborators in implementing the Safe Cribs for Missouri Program. These partners ensure safe sleep education and cribs reach families where they are, whether during a home visit, clinic appointment or community event. By building on these strong local relationships, the program helps extend the reach of safe sleep awareness across urban and rural Missouri.

What does the Safe Cribs for Missouri Program hope to accomplish within the next few years?

As the program grows, the Safe Cribs for Missouri Program aims to expand its reach to more communities, strengthen local partnerships and use data to better understand where families face the most significant barriers to safe sleep. The long-term goal is to ensure every infant in Missouri has a safe place to sleep and every caregiver has the knowledge and support to provide it.

News of Note

New Be Free. Live Proud. Nicotine Cessation Campaign

Missouri Partners in Prevention (PIP), in partnership with DHSS and Elasticity, is excited to promote the new Be Free. Live Proud. nicotine cessation campaign. This campaign is free to use and aims to raise awareness of the larger consequences of tobacco and nicotine use, boost self-confidence and raise awareness of the resources available to those looking to quit. Partners and youth and young adult-serving organizations are encouraged to utilize all available campaign resources. Please reach out to Brittany Carpenter at bcndf@missouri.edu with any questions about this campaign.

Missouri Department of Social Services Launches New One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Healthy SNAP Webpages

The Department of Social Services (DSS) has launched two new webpages to help Missourians stay informed about the implementation of H.R.1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) and the Healthy Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) initiative. The H.R.1 webpage functions as a central hub for information and guidance updates, timelines and frequently asked questions about the department’s implementation of this new federal legislation. The Healthy SNAP webpage offers updates, resources, and opportunities for Missourians to submit public comments on the initiative. Under Executive Order 25-30, Governor Kehoe directed DSS to prepare and submit a waiver to the United States Department of Agriculture to create Healthy SNAP. In collaboration with stakeholders and partners, DSS will work to successfully implement Healthy SNAP, expanding access to more nutritious food options and supporting healthier lifestyles for low-income families and individuals who receive SNAP benefits. To learn more and stay informed on updates from DSS, click here and here.

CDC Reports Latest National Data on Syphilis in Newborns and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

New provisional CDC data show U.S. cases of congenital (neonatal) syphilis increased for the 12th consecutive year in 2024, with nearly 4,000 cases reported. Congenital syphilis is a deadly but preventable consequence of the nation's ongoing sexually transmitted infections (STI) epidemic.

In 2024, cases of congenital syphilis were:

• Up nearly 2% over 2023, notably lower than double-digit increases that occurred in some recent years.
• Up nearly 700% since 2015, when just 495 cases were reported.

The overall STI burden in the United States remains substantial, with more than 2.2 million cases reported in 2024, a 13% increase since 2015, according to these provisional data. However, there are encouraging signs of progress. In 2024:

• Overall reported STIs declined 9% from 2023, down a third consecutive year.
• Primary and secondary syphilis, the most infectious stages of syphilis, declined nearly 22%, down a second consecutive year.
• Gonorrhea cases declined by nearly 10%, down a third consecutive year.
• Chlamydia cases declined 8%, down a second consecutive year.

These declines reflect the impact of public health efforts, including greater awareness of the STI epidemic and expanded use of prevention tools such as self-tests and doxy PEP.

"While the STI epidemic may be turning a corner, we must accelerate progress and stop its most tragic consequences,” said Bradley Stoner, M.D., Ph.D., Director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention. “About 1 in 5 people in the United States have an STI, affecting millions of Americans and thousands of babies each year. We need to continue our prevention efforts wholeheartedly at federal, state, and local levels."

It is important to note that while the national picture shows progress, trends vary across regions and populations, and some communities may still experience increases not reflected by the newest provisional 2024 national data.

Save the Date

Perinatal Mental Health 101 Webinar

December 11^th, 2025 | Virtual

Learn about the various maternal mental health disorders, the differences between them, risk factors and treatment options during this webinar hosted by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. The session is designed for providers, administrators and public health employees, though all are welcome. Learn more and register here.

The One-Year Postpartum Pathway: A Guide to Extended Postpartum Care Webinar

December 15^th, 2025 | Virtual

The MO Perinatal Quality Collaborative will be hosting a webinar about the upcoming report developed by the Missouri Optimizing Postpartum Care Task Force. A first-of-its-kind plan in Missouri, The One-year Postpartum Pathway broadens the definition of the postpartum period and outlines the standards for and continuity of postpartum care through 12 months post-delivery. Click here to learn more and register.

Power of the Parent: How to Activate Parents to Positively Impact Your Youth Prevention Programs

December 16^th, 2025 | Virtual

Join Rescue for a webinar on how to engage and empower parents, caregivers and adult role models to strengthen their influence, even when resources are limited. You’ll learn the core strategy and evidence behind their parent-focused approach called “Let’s Talk,” a campaign built to cut through the complexity and equip parents, adult caregivers and adult role models with the essential skills to serve as their children’s strongest buffer against today’s health harms. To learn more and register, click here. 

HIV Prevention Updates Webinar

January 8^th, 2026 | Virtual

Hosted by the Missouri Rural Health Association and presented by Midwest AIDS Training + Education Center of Missouri, this webinar will cover current options for HIV prevention, new tools to prevent HIV transmission, barriers to implementation and DoxyPEP use and guidance. All public health professionals, including clinicians, nurses, counselors, administrators and frontline staff working in healthcare or community-based settings, are encouraged to attend. Learn more and register here. 

Missouri Coordinated School Health Conference

February 25^th-27^th, 2026 | In-person | Lake Ozark, MO 

Missouri Coordinated School Health Coalition (MCSHC) would like to welcome you to the 33^rd Annual Conference. The conference attracts participants ranging in backgrounds from health teachers, school nurses, wellness coordinators, food service staff and public health partners to counselors, social workers, school psychologists, physical educators and school administrators. The 2026 conference theme will be Roots of Resilience: Growing Healthier Schools and Communities. Join MCSHC and showcase your organization all while networking with the people working tirelessly behind the scenes to make Missouri schools healthier! Register here.

Navigating Pathways Forward: 2026 Maternal & Infant Health Convening

March 4^th-5^th, 2026 | In-person | Chesterfield, MO

Every year, Missouri’s community partners gather to make real-world change and build connections to better serve women and infants. The annual Maternal and Infant Health Convening is a core part of The Uplift Connection’s purpose to serve as a hub, convene thought leaders, build awareness of regional and local efforts, and connect maternal and infant stakeholders and work across the state. Click here to learn more and register. 

2026 AMCHP Annual Conference

March 7^th-10^th, 2026 | In-person | Washington, D.C. 

The AMCHP Annual Conference is one of the country’s largest gatherings of MCH professionals. Every year, the conference aims to highlight the impact MCH programs are making at all levels for women, children and families and to provide participants with tools and resources to develop, enhance and sustain vital MCH programs and services. The 2026 conference theme is The Power of Connection, and attendees will celebrate the partnerships and the unique and shared experiences that continue to power the connections that drive our work forward. To learn more and register, click here. 

MCH Resources and Tools

I Am Here: Vital Document Legal Hotline for Youth

Many youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability face legal and administrative hurdles when trying to obtain essential documents. These barriers can block access to jobs, education, services, housing and more. Join Baker McKenzie and the National Network for Youth (NN4Y) for an in-depth webinar on the launch and operation of the “I Am Here: Vital Document Legal Hotline for Youth” — a free, national legal information hotline designed to help young people overcome the barrier of lacking key documents like IDs, birth certificates and Social Security cards. Learn more here.

Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center: 2025 State Policy Roadmap and Policy Impact Calculator

Visit the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center’s website to explore the newly launched 2025 State Policy Roadmap and Policy Impact Calculator. The 2025 roadmap offers comprehensive summaries of the most recent policy action across all states, while the Policy Impact Calculator offers a self-guided, interactive way to visualize the substantial variation in support and resources for working families across states during the critical prenatal-to-3 period.

National Diaper Bank Network and The Urban Institute: Mapping Diaper Insecurity in the U.S. Data Tool

The National Diaper Bank Network and the Urban Institute launched an interactive tool that maps diaper insecurity among the U.S. The tool estimates the number of diapers it would take to address the gap faced by households with children three and under that are below 300 percent of the federal poverty line.

Nurture KC News Podcast: Safe Sleep Awareness

The latest Nurture KC News podcast breaks down the dos and don’ts of infant safe sleep. CEO Tracy Russell, Healthy Start Program Director Shannon and Community Health Worker Marisol share their expertise and practical tips to help caregivers create the safest sleep environment for babies. Listen here.

AIM: For Safer Birth Podcast

Join Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) as they dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens. Each episode will foster discussion with those committed to improving maternal health outcomes and saving lives. You can catch up on previous podcast episodes here.

AMCHP: MCH Bridges Podcast

MCH Bridges is designed to help listeners create new connections to MCH leaders and organizations to inspire and guide listeners toward actions that will improve the systems that impact MCH populations. You can catch up on previous episodes of the Podcast here.

Mental Health Hotlines

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline:   1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

You received this message because you are identified as a maternal child health stakeholder. This newsletter is produced quarterly by the MCH Leadership Team at the Department of Health and Senior Services. Email Katrina.Fernandez@health.mo.gov to request inclusion of your event, resource or update in our eNewsletter.

This project is/was funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Title V Maternal Child Health Services Block Grant and is/was supported by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant #B04MC47428, Maternal and Child Health Services for $12,834,718, of which $0 is from nongovernmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Maternal and Child Health Block Grant
P.O. Box 570 Jefferson City, MO 65102
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