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View more news, opportunities and resources on the LPHA Info Hub.
UPCOMING DUE DATES
► Jan 15: PHIG Monitoring Assessment report for RP6
► Jan 15: PHEP semi-annual report due to DHSS
► Feb 13: CHIP H.S.I. Net expenditure report for Quarter Ending 12-25 (October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025)
► Feb 27: MCH mid-year progress report due to District Nurse Consultant (DNC)
► Mar 31: MCH FFY2026 contract work plan amendments due to DNC
DHSS UPDATES
► Vaccine Recommended Update: DHSS reports they have not received any official word from the federal government on vaccine recommended changes yet. The CDC’s updated recommendations will not affect VFC eligibility at this time. Missouri school and childcare vaccination requirements are based on state regulations and have not changed at this point. DHSS is planning to meet internally this week and with external partners next week to discuss ramifications for Missouri. The vaccine media campaign that was planned for early 2026 is still planned at this point. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
See the Quick Links section on the Hub home page for vaccine-related information and resource links.
► 2025 - 2026 Influenza Season Update
- Talking Points (revised 12/30/2025): Key points from CDC, meant to support consistent messaging around flu and can be shared with partners, but should not be posted on any public-facing website or on social media channels. (link)
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Press Release: Missouri health officials urge flu prevention amid seasonal uptick, DHSS (12/31/2025)
- DHSS Flu Dashboard
- DHSS Facebook post that can be shared (link)
► BEHS Moving: DHSS' Bureau of Environmental Health Services will be moving in mid-January 2026 under the Licensing & Regulations. Contact information and BEHS services to LPHAs will remain the same.
► DHSS Annual Reports: Now available to LPHAs
► Alpha-Gal Syndrome: DHSS has created a new webpage on Alpha-Gal (link)
► Radon: January is National Radon Month. The EPA has provided messages and materials for local use. Also, DHSS offers free radon test kits to the public along with instructional videos on how to use the kits. (link)
► Rural Health Transformation Project: Laura Naught, PhD has been named H.R.1 Implementation Coordinator for DSS, which means she will play a key role in operationalizing the RHTP. Dr. Naught has more than 20 years of experience in state government, including extensive work at DHSS and MO HealthNet. Her public health background will be a strong asset as she oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of programs and system changes mandated by H.R.1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
► Invoicing Template: The Adolescent and School Health Program is now accepting the new invoicing template created by CLPHS for its contracts: Making Proud Choices, Teen Connection Project, and Teen Outreach Program. Find the invoicing template at the bottom of the Contracts page on the Hub.
► FPHS Costing Gap Analysis: Training available 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Jan 12 - 15, Jan 26 - 29, Feb 9 - 11, Mar 16 - 18. See the calendar on the Hub for details.
► Mental Health First Aid training, qualifies for the incentive for LPHA Administrators. Register
- Jan 22, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Madison County Health Department, Fredericktown
- Jan 28, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, virtual
► FPHS Training Input: Jump on Zoom during one of two Office Hours sessions January 13 (3:00 - 4:00 pm) or Jan 22 (9:00 - 10:00 am) to provide your suggestions for Foundational Public Health Services model training being developed by Ozarks Public Health Institute in partnership with DHSS. See the Hub Calendar for Zoom connection information.
► Communication Lunch and Learn sessions: January 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm, learn about social media as a key communication tool. Presented by Sami Jo Freeman and Spenser Bartholomew from the DHSS' Office of Public Information. Register
NATIONAL NEWS
News items are posted for your situational awareness only and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of either DHSS or OPHI. News stories behind pay walls will not be included in order to ensure fair access to all.
► 1/7/2026: Federal leaders release updated U.S. nutrition policy and revised dietary guidelines. (link)
► 1/7/2026: Medical groups respond to new federal food pyramid guidance. (link)
► 1/7/2026: A new study shows patients who stop taking obesity drugs regain weight almost four times faster than people coming off a diet, returning to their original weight in less than two years. (link)
► 1/7/2026: New report suggests this year's flu vaccine is showing protection against the subclade K strain. (link)
► 1/7/2026: OpenAI releases ChatGPT Health, which allows users to analyze their medical test results, prepare for doctors appointments, and seek guidance on diets and workout routines. (link)
► 1/6/2026: Subclade K causes an increase in flu cases across the globe, leading to the highest rates in decades in the U.S. (link)
► 1/5/2026: CDC revises childhood immunizations recommendations based on a study of peer countries. (link)
► 1/2/2026: CMS to stop requiring states to report childhood vaccination levels. (link)
MISSOURI NEWS
► 1/6/2026: KC’s largest safety-net clinics push back as city takes hard look at health levy. (link)
► 1/6/2026: Planned Parenthood in Rolla closes its physical office and shifts to only serving clients online. (link)
► 1/4/2026: Flu numbers surging in Columbia/Boone County; significant increase also reported in Missouri. Eagle 93.9 (link)
► 1/2/2026: DHSS is reporting a six- percent increase in emergency room visits as the state heads into peak flu season. ABC, Columbia. (link)
► 1/2/2026: Missouri DHSS launches new website for tobbacco prevention. News Press Now, St. Joseph (link)
WEBINARS/TRAINING/CONFERENCES
► Jan 15, 12:00 pm, Human Trafficking and Exploitation, hosted by Missouri Rural Health Association. The session offers a foundational understanding of human trafficking and exploitation through a trauma-informed, survivor-centered lens. Attendees will learn to define both sex and labor trafficking, recognize common indicators, and identify barriers that prevent detection and reporting. Register
► Jan 20, 1:00 pm, Rural Health Transformation Program: Compliance & Oversight, hosted by Forvis. Learn more and register
► Jan 20, 2026, 2:00 pm, Immigration Policy and Health, County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. In honor of the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing, the session will examine how laws, policies, culture, and norms shape the health of immigrants, migrants and communities as a whole. Learn about current immigration policies, legal uncertainty, and lived experiences to better understand how people can work together to promote health equity and policy change. Register
► Jan 21, 2026, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Grant Management and Compliance Training, Part 1, hosted by Missouri Public Health Institute. This is a repeat of the training that was offered during the Governmental Public Health Summit in December 2025. Register
► Feb 11, 3:00 - 4:00 pm, Steady Hands, Steady Teams: Leading with Confidence and Composure, hosted by ASTHO. In an era of immense pressure, explore how intentional leadership is the key to fortifying organizational stability, confidence, and credibility. Gain practical strategies to maintain composure and focus in chaotic circumstances and reframe personal steadiness as a fundamental leadership function that builds trust and drives performance. Register
► Mar 18, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Grant Management and Compliance Training, Part 2, hosted by Missouri Public Health Institute. Alternative date is April 15, 2026 (virtual). Register
► Mar 24 - 25, Leading Change Workshop, hosted by ASTHO. Equip participants with strategies and skills to navigate change and uncertainty as individuals, team members, and organization-wide leaders. Emphasizes actionable instruction and resources, enabling leaders to create and implement real-world, targeted initiatives and foster tangible organizational change. Onsite in Arlington, Virginia. Details
► Apr 15, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Grant Management and Compliance Training, Part 2, hosted by Missouri Public Health Institute. Register
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