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View more news, opportunities and resources on the LPHA Info Hub.
HUB UPDATES
► The January 21 LPHA Update call recording has been added to the Archives page.
► BEHS videos and Q&A for December and January have been added to the BEHS page.
► Environmental documents previously housed on the DHSS website have also been added to the BEHS page, including the EHOG, food safety, onsite wastewater, lodging, and environmental childcare resources.
► A new Legislative Awareness page has been added with links to help you find bills, legislators, and witness guidelines. The Hub will not post actions on bills or calls to provid witness, as those activities are already covered by Missouri's associations.
► A link to the WIC LA Portal sign in page has been added under the DHSS tab drop down menu.
► A new page on the Safe Cribs program is pending final review and will be activated soon with a link under the DHSS menu tab.
► We're also working on adding a page with Show Me World Care resource links.
► We've also added a reminder to the top of each page.The LPHA Hub is not searchable on the web and is only intended for staff of DHSS and local public health agencies. However, anyone with a direct link is able to gain access. We encourage you to avoid sharing LPHA hub links with anyone outside of DHSS or an LPHA. If information is needed for external users, please download and send the file, or copy/paste and provide separately. Thank you.
If you have additional ideas on websites, information, and resources you'd like to see linked on the Hub, please email Jaci McReynolds or complete the feedback form on the Hub.
UPCOMING DUE DATES
► 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
► Winter Weather: The National Weather Service reports a large, long-duration winter storm is expected to bring widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies/Plains into the Mid-South beginning Friday, spreading eastward to the Mid-Atlantic and New England this weekend. An Arctic front will bring frigid temperatures and gusty winds that will lead to dangerous wind chills from the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
- The Hub's Resource Library offers social media content you can use on cold weather, preventing frostbite, and warming centers.
- The DHSS Emergency Response Center phone number 800-392-0272 is located on the top left of the Hub home page if you need assistance with an environmental, food, or other emergency this weekend.
- Please remember to report any office closures to DHSS.
► Flu Communication Toolkit: As flu season continues, CDC offers a toolkit with essential resources and communication materials to help LPHAs effectively communicate with the public, healthcare providers, and partners. (link)
► Respiratory Diease: CDC also offers a 2025 - 2026 Respiratory Disease Season Outlook. (link)
► Document Accessibility Training: Public health professionals must ensure critical information reaches everyone in the community. With upcoming federal government mandates extending to local public health agencies, ensuring digital documents are accessible is no longer just a best practice—it is a requirement. Join Sami Jo Freeman from DHSS' Office of Public Information for a hands-on session dedicated to demystifying document accessibility. The session will move beyond theory and dive into the practical steps of creating compliant source files and polished PDFs. This session focuses strictly on document remediation - website coding tips will not be covered. February 18, 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Connection information will be added to the Hub Calendar.
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.
► 1/21/2026: Fewer people are dying from heart disease, but it is still the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to a new report from the American Heart Association. (link)
► 1/21/2026: In an interview with US Today, RFK Jr says he believes his spasmodic dysphonia could be due to taking flu shots. (link)
► 1/21/2026: More than 35 Tennessee residents have recently been sickened by a rare histoplasmosis fungal infection. (link)
► 1/21/2026: Researchers at McGill University have identified several unexpected chemical contaminants in human milk, finding traces of pesticides, antimicrobials and additives used in plastics and personal‑care products. (link)
► 1/20/2026: US exit from the World Health Organization is official on January 22. (link)
MISSOURI NEWS
► 1/21/2026: More than 50 Missourians gathered at the state capital January 20 for the first Alpha-Gal Syndrome Advocacy Day to connect and learn more about a bill which would make the reporting of the condition mandatory. St Louis Public Radio. (link)
RESOURCES
► JAMA report on the Proportion of Fentanyl Reports in Illicit Drug Seizures and Opioid Mortality, 1/16/2026 (link)
► The Impact of State Parental Rights Legislation on Delivery of School Health Services, from the Network for Public Health Law. More than half of state legislatures have recently enacted measures to further fortify parental rights. Because these laws are largely driven by politics, they have created confusion for school nurses and jeopardized students’ access to needed health care. This resource outlines the concerns surrounding these laws and includes a chart highlighting the key provisions in the laws passed, and guidance on what to monitor. (link)
WEBINARS/TRAINING/CONFERENCES
► 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
► Feb 18, 11:00 am, Safe Cribs Office Hours. Held the third Wednesday of every other month. See the Hub Calendar for details and connection information.
► Feb 18, 12:00 pm, Enhancing Communication - Lunch and Learn: Navigating the New Era of Document Accessibility, hosted by DHSS Office of Public Information. With upcoming federal government mandates extending to local public health agencies, ensuring digital documents are accessible is no longer just a best practice—it is a requirement. Move beyond theory into the practical steps of creating compliant source files and polished PDFs. This session focuses strictly on document remediation - website coding tips will not be covered. Connection information will be added to the Hub Calendar.
► Feb 25 – 27, Roots of Resilience: Growing Healthier Schools and Communities, hosted by Missouri Coordinated School Health Coalition (MCSHC) More than 200 participants are expected to attend this 33rd Annual Conference, ranging in backgrounds from health teachers, school nurses, wellness coordinators, food service staff and public health partners to counselors, social workers, physical educators and school administrators. Join MCSHC and showcase your organization while networking with people working behind the scenes to make Missouri schools healthier. Learn more and register
► Mar 16 – 18, Columbia, MO. Disaster Behavioral Health Conference, hosted by DHSS. Explore the unique behavioral health needs that arise after natural disasters, human-caused incidents, and acts of terrorism—and learn from real experiences to strengthen support for individuals and communities on their path to recovery. $50 to attend, due at registration with credit card. 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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