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View more news, opportunities and resources on the LPHA Info Hub.
HUB UPDATES
► The new Safe Cribs page is now live with a link under the DHSS menu tab.
► The new Show Me World Care page is now live with a link under the DHSS menu tab.
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
► Director's Message, 1/27/2026, includes updates on the proposed budget, vaccine recommendations, and nutritional guidelines.
► State Public Health Lab update from Amber Smith, Laboratory Supervisor: The Chemistry Unit of the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory, in consultation with the DHSS Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology, has decided to discontinue testing for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and pH in drinking water for samples received on or after February 2nd 2026. This change was made after careful review of how we use our limited resources. Testing for TDS and pH was found to provide very limited information about overall drinking water quality compared to the cost of performing these tests. Thank you for your understanding as we focus on providing the most impactful and cost-effective services.
► February observances with social media content on the Hub Resources page:
► Navigating the New Era of Document Accessibility: Learn how to make your pdf documents fully accessible to meet ADA requirements. Attend this Lunch and Learn webinar Feb 18 at 12:00, hosted by DHSS Office of Public Information. See Hub Calendar for connection information.
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.
► 1/29/2026: The Labor Department has proposed rescinding an Obama-era rule that extended coverage of the Fair Labor Standards Act to home care workers, potentially rolling back wage protections for more than 3 million workers who care for seniors and the disabled in their homes. (link)
► 1/28/2026: The U.S. tells Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to phase out the use of vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal if it wants future U.S. funding. (link)
► 1/28/2026: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has ended abortion services and most abortion counseling for veterans nationwide. (link)
► 1/27/2026: The rate of maternal syphilis in the U.S. rises 28% in two year, marking a continued surge in this national epidemic. (link)
► 1/27/2026: Illinois is seeing its worst flu season in more than 15 years, with cases increasing rapidly. (link)
► 1/27/2026: The University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) announces a new collaboration with The Evidence Collective (founded by Katelyn Jetelina) and Unbiased Science (founded by Jess Steier) to support and expand access to clear, evidence-based vaccine information. (link)
MISSOURI NEWS
► 1/27/2026: Members of the Missouri House’s Emerging Issues Committee voted to send two bills to the full chamber that would indefinitely extend the state’s restrictions on transgender people. (link)
RESOURCES
► Toolkits from DHSS' Bureau of HIV, STI and Hepatitis include images, videos, suggested social media posts and other resources related to HIV stigma, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (specifically focused on reaching women), Syphilis, and Undetectable=Untransmittable. (link)
► 2026 Immunization Schedule for Children Under 18, American Academy of Pediatrics (link)
► Vaccine Communication: Insights to Action: Supporting Parental Trust and Vaccine Literacy, article published in March/April issue of Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. (link)
► Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit from CDC helps long-term care facilities and nursing homes prepare for and respond when symptoms of respiratory viral infections occur among residents or employees. (link)
► Measles: ASTHO shares information on the current measles outbreaks in the U.S. and what it means if the U.S. loses its elimination status. (link)
► Stop New World Screwworm (view attachments) ─ CDC has created two customizable fact sheets, for employees and producers, to help the agriculture industry raise awareness about NWS as infestations in Mexico increase and move northward.
OPPORTUNITIES
► Support for Transportation Planning: Missourians for Responsible Transportation (MRT) is requesting letters of support for Missouri Department of Transportation to adopt Missouri's first statewide active transportation plan. A statewide active transportation plan would improve safety and accessibility for all roadway users, align with federal and state policy goals, and provide a strategic, equitable, and cost-effective approach to transportation planning. MRT requests that any letters of support be emailed to jackson@movingmissouri.org by February 20, 2026. (link)
► Jones/Goddard Scholarship Fund for Public Health: This scholarship opportunity, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, opened for applications on January 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications are due by March 16, 2026. (link)
► Funding Opportunity: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute’s “Local Data for Equitable Communities” program offers up to $50,000 in funding to 30 community-based organizations to leverage data to address urgent local challenges. These projects will address pressing local needs from housing to environmental pollution, breaking down barriers that stand in the way of good health. Proposals are due March 3, 2026. (link)
WEBINARS/TRAINING/CONFERENCES
► Jan 29, 12:00 pm, Making a Difference One NOP at a Time. Missouri’s new Notification of Pregnancy (NOP) and Risk Screening process is helping providers improve maternal health outcomes and strengthen connections between patients and community supports. This session will walk participants through the purpose and benefits of the NOP process, highlighting how early identification and communication can improve care coordination, reduce complications, and enhance patient experiences, particularly in rural communities. Register
► Jan 29, 12:00 pm, Radon, Lung Health and Health Equity, hosted by DHSS’ Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, in partnership with the Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology, the American Lung Association and Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction. This free webinar offers information about radon risks, how they connect to lung cancer and how to take action to improve environmental health and health equity. Register
► Jan 29, 2:00 pm, Ask Us Anything: Communicating about immunizations in 2026, hosted by Public Health Communications Collaborative. Join the live Q&A webinar and ask your specific questions about what's ahead for immunization communications trends. Gain insights from peers in the chat on what’s actually working on the ground. Learn about other's wins and helpful resources in a supportive, professional space. Register
► Jan 30, 11:00 am, Public Health and Regulatory Considerations for Kratom and 7 OH Products, hosted by MO Hospital Association. This FREE webinar clarifies the distinctions between natural kratom leaf and the newer, potent products with added or synthetic 7-OH that are increasingly available in retail settings and online. The webinar will address growing concerns about the misuse, unpredictable potency, and emerging health risks associated with these unregulated substances and current legislative efforts. Registration required
► Jan 30, 12:00 pm, Legislative Update, hosted by Heidi Lucas, Executive Director of the Missouri Rural Health Association. These regular sessions the last Friday of each month during the legislative session will provide key advocacy updates and insights on legislation impacting rural health. Register
► Feb 3, 12:00 pm, CPR, Heart Health and Health Equity, hosted by DHSS' Office of Minority Health and Health Equity, in partnership with the Bureau of Cancer and Chronic Disease Control, the University of Missouri CARES Program and the American Heart Association. This FREE, public webinar is part of our Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) Webinar Series. Learn more about CPR data, the importance of learning CPR and how to effectively prepare for cardiac emergencies. Register
► Feb 10 – 12, National Rural Health Policy Institute, Washington D.C., hosted by the National Rural Health Association to help advocate for priorities to improve rural health care access nationwide. Hear rural health priorities from your elected officials. Understand how to successfully engage in NRHA’s advocacy. Develop rapport with your Congressional delegation. Learn how to put rural policy into practice. Agenda 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
► 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 20, 4:00 pm, Advocacy Essentials: Preparing for MO Rural Health Advocacy Day. Hosted by Missouri Rural Health Association. Join MRHA's webinar designed to prepare advocates for the 2026 Missouri Rural Health Advocacy Day at the Missouri State Capitol. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to the world of policy engagement, this session will provide the tools and knowledge you need to make a meaningful impact when visiting legislators on February 24th. This webinar will cover the Advocacy Day agenda, best practices during legislative visits, what to expect, and a Q&A session. Register
► Feb 24, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Rural Health Advocacy Day at the Capitol, hosted by Missouri Rural Health Association. Missouri State Capitol Building, Jefferson City MO 201 West Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, MO 65101 US. Will include meetings with local legislators, allowing you to voice the needs of your community, conversations with health committee members on key legislative priorities, united efforts to advocate for better access, delivery, and workforce solutions in rural health. Learn more
► 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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