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View more news, opportunities and resources on the LPHA Info 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 19: PHEP FY27 workplans due to DHSS
► Feb 27: MCH mid-year progress report due to District Nurse Consultant (DNC)
► Mar 31: MCH FFY2026 contract work plan amendments due to DNC
► May 1: Deadline to submit documentation for Incentives program through CLPHS
DHSS UPDATES
► State offices will be closed Feb 12, 2026 for Lincoln’s Birthday and Feb 16, 2026 for President’s Day.
► Congratulations to Dr. Heidi Miller for receiving the first ever Presidential Award for Excellence in Family Medicine from the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians. (link)
► New report: DHSS By the Numbers (link)
► Influx of Tourists: 2026 will be a big tourist season for Missouri with numerous events and visitors. KC and St. Louis will host World Cup games, and Springfield has been selected to host the national kickoff of America’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration. DHSS is working with many partners behind the scenes to plan and develop resources that will help LPHAs prepare for an influx of visitors to your communities. Resources will be posted on the Hub as they are finalized.
► Mental Health First Aid Training – April 2 (virtual), 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (does require 2 hours of pre-work). This training is eligible for incentive funding. Register Look for additional training opportunities at mhfamissouri.org/lpha/ or reach out to Rachel Taube or Candace Alba-Marshall if you would like to schedule a training.
► Training Opportunity: Perinatal Hepatitis B Case Management Using ShowMe WorldCare. The Bureau of Genetics and Healthy Childhood, Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program, is offering virtual training sessions for LPHA staff on Perinatal Hepatitis B (PHB) case management using ShowMe WorldCare (SMWC). These two-hour virtual sessions are designed for LPHA staff who manage or support Hepatitis B surveillance, perinatal case management, or infant follow-up. Participants will learn how to:
- Navigate PHB case management workflows in SMWC
- Interpret Hepatitis B laboratory results
- Track required tasks and timelines for pregnant women and infants
- Apply updated LPHA responsibilities related to pregnancy screening and follow-up
- Support timely vaccination and post-vaccine serology testing
View the agenda and direct any questions to PerinatalHepB@health.mo.gov or call 573-751-6266 or 800-877-6246. Register for individual sessions using the links below.
- Friday, February 20, 2026, 10:00-12:00. Register
- Monday, February 23, 2026, 1:00-3:00. Register
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 10:00-12:00. Register
- Friday, March 6, 2026, 9:00-11:00. Register
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 10:00-12:00. Register
► Measles Update: The U.S. has reported more than 700 measles cases in just a few weeks – about four times the typical annual total. Some federal health officials are urging vaccination, emphasizing that the MMR vaccine remains widely available and highly effective at preventing further spread. Measles talking points are available on the Communications page of the Hub.
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.
► 2/10/2026: The American Medical Association will launch its own “evidence-based review process” for the next respiratory viral season, in collaboration with CIDRAP. It will focus on vaccine safety and efficacy around flu, COVID-19 and RSV. (link)
► 2/10/2026: Polls from the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease and Research!America find strong support for vaccines with 90% of Americans saying policymakers must ensure access to vaccines. (link)
► 2/10/2026: A new review published in JAMA says aluminum exposure from food far exceeds aluminum exposure from routine childhood vaccines. (link)
► 2/10/2026: Amazon One Medical has launched Health Insights, a new beta feature designed to help eligible members better understand routine blood test results through personalized analysis and recommendations. (link)
MISSOURI NEWS
► 2/10/2026: Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have teamed up to introduce legislation that would crack down on health care conglomerates that own multiple parts of the industry. (link)
RESOURCES
► Decoding the New Federal Dietary Guidelines, Boston University School of Public Health (link)
► Trust Poll: KFF Tracking Poll on Health Information and Trust: Trust in the CDC and Views of Federal Childhood Vaccine Schedule Changes (link)
► Vaccine Resource Toolkit, from the Common Health Coalition. Includes explainers, infographics, videos, and resources to help health leaders navigate the moment. (link)
► Graphics: New ready-to-post graphics on the latest changes to the U.S. recommended childhood immunization schedule, from the Public Health Communications Collaborative. (link)
► Fact Sheet on the risks of alcohol consumption with clickable links that explains the risks of alcohol consumption and how to avoid the health issues that can be associated with drinking alcohol. From the Public Health Communications Collaborative. (link)
WEBINARS/TRAINING/CONFERENCES
► Feb 17, 12:00 pm, Retaining Younger Public Health Staff: The Appeal of Nontraditional Benefits, Understanding the Impact of State Governance on Recruitment Strategies in Public Health, hosted by the Consortium for Workforce Research in Public Health as part of a series highlighting recent workforce topics. Register
► Feb 17, 2:00 pm, Improve Community Health by Strengthening Social Connections, hosted by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. It’s human instinct to connect with others; accordingly, both interpersonal and community-level connections are tied to our health. Social connection can reduce the risk of disease, lengthen life expectancy, and strengthen a sense of belonging. However, social isolation and loneliness are widespread, and rates continue to rise. This webinar will make the case for socially connected communities and provide participants with guidance to take action. 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. See Hub Calendar for connection information.
► Feb 18, 12:00 pm, Rural Health Transformation Fund: Strategies To Engage and Succeed With the New State-Level Rural Health Initiatives, hosted by Missouri Rural Health Association. The first round of funding is expected to be released in March. States will be under pressure to start spending so they can demonstrate successes before they apply for Year Two funds. Organizations interested in receiving funding support need to identify initiatives that align with the goals of the Rural Health Transformation Program. By doing so, they can position themselves as valuable partners for their state’s efforts. Register
► Feb 19, 9:30 – 11:00 am, Cottage Food Law, hosted by BEHS at DHSS. See Hub Calendar for connection information
► 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 24, 1:00 pm, Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Austerity, hosted by the University of Minnesota Center for Public Health Systems. Discuss the legal and ethical considerations for fiscal austerity, including review of legal mandates for minimum service provision, liability issues in service withdrawal, and ethical frameworks for prioritizing populations or programs during cuts. This webinar is part of a series highlighting practical strategies for protecting communities when budgets tighten. Register
► 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 5, 1:00 pm, Recent Trends in US Government Healthcare & Behavioral Health Workforce Departures, Come Work for Us: How to Improve the Health Department Job Application Experience, hosted by the Consortium for Workforce Research in Public Health as part of a series highlighting recent workforce topics. Register
► March 5-6, 2026 Missouri Oral Health Policy Conference - Optimizing Transitions, hosted by the DHSS Office of Dental Health at the Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center in Jefferson City. The conference will feature the latest in oral health advocacy with presentations by national speakers, oral health champion awards, exhibitors, a networking reception, and the best in policy discussion about improving Missouri’s oral health. Conference information 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
► Mar 25, 12:00 pm, Protecting the Core: Prioritizing Foundational Public Health Services Under Fiscal Constraint, hosted by the University of Minnesota Center for Public Health Systems. Introduce frameworks for preserving essential capabilities (assessment, preparedness, communications) when discretionary funds shrink. This webinar is part of a series highlighting practical strategies for protecting communities when budgets tighten. Register
► Apr 2, 1:00 pm, Identification of Potential Public Health Workforce Datasets and Their Utility for Future Research, Consequences of State Remote Work Policies on Rural Public Health, hosted by the Consortium for Workforce Research in Public Health as part of a series highlighting recent workforce topics. Register
► Apr 15, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Grant Management and Compliance Training, Part 2, hosted by Missouri Public Health Institute. Register
► Sep 9 – 10, Fall Preparedness Summit, in Jefferson City, hosted by DHSS’ Office of Emergency Coordination with the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program and the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). This will replace the traditional Fall Planners Meeting. Location, detailed agenda, and session times are being finalized, but attendees can expect:
- Engaging sessions on emergency preparedness
- Networking opportunities with partners across the state
Additional details, including a registration link, will be shared closer to the date.
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