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View more news, opportunities and resources on the LPHA Info Hub.
We apologize for the glitch in the Bulletin that was sent out February 26, 2026 which seemed to endlessly repeat content. Please find below a corrected version of the Bulletin.
HUB UPDATES
► Blood Spot Program information added to DHSS Contracts page.
► Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Program information added to DHSS Contracts page.
► Alpha Gal Syndrome: John Bos’s presentation from the Feb 17th LPHA Update call has been added to the Archives page.
► LPHA Accessibility Training: The slide deck from the February 18th Lunch and Learn training session has been added to the Communications page. The training recording will be posted soon.
► Updated measles talking points can be found on the Communications page.
UPCOMING DUE DATES
► 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
► Director’s Message, 2/24/2026, Includes updates on DHSS budget, Leadership Academy, new roles at DHSS, and more. (link)
► Water Testing Update: The Chemistry Unit of the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory has recently updated the Chemical Water “Test Requested” options. Revised Test Request Forms were scheduled to be published on our website as of February 2, 2026. Unfortunately, this has been delayed, but the updated forms are available under the Hot Topics section of the Hub's home page.
► World Cup and Other Summer Public Health Considerations: This planning resource for local public health partners regarding preparedness considerations for the upcoming World Cup events in Kansas City and the surrounding area this summer. This resource includes topics that DHSS programs and bureaus are thinking through right now and we want to be aligned on with all our local public health partners. While this checklist is intended to be helpful to all LPHAs for considerations when preparing for the extra pressures of the World Cup, this tool may also be useful for any LPHA planning to deal with increased visitors from around the nation and globe for other significant tourism events in Missouri this year, such as the Route-66 Festival and several planned 250th United States Anniversary celebrations. If you have any questions about the considerations raised in this list, please begin by reaching out to your existing programmatic contacts at DHSS or to the specific contacts listed in the checklist. Questions may also be raised by contacting Jonathan.Garoutte@health.mo.gov. DHSS will continue to provide updates on World Cup planning and resources over the next several months to assure our public health system is ready for the unique challenges (and opportunities) presented by this global event coming to Missouri.
► Vaccine Guidance: Guidance from DHSS and the State Board of Nursing is now available regarding the updated vaccination schedule.
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.
► 2/25/2026: A Public Health Alerts report released February 25, 2026 describes a US multistate outbreak of infant botulism tied to powdered infant formula between March 2022 and December 2025. (link)
► 2/19/2026: ASTHO announces a new partnership with Veritas Data Research and HealthVerify that establishes a novel public health data consortium intended to provide enhanced data access and quality. (link)
► 2/16/2026: ASTHO provides an update on the future of PHEP funding in this opp ed. (link)
RESOURCES
► Communications Toolkit: Overcoming Challenges & Leveraging Strengths was developed by the Public Health Communications Collaborative in partnership with the Harvard Opinion Research Program. This practical, “choose-your-own-adventure” Action Guide is grounded in in-depth interviews with 50 public health communicators working across 50 health agencies nationwide. (link)
► Field-Tested Strategies for Effective Communication in Public Health, ASTHO (link)
► Four Ways Public Health Agencies are Strengthening Grants Management, ASTHO (link)
► From Pipeline to Public Trust: Strengthening the Next Generation of Public Health (podcast), Public Health Review (link)
► Community Health Assessment: The IRS requires hospitals to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment on a regular basis. LPHAs may be able to partner with their local or regional hospital to be included in the CHNA process to also meet accreditation requirements for MICH or PHAB. Learn more in this article from the Healthy Nonprofit Network. (link)
WEBINARS/TRAINING/CONFERENCES
► 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 12, 9:30 – 11:00 am, Food Allergens, BEHS monthly webinar learning series.
- Join link: https://stateofmo.webex.com/stateofmo/j.php?MTID=ma7e63512ac234c349bc0516d509a6bfc
- Webinar number: 2631 153 6423
- Webinar password: BEHS (2347 when dialing from a phone or video system)
- Join by phone: 1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada) or +1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago)
- Access code: 263 115 36423
► Mar 12, 1:00 – 2:00 pm, Lead with a Clear Lens: Decision-Making that Fosters Trust, hosted by ASTHO. In the first session of a five-part series, Leadership Power Hour: Your Launchpad for Impact, attendees will explore frameworks for decision-making and strategies for engaging with teams, communicating with clarity, and prioritizing competing demands. Learn key techniques for articulating decisions that build trust and drive action. Register for sessions in the series
► Mar 16, 1:00 – 2:30 pm, Rural Health Webinar: 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guidelines for Rural Implementation, hosted by the American Heart Association. Hear about implementation challenges and successes from rural healthcare providers across the country. 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 17, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Trust in Flu: Communicating in a Skeptical Era, part one in a new webinar series on Health Justice Framing from the FrameWorks Institute. Hear timely insights and framing guidance for navigating complex communications challenges facing the movement for health equity. Learn to be as strategic with communications as you are with advocacy, organizing, research, and practice. Additional sessions to be held May 6 and July 15 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 18, 2:00 – 3:00 pm, Insights from Public Health Nurse Leaders: Promoting PHN Satisfaction and Retention, hosted by ASTHO. This new session of the Public Health Nursing (PHN) Workforce Learning Lab Series will explore evidence-informed workplace strategies and organizational cultures that boost nurse satisfaction and retention. This session features state and local leaders sharing practical insights on using leadership support and professional development to create more resilient work environments. Register (free, but ASTHO login required)
► 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, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, STI Quarterly meeting, hosted by DHSS. Register
► 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
► Apr 29, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, The Future of Public Health in the United States, hosted by Boston University School of Public Health. Hear from a select group of national leaders in public health to reflect on the questions: What do you hope for public health in the United States and how will it look like 50 years from now? What actions can we take nationally to achieve this vision? Speakers include Georges C. Benjamin, Brian Castrucci, Adnan Ali Hyder, and Laura Magaña. 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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