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View more news, opportunities and resources on the LPHA Info Hub.
HUB UPDATES
► Safe Cribs: updated FAQ added
► Contracts: new CHIP HSI Expenditures reports added
► MCH: multiple updates for the new contract year
► Quick Links: Slide decks from the 2026 Fall Planner’s Summit added
UPCOMING DUE DATES
► Oct 5: Deadline to register for Fall Regional Meetings
► Oct 16: Summer Food Service Program and At-Risk Afterschool Program participation agreement DA-38 for reimbursement, End of Year Summary, inspection reports, and other applicable documentation is due to BEHS.SummerFood@health.mo.gov by COB
► Nov 12: Deadline to submit CHIP H.S.I. Net expenditure report for Quarter Ending 09-26 (July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026)
DHSS UPDATES
► Directors Message, 9/30/2026
► Measles Update
DHSS continues to respond to concerns about measles spread in Missouri. Nationally, case counts are on the rise and have already surpassed last year’s cases (2,289 in 2025, 3,659 as of Sept. 29, 2026). Missouri currently has 11 confirmed cases of measles in 2026 and are continuing to investigate potential cases as they arise.
Each investigation of a potential measles case is a significant workload for both DHSS and affected LPHAs, given that a single case can result in hundreds (or even thousands) of individuals being exposed and needing notification and guidance. Additionally, DHSS is working diligently to support immunization efforts and is seeing an increase in uptake in immunizations because of these efforts.
So far, response efforts include:
- Epidemiologists are providing 24/7 response to healthcare providers reporting suspected cases and requesting measles testing from the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory;
- Investigation of potential cases and supporting contact investigations;
- Supporting immunization efforts within counties with identified populations that are vulnerable to the risk of an outbreak;
- Supporting immunization supplies at LPHAs and other provider locations;
- Communicating with schools about the need to be prepared for potential exposures;
- Providing education and information to provider networks around the clinical presentation of measles and public health response to measles – communication with providers is paramount because individuals breaking out in a rash are likely to seek care at the time they are most infectious (which would be when the rash is breaking out) and many providers have not seen measles cases because it was essentially eradicated in the United States for over 30 years;
- Providing education to the public on the importance of being immunized.
► Fall Regional LPHA Meetings
- October 14, Adair County: A.T. Still University Dental School, 2nd Floor Auditorium, 500 W. Jefferson St, Kirksville, MO 63501
- October 15, Platte County: Platte County Health Department, 7925 NW 110th St, Kansas City, MO 64153
- October 20, Webster County: Marshfield City Annex Building, 915 S Marshall St., Marshfield, MO 65706
- October 21, Madison County: Madison County Health Department, 105 Armory St, Fredericktown, MO 63645
- November 4, Cole County: DHSS, 930 Wildwood, Maple/Birch Conference Room, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Register by COB Monday, October 5. If you register but are then unable to attend, please contact Mary Blevins at mary.blevins@health.mo.gov or (573) 751-2889.
► CHIP HSI
The CHIP H.S.I. Net expenditure report for Quarter Ending 09-26 (July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026) is due by November 12th. Updated spreadsheets have been added to the Contracts page on the Hub. Click on the QE 09-26 tab at the bottom of the sheet to insert your expenditures. Forms should be signed and submitted to CLPHSCHIPHSIReports@health.mo.gov.
- Texas County Health Department shared a worksheet they use to help track expenditures during the CHIP HSI Collaborative meeting. You are welcome to use it as a template to track your own expenses. You can find it on the Hub in a new Forum called CHIP HSI Tips.
► Vaccination Promotional Flyer
This flyer from the DHSS Bureau of Cancer and Chronic Disease Control promotes flu shots, shingles vaccination, and pneumonia vaccine as a way to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. The QR code links to a pre-recorded presentation that reviews the 10 Healthy Habits. Feel free to share widely. (flyer)
► Resources from the September Planner’s Summit
- An Overview of ASPR: Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, Patrick Lindner, Regional Emergency Coordinator, ASPR Region 7 (ppt)
- OEC Updates and Org Chart, Ebola Process, Medical Incident Coordination Team, Cybersecurity, World Cup Lessons Learned, Accessibility During an Emergency, and SEMA Recovery Division (ppts combined into a single document)
- MO DHSS empower Fact Sheet (pdf)
NEWS
► 10/1/2026: Refugees and legal immigrants lose health coverage through Medicaid and CHIP Oct 1 as cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill take effect. (link)
► 10/1/2026: The vaccines.gov website intended to help people find locations to get a flu shot by entering their zip code is not actually working. (link)
► 9/30/2026: Pennsylvania reports a fifth measles-related death in the state as the number of confirmed cases nears 1,000. (link)
► 9/30/2026: Mumps spreads through a college athletics team in San Diego, CA, with 14 confirmed and one probable case. (link)
► 9/30/2026: The Iowa state health department is set to shift its public health system into a regional model, moving 99 LPHAs into seven public health districts and giving a lead regional entity oversight of distributing state funds to the rest of the LPHAs. (link)
► 9/30/2026: HHS, CDC, and NIH announce $3 million in new funding will go to two of the CDC’s Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases for research initiatives to combat tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and alpha-gal syndrome. (link)
► 9/29/2026: FDA reports that Sierra Nevada Cheese Company of Willows, California, is voluntarily recalling all Graziers Raw Milk Cheese currently in the market due to potential contamination with E. coli. (link)
MISSOURI NEWS
► 9/30/2026: Gender affirming surgeries are not taking place in Missouri schools, despite claims in recent political ads on Amemdment 3. KY3 (link)
► 9/30/2026: Missouri’s Capitol dome goes pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. KJLU (link)
RHTP
► EMS Initiatives: Missouri is making a significant investment in the future of rural emergency medical services through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), with more than $12.3 million awarded for EMS initiatives during the program's first contract period.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Social Services, and Missouri Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA) recently announced a major workforce initiative that will invest up to $4.2 million during its first year to expand rural EMS training and strengthen recruitment and retention.
MEMSA has published FY 2026 Requests for Applications for each of the three funding pillars. Rural EMS organizations interested in participating can review the applicable RFA and funding requirements through MEMSA's Rural Health Transformation funding page.
RESOURCES
► Measles Vaccination Education: Recent measles-associated deaths among adults in Pennsylvania have prompted online questions across the country about who’s at risk, how adults can determine whether they're protected, and whether people with uncertain vaccination histories need another MMR dose. Don't assume adults know whether they're protected against measles. Be ready to answer questions about vaccination records, immunity testing, and when an additional MMR dose may be needed. Learn more from Infodemiology:
► MO HealthNet Enrollment Tracker: A new dashboard from our Medicaid Policy Analysis Lab tracks changes in MO HealthNet enrollment among Missouri children, revealing continued declines in coverage with significant differences across counties.
► Bereavement Support: Bereavement lactation is a physiologic reality after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death — and often an unexpected source of distress for families. Victoria Fonville, MS, PhD Candidate (UNC Greensboro) and Dr. Maryanne Perrin conducted a 2026 scoping review exploring how bereaved mothers and their care teams experience lactation during perinatal loss. They found that lactation onset is common, support is inconsistent, and provider discomfort is widespread. They also found that expressing breastmilk can aid in grief processing and donating to milk banks carries meaning for women. Families want options, and sensitive, informed lactation counseling can reduce trauma, support autonomy, and honor the infant’s memory. Read the full summary. Learn more about The Milk Bank’s bereavement supports or request bereavement kits. Clinical partners can refer families directly, knowing they will receive evidence‑aligned, sensitive care.
► Infectious Disease Resources: University of Washington’s Infectious Diseases Education & Assessment (IDEA) Program has new content and resources, including updated curricula, clinical tools, podcasts, mini-lectures, and clinical challenges. Resources are available at no cost and are designed to support healthcare professionals with current, evidence-based information on HIV, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B.
The National STD Curriculum has launched Syphilis Tools, a no-cost mobile and web-based application designed to provide healthcare professionals with point-of-care information on syphilis screening, staging, serologic testing, treatment, monitoring, and management of sex partners.
Explore the resources:
OPPORTUNITIES
► Tobacco Cessation Health Systems Change Community of Practice will run June 2026 - May 2027. The sessions will be provided at no cost and all meetings are virtual. Sessions will include access to TTS CE educational webinars, eleven (monthly) Learning Community Calls (LCC), and access to the Dimensions Tobacco Free Group. The University of Colorado Behavioral Health and Wellness Program will facilitate an interactive learning environment where you can set individualized goals that match your organization’s readiness for change, share ideas and overcome barriers with peers from other Missouri organizations. Contact Nicole.Sinderman@health.mo.gov to learn more or register.
► FPHS Learning Community: Bringing Missouri's FPHS Model to Life: Ozarks Public Health Institute will host a new Learning Community focused on how to align public health work with Missouri's FPHS Model. This informal group will meet monthly via Zoom to share ideas and resources, discuss lessons learned, and network with each other. Some have been working in this space for years and others are brand new to the work. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this short registration form. The FPHS Learning Community kicks off in October!
► MFH Listening Sessions: Missouri Foundation for Health will be holding listening sessions across the state in October. They want to intentionally look to build new relationships, listen beyond their existing networks, and make sure the people and communities most impacted by the issues they care about have opportunities to help build the future together. Seating is limited, so register soon.
► Governmental Public Health Summit 2026, hosted by the Missouri Public Health Institute. Join public health professionals and partners from across Missouri at the Lodge of the Four Seasons for three days of learning, connection, collaboration, and fresh ideas. This year’s theme, People-Powered Public Health, celebrates the people who make our public health system stronger every day, and we want you to be part of it. Don’t wait until the deadline. Register now, save your spot, and join us at the Lake December 7–9. Register
► Canning Workshop: Information to share with communities near St Peters, MO. Designed for home canners, gardeners, farmers, and anyone interested in preserving fresh produce. Learn the essentials of safe home canning in this hands-on workshop, exploring the science behind safe food preservation while preparing blueberry jam. Free and in person from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at 260 Brown Road, St. Peters. Register (see flyer in downloads 9/28)
► Food Training: Oct 15 – 16, in person in Columbia. This is an FDA-recognized training program designed for operators, supervisors, and manufacturers involved in producing thermally processed acidified foods. Gain essential knowledge required for safe production and regulatory compliance in acidified food processing operations. An open book exam will follow the training and participants who achieve a minimum score of 70% will receive a Certificate of Course Completion, and their names will be submitted to the FDA. Free for Missouri residents; $450 for out-of-state attendees. Flyer Register
DID YOU KNOW?
Measles vaccinations prevented nearly 59 million deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2024. Even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available, there were an estimated 95,000 measles deaths globally in 2024, mostly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under 5 years old.
Source: World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles
WEBINARS/TRAINING/CONFERENCES/EVENTS
► Oct 5, 9:30 – 11:00 am, Planning for Community Health Through High-Impact Strategies, hosted by the Healthy Nonprofit Network and Emory Prevention Research Center. Most of what influences our health happens outside of a doctor's office. The places where we live, work, learn, and play, and the conditions in those places, shape health and well-being. The session explores practical, evidence-based strategies for strengthening communities and improving health for all. Register
► Oct 6, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Advancing Advocacy: Fall 2026 Workshops for Missouri Nonprofits, hosted by Missouri Foundation for Health. Join Missouri Foundation for Health and Alliance for Justice for one of two free, in-person workshops focused on strengthening advocacy and developing partnerships. Enjoy informative training presentations, a conversational networking lunch, and a panel of inspiring Missouri leaders who are building collective power through policy advocacy, community engagement, and coalition building. Lunch will be provided. Register by September 25 for this event or see the Hub Calendar for a second offering on Oct 8 in Republic, Missouri.
► Oct 6, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, LPHA EHR Open Forums, hosted by the Missouri Public Health Institute. LPHA staff are invited to share their experiences, challenges, successes, and technology needs to help ensure local public health perspectives are represented in statewide discussions as Missouri explores electronic health records, technology infrastructure, and information sharing through the Rural Health Transformation Program. Anyone familiar with their agency’s EHR workflows, reporting, data, or technology needs is encouraged to participate. Learn more and register
► Oct 8, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Advancing Advocacy: Fall 2026 Workshops for Missouri Nonprofits, hosted by Missouri Foundation for Health. Join Missouri Foundation for Health and Alliance for Justice for one of two free, in-person workshops focused on strengthening advocacy and developing partnerships. Enjoy informative training presentations, a conversational networking lunch, and a panel of inspiring Missouri leaders who are building collective power through policy advocacy, community engagement, and coalition building. Lunch will be provided. Register by September 25 for this event at the Republic Branch Library, 921 N Lindsey Avenue, Republic, Missouri.
► Oct 14 – 16, Artificial Intelligence and Public Health Conference, hosted by the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI). In person in Baltimore, Maryland. Presenters will describe the state of AI adoption in public health organizations, governance frameworks for ethical use, and recommendations for addressing communities’ concerns with this impactful technology. Several workshops designed for different levels of technical expertise will be offered. Registration fees apply. Learn more and register
► Oct 20, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, Primary Care & Public Health: Transforming Health Through Partnership, hosted by WashU. As the nation confronts rising rates of chronic disease, persistent health inequities, workforce crises, and growing pressure on front-line providers, we face the urgent need to strengthen primary care-public health partnership to improve health for individuals and communities alike. Join this half-day convening exploring how to revitalize the primary care and public health partnerships and innovation on the topics of health care delivery, workforce strengthening, and health policy and community engagement. Attend on campus at WashU in St. Louis or virtually via Zoom. Register
► Oct 21, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Safe Cribs Office Hours. See the Hub Calendar for details.
► Oct 23, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, Transforming Healthcare in Missouri, Part XI: Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure for Impact, co-hosted by the Center for Advancing Health Services, Policy and Economics Research as WashU and Missouri DHSS. Join this stakeholder discussion focused around the question: "How can Missouri’s public health infrastructure best be strengthened, given resource constraints, to deliver the most impact?" Together, we’ll explore the challenges facing Missouri’s public health infrastructure and crowdsource ideas for strengthening it for the future. The event will be held at Clark-Fox Forum, Hillman Hall, Wrighton Way & Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105. Register
► Oct 27, 4:00 pm, Why Should I Trust You? (live podcast taping), hosted by WashU. The conversation will surface some of the most contested decisions of the last pandemic as we confront how to balance safety with liberty in the next one. Register to attend in person or via Zoom
► Oct 27 - 28, DIMENSIONS: Tobacco Free Advanced Techniques In-Person Training for Missouri, hosted by University of Colorado. This two-day training covers tobacco fundamentals, tobacco addiction, tobacco cessation strategies, and a motivational intervention for tobacco cessation. Trainees will also be trained to facilitate the DIMENSIONS Tobacco Free Group curriculum—a 6-week tobacco cessation group. The Advanced Techniques training is a train-the-trainer model, meaning participants will leave the training with the materials and knowledge to train others at their organization. Training is free. Learn more and register by October 16.
► Oct 28 - 30, 2026 Missouri WIC Conference, hosted by DHSS. The biennial Missouri WIC Conference at the Branson Convention Center is an opportunity for Missouri WIC local and state agency staff to network and to learn more about implementing the Missouri WIC program and supporting WIC participants with research-based nutrition guidance. Details
► Nov 19 – 20, Missouri Connected Care and Ethics Summit, hosted by MU and the Missouri Telehealth Network. Attend the hybrid conference in Columbia or join virtually to explore the rapidly evolving role of telehealth and digital health in healthcare delivery. Register
► Dec 2, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, CHIP HSI Collaborative, hosted by DHSS’ Center for Local Public Health Services. See the Hub Calendar for connection information.
► Dec 7 – 9, Governmental Public Health Summit, hosted by the Missouri Public Health Institute. Public health professionals and partners from across Missouri are invited to the 2026 Governmental Public Health Summit (GPHS) at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark. This year’s theme, People-Powered Public Health, celebrates the people and partnerships that strengthen public health across our state. Attendees will have opportunities to learn from colleagues and experts, explore practical strategies, build new connections, and join conversations about the issues shaping public health in Missouri. Registration includes keynote and breakout sessions, networking opportunities, meals, a welcome reception, and the LPHA Celebration Dinner. Learn more, view the agenda, and register at the MOPHI website.
► Dec 8 – 10, 2026 Public Health Law Virtual Summit, hosted by The Network for Public Health Law. This three-day virtual event explores the essential role of law and policy in public health data modernization. Under the theme "Convening, Aligning and Building Trust to Transform Communities," sessions will cover legal frameworks for data exchange, confidentiality protections, and the role of law in supporting justice, community power, and AI in data technology. $460 for nonprofit and governmental organizations. Register
► Dec 10, 12:00 pm, Show Me Tobacco-Free Webinar Series (3-sessions), hosted by the Missouri Tobacco Prevention Workgroup and Tobacco-Free Missouri. Register
► Jan 12 - 14, Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training (virtual), hosted by University of Missouri. Applications are due November 19. Scholarships may be available. Details
► Mar 10 - 12, 2027, 3rd Annual Missouri Disaster Behavioral Health Conference, hosted by MO Department of Mental Health and the Missouri Behavioral Health Council at the Wyndham Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri. Additional details to be provided soon.
► May 18 - 20, Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training (virtual), hosted by University of Missouri. Applications are due March 25, 2027. Scholarships may be available. Details
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