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View more news, opportunities and resources on the LPHA Info Hub.
HUB UPDATES
► The CLPHS page has been refreshed and content from past New Administrator/All In meetings and regional meetings has been moved to the Archives page
► A link to the updated ASAP manual has been added to the Quick Links section of the Hub Home page
► A link for ordering materials specific to BEHRL programs has been added to the BEHRL page under Resources
► Resources from the September 2026 Fall Planners' Summit have been moved from the Quick Links section to the Contracts page under the PHEP section
UPCOMING DUE DATES
► 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
► Director's Advisory Council
The DAC is being reinstated, and LPHAs in each region are encouraged to submit a name to Tiffany Bayer of the person who will serve as their regional representative. Tiffany will reach out to contacts in each region to provide more details. The DAC will meet in person quarterly. Initial members will develop a charter and may expand the group size.
► CORE
The CORE participation agreement is currently under review by DHSS, but no decisions on revisions have been made at this time.
► LPHA Internet and Email
Ryan Marsch and his team will help LPHAs who are transitioning from state-owned email systems to their own email systems over the next several months on a first come, first served basis. The deadline to fully transition is June 30, 2027. Resources to assist with the request for help will be posted on the Hub in October.
► Incentives
Guidelines for the next round of incentive funding is still being developed and will be sent out to LPHAs from CLPHS soon.
► 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
NEWS
► 10/8/2026: Amazon gets a warning from FDA for reportedly selling unapproved herpes medication online. (link)
► 10/8/2026: A study of 62,000 children shows cases of autism have remained remarkably stable all along, but diagnoses have risen dramatically. (link)
► 10/7/2026: Measles infection, even when mild, can have long-term complications that are painful and devastating, including long-term impact on the immune system. (link)
► 10/7/2026: The American Academy of Pediatrics issues updated guidance and calls for a nationwide ban on raw milk sales stating it poses particular dangers to children, pregnant women, and children who are breastfeeding and has no added benefit. (link)
MISSOURI NEWS
► 10/5/2026: HRSA awards Missouri $7.4 million to expand access to home visiting services for women and children through the Maternal, Infant and Early childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. Spectrum News (link)
RESOURCES
► Grant Writing for Public Health: This 2-part self-paced series is designed to introduce the public health professional to writing public health grants. Each course is 60 minutes.
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Introduction to Public Health Grants: This course introduces the basics of public health grants, including where to locate funding opportunities and how to interpret and respond to Requests for Proposals (RFP). These three self-paced online modules are free with a total class time of 1 hour.
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Writing Effective Public Health Grant Proposals: This course teaches learners how to develop competitive public health grant proposals by writing strong needs statements, designing clear program plans, demonstrating organizational capacity, and using AI tools responsibly to support the grant writing process. These three self-paced online modules are free with a total class time of 1 hour.
► Human Resources Training: Human Resources Strategies for Developing Your Organization's Most Valuable Resource. How leaders develop their teams makes all the difference in long-term success. Positive relationships between leaders, emerging leaders, and team members can be transformational. The result is a team competent, confident, and optimistic about their potential and contribution to the vision and goals of an organization. Leaders who employ strategic human resource management contribute to this transformation. In this module, you will learn to reflect on and recharge your leadership development skills for the mutual benefit of your team and organization.
► Protecting the Well-Being of Disaster Responders (webinar): Responders often face significant stress during and after critical incidents, yet many report feeling unprepared for the emotional and operational challenges that follow. Limited routine staff support, cultural and societal reluctance to discuss response experiences, and the use of well-intended but often ineffective support strategies can amplify this stress. Speakers highlighted strategies for recognizing and responding to the effects of acute stress and shared practical approaches for creating healthy work environments that strengthen staff resilience in day-to-day operations and during disasters.
► Communications Training: New from de Beaumont, the free Talking Health On-Demand Training gives you practical tools to boost your communications skills and knowledge. Learn how to make the case for public health in your community, create audience-centered messaging, and tell better stories. Plus, you can get a shareable certificate and earn continuing education credits. Enroll
► PH WINS Supplement Explores Rural and Territorial Health: A new supplement published in the American Journal of Public Health sheds light on the realities of rural and territory health departments, as well as workforce capacity, interest, and needs. The supplement, Findings from the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS), includes editorials, research, and analyses that highlight employees' well-being, supervisor satisfaction, and other key topics.
OPPORTUNITIES
► Survey on Moral Injury Resources: Local public health workers in Missouri are invited to participate in this survey as part of a research study to examine the resources and activities public health workers utilize to respond to moral injury. You must be at least 19 years of age and be a current employee of a local public health agency in Missouri to participate. The survey will be open through 11:59 pm CT Friday, October 16, 2026.
If you choose to participate, you will answer some questions about your experiences responding to moral injury at work. You will also rank different resources that could be utilized to respond to moral injury. These will include resources that could be provided by your employer. The survey will take an estimated 10 minutes to complete.
No personally identifiable information will be collected, and the information you choose to provide in this survey cannot be connected back to you. Participation in this survey is voluntary. You may skip any questions, and you may stop at any time.
It is unlikely that you will experience any risks or discomforts beyond what would be experienced in everyday life by participating. There are no specific benefits associated with participating, but you will have the option to enter to win a $50 e-gift card at the end of the survey.
Results from this study will be used in Jaci McReynolds' dissertation and may be published or presented at research conferences, and the anonymous data may be shared with other researchers through an online data repository.
This research study has been reviewed by the University of Nebraska Medical Center Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) (Study # 0561-26-EX). Please reach out to Jaci McReynolds, Principal Investigator at jmcreynolds@unmc.edu or 417-839-3579 with any questions.
► Public Health Residency Program: The New to Public Health Residency Program is accepting applications for a cohort beginning in December. New to Public Health is an evidence-based, nationally recognized workforce development program designed to empower early-career public health professionals. It strengthens the skills, confidence, and connections new hires need to thrive in their roles and build meaningful, long-term careers. Apply by November 1, cost is $2,000. Learn more
WEBINARS/TRAINING/CONFERENCES/EVENTS
► Oct 13 – 14, 2026 FARM Food Futures Forum: From Rural Health to Food Security, hosted by WashU Bursky School of Public Health and the Food and Agriculture Research Mission (FARM). This two-day convening will examine how agriculture, nutrition, food systems, and rural health intersect to shape population health. In person or virtual options. Learn more
► 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, 10:00 am, MHA 2026 Population Health Assessment Survey Report overview, hosted by MHA. Includes input from 120 Missouri hospitals. The report looks at value-based care readiness, community engagement, workforce challenges and efforts to address health disparities. The report will be released after the call. 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, 1:00- 2:15 pm, Conversations That Move Work Forward: Influence Through Conflict, hosted by ASTHO. Effective public health leaders know that one conversation can transform challenges into opportunities. Learn how to use the “Third Space” to navigate conflict, manage priorities, and build alignment. Through realistic scenarios and practical frameworks, strengthen your ability to move critical work forward with confidence. Registration closes Oct. 26. Log in to ASTHO to register
► 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 5, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, Servant Research in Action: A CBPR Approach to Drowning Prevention in Rural Missouri. Hosted by the Missouri Rural Health Association. Learn how servant research principles shaped collaboration with community members on drowning prevention and water safety strategies, how local voices guided the research process, and how data can be transformed into practical tools for rural health and safety initiatives. Presented by Dr. Molly Lancaster Rodriguez, Public Health Faculty, Missouri State University. Register
► Nov 6, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Partnering for Access to Care and Training (PACT) Clinical Showcase Luncheon (for oral health) in St. Louis, hosted by Delta Dental of Missouri. Join us for the inaugural PACT Clinical Showcase luncheon, bringing together dental students, faculty, oral health leaders, and community partners to explore how strategic investments in dental school clinics are expanding access to care and strengthening Missouri’s oral health workforce. Hear directly from students at University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City University, A.T. Still University, and Saint Louis University as they present compelling patient cases, treatment outcomes, and lessons learned through Delta Dental’s PACT Program. Enjoy a complimentary lunch and network with peers. A block of rooms is available for discounted overnight stays at the Holiday Inn St Louis SW - Route 66. Call 314-821-6600 and reference "Delta Dental" or group code DDL. Register for the luncheon event by October 30.
► Nov 18, 1:00-2:00 pm, "Small but Essential: Understanding Rural Public Health Department Challenges and Strengths" will present key findings on the rural local public health workforce, drawing from PH WINS data. Hear from local leaders in rural public health and panelists to understand the people behind the numbers and learn ways to strengthen the workforce. Register
► 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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