Coronavirus Hotline

Missouri opens novel coronavirus information hotline

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services activated a statewide public hotline for citizens or providers needing guidance regarding the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. At 8 a.m. today, the hotline opened and can be reached at 877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days […]

Coronavirus Concerns

Missouri health officials meet at White House to prepare for possible spread of coronavirus

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is engaging with federal governmental leadership, national thought leaders and local public health agencies to maximize Missouri’s preparedness for the possible spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus should a future case be diagnosed in Missouri. “In joining my fellow state health officers from around the nation this week at the […]

Health News

Missouri is ‘high performer’ in public health emergency preparedness

Missouri is among states rated as high performers in public health emergency preparedness measures by a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for optimal health for people and communities through the prevention of illness and injuries. The Trust for America’s Health report “Ready or Not: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism 2020” released […]

Local Emergency Planning Committee

Grundy County Local Emergency Planning Committee approve appointments

The Grundy County Local Emergency Planning Committee approved appointments for positions Tuesday. Glen Briggs was appointed chairperson, Alan Barnett vice-chairperson, and Kelli Hillerman as secretary. A listing of individuals was approved for the 2020 membership listing. They represent elected officials, firefighting, law enforcement, community groups, public health, hospital, and facilities. The committee also approved the […]

Generic City Water

Free water testing to be offered for Missouri produce growers

MU Extension is offering free microbial water testing to Missouri produce growers through a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The tests, which meet water testing requirements for FSMA and Good Agricultural Practices certification, are conducted by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Sample bottles and forms are […]

Woman getting flu shot

Protect yourself and family from the flu

With ongoing 90-degree temperatures, getting a flu shot is likely not on the radar of Missourians right now. But a Southern California public health system reported a flu-associated death of a 4-year-old who had underlying health issues already last week. While seasonal flu viruses are detected year-round in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control […]

Disaster Declaration news graphic

Missouri requests second federal disaster declaration this year in response to flooding and tornadoes

Acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration to assist residents and businesses in 41 Missouri counties that have been hard hit by flooding, tornadoes, and severe storms beginning on April 29 and continuing throughout the spring. “Historic long-term flooding continues to devastate families, businesses, […]

Drone or Unmanned Ariel Vehicle

Researchers use UAVs to track insect dispersal patterns

In a paper to be released soon, researchers tell how they used drones to track migration patterns of pests. “This research will help us quickly determine habitat preference and dispersal patterns for newly detected invasive insect species,” says University of Missouri Extension field crops entomologist Kevin Rice. That information can help farmers decide how to […]

USDA prioritizes investments in telemedicine to address opioid crisis in rural America

Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture is giving funding priority in a key grant program for applications to address opioid misuse in rural communities. “The opioid epidemic is dramatically impacting prosperity in many small towns and rural places across the country,” Hazlett said. […]