Teacher in front of class or educator or education or school

Audio: Missouri Education Commissioner says the stress teachers are dealing with is “almost impossible to describe”

Missouri’s teachers are navigating their way through a new school year during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. At this week’s Missouri Board of Education meeting, K-12 Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven recognized teachers for the added stress they are dealing with.     The state has also battled an ongoing shortage of teachers. In the previous school […]

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley

Senator Josh Hawley: increases in social isolation from pandemic may be contributing to surges in drug addiction

Missouri’s junior senator is urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address the mental health needs of Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R) has written a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, calling on the agency to deploy more of the $425 million that Congress appropriated to […]

North Central Missouri Mental Health Center

Counselors available for support during pandemic through North Central Missouri Mental Health Center

The North Central Missouri Mental Health Center has COVID-19 counselors available to provide support and resources to anyone struggling with the pandemic. Free services include individual and group counseling, development, presentation, and distribution of educational materials, community networking and support, and assessments, referrals, and resource. Ask for a crisis counselor by contacting the North Central […]

Trenton R-9 School District

Audio: Trenton R-9 School Superintendent Mike Stegman on plans for starting school in August of 2020

The Trenton R-9 School District today is releasing proposed practices if in-person classes are held when school resumes late next month. In a letter to patrons, R-9 Superintendent Mike Stegman reported information was obtained from many sources. Among them: a parents and staff survey; the Grundy county health department; the CDC guidelines; Missouri elementary and […]

Military Veterans

Veteran events announced for July, 2020

A veterans service officer and Vet Center counselor will be at VFW Post 919 July 3rd. The service officer will help with VA paperwork and answer questions from 8 to 2 o’clock. Veterans are asked to bring a copy of their DD-214 and other VA paperwork. The counselor will help discharged and active military with […]

Taking Care Of You Graphic

“Taking Care of You” stress management course to be offered online

Registration is now open for Taking Care of You, a University of Missouri Extension program that offers practical strategies for dealing with stress and life challenges. Developed by an interdisciplinary MU Extension team, the research-based program focuses on positive psychology and mindfulness in online sessions held over eight weeks. Participants learn concepts and practical strategies […]

COVID-19 Interactive Dashboard website

Governor Parson announces launch of COVID-19 interactive dashboard

Governor Mike Parson announced the launch of a new COVID-19 dashboard containing Missouri-specific data from across the state.  “Throughout COVID-19, we have worked very hard to be transparent and provide Missourians with the most accurate, up-to-date information as possible, and the same goes for this dashboard,” Governor Parson said. “We want Missourians to have access to the […]

Together We Can

MU Extension releases Mental Health Toolkit

The University of Missouri Extension and partners recently released a Together We Can toolkit to help rural Missourians access mental health resources. “This presents the resources to help open up conversations about mental health,” says MU Extension health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. “Making it comfortable to talk about mental health is the first step […]

Military Veterans

Help is available if Veterans experience stress or other concerns

Veterans Service Officer Wayne Kleinschmidt encourages family and friends of veterans to talk openly with the veterans if they show signs of stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental well-being concerns. Kleinschmidt notes those signs could include excessive worrying or dread, irritability or agitation, restlessness or difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and anxiety or panic attacks. Family and […]