LPHA INFO HUB
The LPHA Hub is not searchable on the web and is only intended for use by staff of DHSS and local public health agencies. However, anyone with a direct link is able to gain access. We encourage you to avoid sharing LPHA Hub links with anyone outside of DHSS or LPHAs. If information is needed for external users, please download and send the file, or copy/paste and provide separately. Thank you.
DHSS Updates
► March 10 LPHA Update call canceled; calls will resume on normal schdule March 17 NEW!
► Regional LPHA meeting locations have been updated. NEW!
► Opioid awareness: DHSS is working with other state agencies to bring awareness of highly potent and illicitly manufactured opioids called nitazenes that are showing up in Missouri. More information will be forthcoming that you’ll be able to share with your communities. NEW!
► NPHW: DHSS is creating Missouri-specific content that will be shared soon for local branding and use. NEW!
► Find a Professional Tool: This new online resource allows users to quickly look up registered and licensed onsite wastewater professionals across Missouri. It is updated weekly. NEW!
► World Cup update regarding environmental considerations, 2/17/2026
Upcoming Due Dates
► Mar 11: PHEP FY27 budgets due to DHSS
► Mar 19: PHEP FY25 contract monitoring documentation due to DHSS (only LPHAs who received notification via email)
► Mar 31: MCH FFY2026 contract work plan amendments due to DNC
► May 1: Final deadline to submit required documentation for incentives.
LPHA Directory NEW!
Mandated Reporting of Abuse or Neglect
Weekly Communication Bulletins
ASAP (add users or change access for existing users) NEW!
► Alpha-Gal Syndrome, DHSS
► Cannabis: Unregulated psychoactive cannabis product enforcement (FAQ) (Report a Retailer form)
► Chemical Water Testing revised test request forms:
► FPHS Costing Gap Analysis opens for FY25 in January. Training available 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Mar 16 - 18. See Calendar for details.
► Hep C Testing: Free Hepatitis C testing through the State Public Health Lab (10/20/2025 letter) (instructions)
► Radon text kits available free to the public and videos on how to use the test kit (also in Spanish). (link)
► Sexual Assault Response: SAFEvT, Sexual Assault Forensic Exams via Telehealth Network (sites map)
► Sexual Violence Prevention and Response: Missouri Resource Map. Submit resources in your area to be added to the map. NEW!
► Smoke-free Housing: Missouri Smoke-free Housing Directory
► Wastewater Surveillance: Program Update
Vaccines
► Vaccine Guidance from DHSS and the State Board of Nursing regarding the updated vaccination schedule. (link) NEW!
► COVID-19 vaccine available for VFC providers to order via ShowMeVax. (details)
► Docket® vaccination portal (smartphone app and web platform)
► Shared Clinical Decision-Making Guidance
► Show Me Vax, Missouri Immunization Registry
► CDC Revised Immunization Recommendations
► 2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule, American Academy of Pediatrics
National News
► 3/5/2026: Eli Lilly launches a direct-to-employer platform for obesity drugs, letting employers choose to build the solution that works best for them and their workforce. (link)
► 3/4/2026: CIDRAP will independently review the safety and efficacy of the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in pregnancy through its Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP). Findings are expected to be released this spring. (link)
► 3/4/2026: Trader Joe’s expands recall of frozen packages of Vegetable Fried Rice, Chicken Shu Mai and Japanese Style Fried Rice out of an abundance of caution that the meals may be contaminated with glass. (link)
► 3/2/2026: ASTHO appeals to Congress for $1 billion investment ($3 per person nationwide) in public health infrastructure during their spring Leadership Forum. (link)
Missouri in the News
► 3/4/2026: Representative Jason Smith (R) says the bulk of money going to crisis pregnancy centers in Missouri comes from federal funds (TANF) earmarked to provide basic necessities and childcare to families experiencing poverty. (link)
► 3/4/2026: A state court judge in St. Louis gives an initial green light to a proposed $7.25 billion settlement to resolve thousands of lawsuits claiming Bayer's Roundup weedkiller causes cancer. (link)
► 3/3/2026: Scott Allen from Webster County and Brenna Davidson from DHSS are featured in the latest episode of ASTHO’s Investing in Tomorrow: PHIG Impact Report to share how the Pathways Internship program managed out of MSU is boosting the public health workforce. (link)
This program aims to strengthen the public health workforce by creating a pipeline program that supports students’ interest in public health and provides a pathway to permanent positions. DHSS has partnered with Missouri State University's MPH program to match interested students from across Missouri with DHSS and LPHA internships.
Students receive a stipend of $20 per hour up to $6,400 for completing an internship of up to 320 hours depending on academic program requirements and agency projects. Students and recent graduates in nursing, environmental health, undergraduate or graduate public health programs, and other disciplines interested in pursuing a public health career are encouraged to apply by the following deadlines:
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Summer 2026 Semester: March 14, 2026
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Fall 2026 Semester: May 16, 2026
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Spring 2027 Semester: October 17, 2026
Agencies interested in hosting a student should also apply.
Interns are randomly selected and matched to DHSS or LPHA hosts. Hybrid models are acceptable, but fully remote internships are not supported. Selection announcements will be made on the following schedule:
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Summer 2026 Semester: March 17, 2026
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Fall 2026 Semester: May 19, 2026
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Spring 2027 Semester: October 20, 2026
Direct questions to Rebecca Damron at MSU.
Upcoming Training
► Mar 12, 9:30 - 11:00 am, Food Allergens, hosted by BEHS. See Hub Calendar for details.
► Mar 18, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Grant Management Training, Part 2 (virtual). Register
► Apr 2, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Mental Health First Aid (virtual). Participants must complete two hours of pre-work prior to the session. Register
► Apr 15, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Grant Management Training, Part 2 (virtual). Register
Ongoing or Archived Training
► Subrecipient Training (slide deck), M Mahaney, DHSS OA, 5/14/2023
► FDA Training and Continuing Education
► CIFOR (foodborne disease investigation and control), APHL
*Note: Requires an APHL account.
► Intro to MO HNS, DHSS
► Learning Connection, CDC
► Roots of Health Inequity, NACCHO
► Public Health Communications Collaborative Academy
► Community Water Fluoridation video training series
► Grants Management and Compliance Training (eligible for incentive funds)
► Sexual Assault Forensic Exams, training courses
► VFC 411 training sessions in 2026
This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.