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
► Sign up for GovDelivery email subscriptions NEW!
► Register for Spring Regional meetings: Please register for one of the spring regional meetings by COB Monday, March 23. You must attend one full meeting to receive incentive funds. An agenda is coming. Location details are in the Calendar.
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April 22 – A.T. Still University, Kirksville
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April 23 – Platte County Health Dept, Kansas City
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April 28 – DHSS, 930 Wildwood, Jefferson City
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April 29 – Madison County Health Dept, Fredericktown
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April 30 – The Depot, Marshfield
► Rural Health Transformation Project: The Digital Readiness Survey seeks LPHA input. Respond by March 30.
► 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.
► NPHW: DHSS is creating Missouri-specific content that will be shared soon for local branding and use.
► 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.
► World Cup update regarding environmental considerations, 2/17/2026
Upcoming Due Dates
► Mar 19: PHEP FY25 contract monitoring documentation due to DHSS (only LPHAs who received notification via email)
► Mar 23: Register for Regional LPHA meetings (link)
► Mar 30: RHTP Digital Readiness Survey due (optional) (link)
► Mar 31: MCH FFY2026 contract work plan amendments due to DNC
► May 1: Deadline to submit documentation for Incentives program through CLPHS
► May 1: FPHS Gap Analysis, Module 1: Current Financials date due
Mandated Reporting of Abuse or Neglect
Weekly Communication Bulletins
ASAP (add users or change access for existing users)
► Alpha-Gal Syndrome, DHSS
► Cannabis: Unregulated psychoactive cannabis product enforcement (FAQ) (Report a Retailer form)
► Chemical Water Testing revised test request forms:
► Hep C Testing: Free Hepatitis C testing through the State Public Health Lab (10/20/2025 letter) (instructions)
► Public Health and HIPAA (informational brochure) NEW!
► 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.
► 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)
► 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 (link)
► Show Me Vax, Missouri Immunization Registry (link)
► CDC Revised Immunization Recommendations
► 2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule, American Academy of Pediatrics (link)
National News
► 3/18/2026: If the block on changes to the childhood immunization schedule is appealed, the case may be sent to the Supreme Court, who would have until June or July, when its term ends, to keep the Trump administration’s vaccine policies on hold or to reinstate them. (link)
► 3/16/2026: A federal judge in Boston temporarily blocks RFK Jr.'s attempts to change the U.S. childhood immunization schedule. (link)
► 3/15/2026: ACIP set to vote Wednesday on how to respond to a new report based on "A Killer Jab?" survey that proposes new diagnostic category, guidelines, and research centers to study long-term effects of Covid vaccines and illness. (link)
Missouri in the News
► 3/17/2026: Rolla City Council unanimously approved an ordinance March 16 making synthetic kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as 7-OH) illegal to possess or sell. The measure also makes natural kratom, delta-7 THC and delta-8 THC available only to people over 21. (link)
► 3/17/2026: Homeless services providers and city officials agree that St. Louis’ new Code Blue protocol to help vulnerable people during the coldest days of winter was an improvement over other years. (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.