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
► Director's Message, 3/24/2026
► Special Communication Notification: Nitazenes (3/24/26) NEW!
► News Release (3/20/2026): Two cases of clade I mpox reported in Missouri. (link)
► GovDelivery: Sign up for GovDelivery email subscriptions
► Rural Health Transformation Project: The Digital Readiness Survey seeks LPHA input. Respond by March 30.
► 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
► NPHW: Missouri-specific social media content for National Public Health Week is available on the Hub Resource Library.
► Nitazenes: A Health Advisory and press release went out from DHSS on Tuesday, March 24 regarding nitazenes in wastewater testing at Missouri schools. The following resources were shared in a Special Communications Notification on Monday and have been added to the Communications page of the Hub. Social media content has also been added to the Resource Library under the March section.
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Fact sheet, MO Highway Patrol
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Naloxone: order by mail, find local distribution site on map, UMSEL
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Substance Use Prevention Guide for Schools: Emerging Drug Threat: Nitazenes
► Ticks are already assaulting Missourians, and summer is a long way off. Help spread the word about the importance of tick prevention methods and how to check for and remove ticks that have already taken a bite. Education resources, including posters, trail signs, bookmarks and wallet cards can be ordered from DHSS. (link)
Upcoming Due Dates
► 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
► 3/25/2026: New COVID variant BA.3.2 has been identified in at least 9 people, in airplane wastewater samples, and in wastewater samples from more than 20 states. (link)
► 3/25/2026: CMS launches ASPIRE Model for youth in Medicaid, CHIP with complex medical, behavioral health needs. Five state Medicaid agencies will be selected to participate. (link)
► 3/25/2026: Although his official position as acting director was set to expire March 25, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya will continue to lead the CDC until the director position is filled. (link)
► 3/25/2026: Dr. Oz and RFK Jr. propose robot AI nurses to save rural hospitals. (link)
► 3/24/2026: FDA announces approval of a new, higher-dose weight loss injection called Wegovy HD, that is triple the previous maximum dose. (link)
► 3/24/2026: Robert Malone angrily steps down from his role on the ACIP. Last week a federal judge temporarily blocked RFK Jr’s appointments to the panel and stayed the changes that its members had made to federal vaccine guidance, as well as the overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule. (link)
► 3/24/2026: More than 350,000 birds are killed in Indiana in a massive avian flu outbreak. (link)
► 3/24/2026: Social and physical isolation, along with financial hardship, are linked to lower uptake of recommended preventive health services, according to researchers at Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School. (link)
Missouri in the News
► 3/25/2026: DSS announces the appointment of Joe Miller as Director of the new Rural Health Transformation Office (RHTO). He is from northeast Missouri and begins his new role on March 30. He will focus on innovative payment methods, strategic alignment, stakeholder integration, and accountability. (link)
► 3/25/2026: Thousands could lose their Medicaid in Kansas City, health leaders are calling for action. (link)
► 3/25/2026: Missouri health officials warn nitazenes, potent synthetic opioids, are hard to detect. (link)
► 3/25/2026: Missouri has a case of health care illiteracy among its legislators (student opinion piece) (link)
► 3/24/2026: CVS Health’s Aetna provided a total of $35,000 in funding to two community-based organizations in central Missouri to improve access to health care. (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.