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
► Conference: BEHS is offering to cover the cost of registration for the National Environmental Health Association Annual Education Conference in KC in August for up to 12 LPHA Environmental Health Specialists. LPHAs are responsible for attendance costs. Applications due to RetailFood@health.mo.gov by COB February 12, 2026. Questions: RetailFood@health.mo.gov. NEW!
► Grant Management Training: The first session for Grants Management has closed with 87% participation. The second session has two dates available to attend (you only need to attend 1 session from the first round and 1 session from the second round). Register NEW!
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Wednesday March 18, 1 - 3pm virtual
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Wednesday April 15, 1 - 3pm virtual
► Mental Health First Aid Training: Open course April 2, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (virtual). You must complete 2 hours of pre-work before the session. Register NEW!
► State Public Health Lab update from Amber Smith, Laboratory Supervisor: The Chemistry Unit of the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory, in consultation with the DHSS Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology, has decided to discontinue testing for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and pH in drinking water for samples received on or after February 2nd 2026. This change was made after careful review of how we use our limited resources. Testing for TDS and pH was found to provide very limited information about overall drinking water quality compared to the cost of performing these tests. Thank you for your understanding as we focus on providing the most impactful and cost-effective services.
► CDC Revised Immunization Recommendations
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2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule, American Academy of Pediatrics
► Alpha-Gal Syndrome: DHSS has created a new webpage on Alpha-Gal (link)
► Cannabis Update: DHSS publishes annual report from the Chief Equity Officer detailing cannabis microbusiness activity in 2025. (link)
► Overdose Discussion: DHSS Overdose Data to Action in States (OD2A-S) team will host a free virtual panel discussion for LPHAs on February 4 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm.
Upcoming Due Dates
► Feb 13: CHIP H.S.I. Net expenditure report for Quarter Ending 12-25 (October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025)
► Feb 19: PHEP FY27 workplans due to DHSS via email to preparedness@health.mo.gov
► Feb 27: MCH mid-year progress report due to District Nurse Consultant (DNC)
► Mar 31: MCH FFY2026 contract work plan amendments due to DNC
► May 1: Final deadline to submit required documentation for incentives.
► Cannabis: Unregulated psychoactive cannabis product enforcement (FAQ) (Report a Retailer form)
► FPHS Costing Gap Analysis opens for FY25 in January. Training available 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Jan 12 - 15, Jan 26 - 29, Feb 9 - 11, 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)
► Smoke-free Housing: Missouri Smoke-free Housing Directory
► Wastewater Surveillance: Program Update
Vaccines
► 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
National News
► 2/3/2026: President Trump signs a $1.2 trillion spending package that funds HHS and ends the brief shutdown. (link)
► 2/3/2026: NIH director says he hasn’t seen any evidence that vaccines cause autism. (link)
► 2/3/2026: A new poll from Univ of Michigan shows fewer older adults are getting flu vaccinations. (link)
► 2/3/2026: A Public Health Alerts report today details two US infants with severe neurologic symptoms after infection with Paenibacillus dendritiformis, raising awareness of an emerging infectious disease threat. (link)
Missouri in the News
► 1/27/2026: Members of the Missouri House’s Emerging Issues Committee voted to send two bills to the full chamber that would indefinitely extend the state’s restrictions on transgender people. (link)
► 1/21/2026: More than 50 Missourians gathered at the state capital January 20 for the first Alpha-Gal Syndrome Advocacy Day to connect and learn more about a bill which would make the reporting of the condition mandatory. St. Louis Public Radio. (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.
► 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.