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
► Measles: DHSS announces possible measles exposure in St. Louis, 1/17/2026 (link) NEW!
► World Cup update regarding environmental considerations, 2/17/2026 (link) NEW!
► Sexual Violence Prevention and Response: Missouri Resource Map. In partnership with DHSS' Office on Women's Health, Ozarks Public Health Institute has launched a statewide resource map highlighting organizations who provide sexual violence prevention and response support services. Submit resources in your area to be added to the map.
► 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.
Upcoming Due Dates
► 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.
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)
► 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
► CDC Revised Immunization Recommendations
► 2026 Childhood Immunization Schedule, American Academy of Pediatrics
National News
► 2/18/2026: Jay Bhattacharya, the head of the National Institutes of Health, will become acting director of the CDC following the dismissal last week of Jim O’Neill, who will be moving to lead the National Science Foundation. (link)
► 2/18/2026: A bill moving through the Georgia General Assembly would allow trained pharmacists to prescribe PrEP, a daily medication that can prevent HIV. (link)
► 2/18/2026: Wyoming has a plan to make its Rural Health Transformation funds last forever. (link)
► 2/18/2026: The FDA pulls down a webpage warning about therapies and products making “false claims” of treating autism. (link)
► 2/18/2026: A new study shows an excruciatingly painful tropical disease called chikungunya can now be transmitted by mosquitoes across most of Europe. (link)
► 2/17/2026: Researchers from Emory University in Georgia claim they have found a direct link between air pollution and Alzheimer's. (link)
► 2/17/2026: South Carolina’s measles total rises to 962 since last October. Sixty-eight (68) cases have also been reported in Florida and six in North Dakota. (link)
Missouri in the News
► 2/17/2026: An out-of-state traveler with measles traveled through St. Louis Lambert airport on February 7, possibly exposing other travelers. (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
► Perinatal Hepatitis B Case Management Using ShowMe WorldCare. See Feb 12 Bulletin for details.
► Feb 19, 9:30 - 11:00 am, Cottage Food Law, 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.