Missouri Health Care Association

06/11/2026

💙 Happy CNA Week 2026! 💙

This week, we celebrate the incredible Certified Nurse Assistants who make a difference in the lives of Missouri’s long-term care residents.

CNAs are the heart of long-term care, building meaningful relationships, offering comfort, and helping residents feel seen, valued, and supported. Their impact goes far beyond daily tasks, creating moments of connection that matter most.

MHCA is grateful for the dedication, compassion, and commitment CNAs bring to their communities. Thank you for the essential role you play in enriching lives and strengthening long-term care across Missouri.

Join us in celebrating and thanking the amazing CNAs who make a difference every day!

06/10/2026

This week, MHCA leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Missouri’s long-term care community during the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living Congressional Briefing.

MHCA Executive Director Meghan Travis Henderson, Director of Policy & Government Affairs Nikki Strong, and MHCA board members joined long-term care leaders from across the country to meet directly with federal lawmakers and discuss critical priorities impacting providers and residents.

During the event, MHCA Board Member Barry Carr and his wife, Randi Carr, were recognized with the 2026 Joe Warner Patient Advocacy Award, a prestigious honor presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing quality care and patient-centered policies.

Barry and Randi’s leadership, advocacy, and commitment to residents continue to make a meaningful impact on long-term care, both in Missouri and nationwide.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Barry and Randi on this well-deserved recognition and thanking all of our MHCA leaders for advocating on behalf of long-term care!

06/05/2026

On Thursday, District 2 hosted its MHCA Long-Term Care Pageant in Cameron, Mo. It was a fun and memorable day celebrating the amazing residents who took part!

Congratulations to this year’s incredible winners!
🏆 Sheri Wright (Oregon Care Center ) was crowned the 2026 District 1 Queen
*Fun fact: Sheri's mom won the District 2 pageant in 2017!
🥇 Margaret Lyle (Abundant Acres Care and Rehab) – 1st Runner-Up

District 2 Contestants:
🌟 Dorothy Witt - Gower Convalescent Center
🌟 Rose Owen - Tiffany Heights

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day possible and create a special experience for residents. It was a great day of celebration and connection for everyone involved!

06/04/2026

Yesterday, District 1 hosted its MHCA Long-Term Care Pageant in Belton, Mo. It was a special celebration recognizing the incredible residents at our long-term care communities!

Congratulations to this year’s incredible winners!
🏆 Shirley Roy (Carnegie Village Senior Living & Healthcare) was crowned the 2026 District 1 Queen
🥇Pam Walker (Missouri Veterans Home - Warrensburg) – 1st Runner-Up

District 1 Contestants:
🌟 Billie Lueck - Aspire Senior Living Oak Grove
🌟 Gwen Smith - Carnegie Village Senior Living & Healthcare - Rehabilitation
🌟 Helen (Pat) James - Ridge Crest Nursing Center
🌟 Sharon Aring - Tiffany Springs Senior Living & Healthcare
🌟 Judith Hadsall - Truman Lake Manor
🌟 Rose Suggs - Valley Manor & Rehab Center

We appreciate everyone who helped create such a meaningful experience for residents. The day was a wonderful celebration for all who attended.

06/02/2026

🎉 Join us in wishing a very HAPPY 102nd BIRTHDAY to Dorothy “Betty” Hernandez, a resident at Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility!

A proud mother of 18 children (8 biological and 10 stepchildren), Betty also has 50+ grandchildren and more great-grandchildren than she can count. She enjoys gambling, camping, fishing, and participating in just about any social activity.

When asked the secret to her longevity, Betty shared: “Good healthy habits and not drinking too much.” Her advice to others? “Take care of yourself and don’t forget to have fun.”

And when asked how it feels to turn 102, Betty simply said: “WOW!”

🌟 Know a resident celebrating 100 or older? MHCA proudly honors residents with membership in the Centenarian Club! Contact MHCA to learn more and help us celebrate these incredible milestones.

06/01/2026

A recent Axios article highlights the growing challenge facing our nation as the population ages and demand for care continues to rise. One reality is becoming increasingly clear: “there’s pretty universal agreement that the existing state of affairs can’t continue.”

The challenge is significant. According to the article, an estimated 70% of seniors will need long-term care before they die, yet most cannot afford it out-of-pocket. That reality impacts families, providers, caregivers, and communities alike, making workforce development, access to quality care, and sustainable solutions more important than ever.

The elder care system isn't ready for the demographic change heading its way.

05/29/2026

Join us for our Fall Prevention Program Reboot: 6-Part Webinar Series, designed to help long-term care and assisted living teams strengthen fall prevention efforts, reduce risk, and improve resident outcomes.

Across six practical sessions, participants will gain real-world strategies for:
✔️ Assessing fall risk more critically
✔️ Conducting effective root cause analyses
✔️ Implementing targeted interventions
✔️ Strengthening care plans
✔️ Engaging the interdisciplinary team
✔️ Sustaining positive outcomes through QAPI

🗓 June 17 – July 22
🕐 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. (each session)
🎓 1.0 CEU per session

Attend individual webinars or register for the full series to reboot your fall prevention program with actionable tools your team can put into practice right away.

🔗 Register today: https://portal.mohealthcare.com/ap/Events/Register/AnFAXR2iVCdCN

05/28/2026

Congratulations to Missouri’s 2026 Bronze National Quality Award recipients! 🎉

These outstanding long-term care providers are being recognized by AHCA/NCAL for their commitment to quality and continuous improvement, a meaningful milestone in strengthening care, enhancing outcomes, and improving the lives of residents every day.

Please join us in celebrating Missouri’s 2026 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award recipients:

• Aegis Health and Rehabilitation – Wildwood
• Gingerbread House, LLC – Rolla
• Ignite Medical Resort Blue Springs – Blue Springs
• Jackson Manor Nursing Home – Jackson
• Lee’s Summit Place – Lee’s Summit
• Life Care Center of Brookfield – Brookfield
• Life Care Center of Sullivan – Sullivan
• Medicalodges Butler – Butler
• Medicalodges Neosho – Neosho
• Osage Beach Rehabilitation & Health Care – Osage Beach
• St. Joseph Chateau – St. Joseph
• Westwood Hills Health Care – Poplar Bluff

Thank you for your dedication to excellence and for continuously investing in quality care for Missouri residents, families, and staff. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with you!

Learn more about the award: https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Announces-2026-Bronze-National-Quality-Award-Recipients.aspx

05/27/2026

📰 What story would your facility make headlines for?

MHCA’s 2026 Facility Involvement Contest is your chance to showcase the moments that made your community shine in 2025!

From resident milestones and meaningful memories to staff achievements, special events, and awards — bring your story to life through a creative, one-page “newspaper” that captures the heart of your facility.

✨ Open to all MHCA member facilities
🗞️ Create a one-page (11" x 17") newspaper-style layout
📸 Include photos, stories, and standout moments from 2025
📅 Submit electronically by Friday, Aug. 7

Learn more + enter today at https://www.mohealthcare.com/facility-involvement-contest/

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Across long-term care communities, we know many residents, families, and team members carry stories of service, sacrifice, and remembrance. Today, we pause to reflect, remember, and express our gratitude for those who gave everything for our country.

From all of us at MHCA, we wish you a meaningful Memorial Day.