Monroe County Health Department

06/12/2026

The fax line and telephones are back in order. Thanks for your patience!

06/11/2026

For Immediate Release:
June 11, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

DHSS urges caution during high heat and humidity as World Cup events begin
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- With high temperatures and humidity levels affecting Missouri and tens of thousands of visitors expected in Kansas City for 2026 FIFA World Cup™ events, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is urging residents and visitors to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. Large outdoor gatherings—including matches, FanFest events, watch parties and celebrations—may place more people at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“Extreme heat mixed with Missouri’s humidity can become dangerous very quickly, especially when people are spending long hours outdoors, and visitors may not be accustomed to Missouri’s climate,” said Sarah Willson, director of DHSS. “Whether you’re working outdoors or enjoying Kansas City’s World Cup festivities, we urge everyone to make heat safety part of their game plan.”

Tips to stay safe during extreme heat:

Drink water consistently throughout the day—even before you feel thirsty. Limit alcohol intake.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Take frequent breaks in airconditioned spaces or shaded areas.
Certain medications can make the effect of heat worse. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking.
Wear SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen, lightweight clothing and a hat.
Never leave children, adults or pets in parked vehicles.
Check on neighbors, relatives and friends who may need help staying cool.
Know the signs of heat illness

Heat Exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, muscle cramps or weakness.
Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency): hot or red skin, confusion, no sweating, or unconsciousness. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke requires immediate medical attention—call 911 and begin cooling the person with cold compresses or a cool bath.
Cooling centers available statewide

DHSS reminds the public that cooling centers across Missouri are available for anyone needing a safe, airconditioned place to cool down. Locations and hours can be found using the DHSS Cooling Centers Map.

More information about staying safe and healthy this summer is available at Health.Mo.Gov/GamePlan.

06/11/2026

The federal poverty levels were recently raised. A family of 4 with a pre-tax (gross) income at or below $61,050 annually qualifies. Participants in SNAP, TA and most MO HealthNet programs are automatically income-eligible for WIC. Call us today to find out more! [660-327-4259].

06/10/2026

Phone service has been re-established, but we do not have fax service. Please bear with us through this inconvenience!

06/10/2026

Weather permitting.....

06/10/2026

We are experiencing difficulties with the phones. If you call and receive voice mail, please leave us a message and we will call you back promptly. Thank you!

06/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1412793050881473&set=pb.100064523746825.-2207520000
CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! If we don't fill the schedule, the van won't come. Call 660/327-4653 x 231 TODAY!

Ladies, the mammogram van is coming on Thursday, July 2. We only have five (5) afternoon appointments left! Call Tammy at 660/327-4653 x 231 today!

06/09/2026

For Immediate Release:
June 9, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

DHSS recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Ribbon-cutting ceremony June 10
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), an event that seeks to unite communities worldwide to raise awareness of elder abuse. In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, bullying and exploitation of some of the state’s most vulnerable individuals - the elderly and adults with disabilities. Last year, DHSS received and investigated 43,208 reports, averaging about 118 per day. That number is on the rise, up from 41,929 last year, though the crimes are vastly underreported.

“As people age, it can become increasingly difficult for them to stay involved and connected to their communities and families. As a result, older people are more likely to experience social isolation, which increases the likelihood of abuse, neglect and exploitation,” said Sarah Willson, director of DHSS.

Elder abuse is widespread. Every year, an estimated 1 in 10 older adults living in our communities experience some form of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. Research shows that older adults with cognitive decline or impairment are at a greater risk of being abused or financially exploited, about 1 in 3 experience abuse.

“This all-too-common mistreatment impacts people of all ages, identities and backgrounds, wherever they call home – in long-term care facilities and in communities – throughout Missouri,” says Willson.

Despite its prevalence, experts believe that elder abuse is significantly underreported, in part because so many communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. Research estimates that for every reported adult abuse or neglect case, 23 go unreported to the authorities.

Together, communities can address the issue of elder abuse and help prevent it by strengthening education and social support and by reducing social isolation.

Anyone who suspects a senior or disabled Missourian is being abused, neglected, bullied or exploited should report to the Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210, which is operational from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m., 365 days a year. Online reporting is also available 24/7 at Health.Mo.Gov/abuse.

This year, the Missouri State Capitol building will be lit purple from sunset on Monday, June 15, to sunrise on Tuesday, June 16, to raise awareness of this public health issue. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple, and communities across Missouri are encouraged to display WEAAD banners, posters, and yard signs along with purple ribbons or pinwheels. To lead these efforts, DHSS invites the public to participate in a Walk for WEAAD with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the community event on Wednesday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Greenway at Wildwood and Edgewood in Jefferson City.

For more information about how to make a difference, visit Health.Mo.Gov/weaad.

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

For Immediate Release:
June 3, 2026

Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Media Inquiry Form

Missouri’s naloxone standing order continues to save lives as access expands and overdose deaths decline
JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) today announced continued progress in the state’s fight against opioid overdoses, highlighting strong utilization of Missouri’s Naloxone Standing Order and encouraging trends showing simultaneous declines in overdose deaths.

According to the Missouri Department of Social Services, annual Medicaid claims for naloxone dispensed through the state standing order exceed 11,000 claims per year, with numbers increasing steadily each year. In 2025 alone, 11,436 Medicaid claims were processed under the standing order—a clear indicator that Missourians are increasingly accessing the lifesaving medication.

“Overdose deaths are decreasing at the same time naloxone utilization is growing. This is one tactic that is truly saving lives,” said Dr. Heidi Miller, chief medical officer with DHSS. “We have to meet people where they are at. If we can save the life, we then have the opportunity to help them find a path toward a long-term recovery.”

The updated 2026 standing order simplifies eligibility criteria, explicitly includes individuals under age 18, and allows pharmacists the option to dispense a larger quantity when clinically appropriate. It also incorporates updated instructions for rescue breathing and reinforces the importance of continued monitoring after naloxone administration, particularly critical given potent emerging opioids such as nitazenes, which may require additional doses.

“Naloxone is effective for all opioids, including newer kratomderived compounds like 7OH and MGM15,” Miller noted, underscoring the importance of broad public access to the medication.

Missourians of all ages are accessing the standing order, with more than 18,000 claims among adults ages 35–54 and over 13,000 claims among adults 55 and older since 2023. Children under 18 accounted for nearly 600 naloxone claims during the same timeframe.

The strong utilization of naloxone complements Missouri’s broader prevention strategy. Overdose deaths across the state have fallen for three consecutive years since 2023, with 2025 seeing a 23% decline in opioid deaths and a 17.4% decline in accidental drug poisonings. These reductions exceed the national rate of decline by roughly 1.5%.

Missourians can access naloxone at pharmacies statewide through the standing order, request free mailorder or pickup naloxone by finding a location at GetMissouriNaloxone.com, and receive training and overdoseresponse information through DHSS and partner organizations.

DHSS encourages all Missourians—families, educators, healthcare providers and community organizations—to keep naloxone on hand and stay informed about overdose prevention.