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Experts believe increasing access to healthy food is not just about nutrition, it is about addressing disparities and improving overall health outcomes. (ARTFULLY-79/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 29, 2024

Breaking barriers for health equity with nutritional strategies

Missouri residents are gaining new insights into the powerful role of food in health care as experts and organizations advocate for a shift toward foo…

Rep. Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, the House Democratic floor leader, called Missouri politicians

Missouri's Medicaid block: denying patients choice in trusted providers

The Missouri Legislature has approved a law to stop its Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet, from paying Planned Parenthood for medical services …

Operation Food Search distributes $30 million worth of food and necessities each year to 330 community partners in 40 Missouri and Illinois counties. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

MO summit tackles rising child food insecurity as benefits expire

As COVID-era benefits near expiration, a recent Child Wellness Summit brought together nonprofits to tackle urgent child well-being and food-…

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Missourians anxious over future birth control access

Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…

Missouri's Senate Bill 1314, similar to House Bill 2365, prohibits funds from being expended by any state department for interdepartmental programs, staffing or other initiatives associated with

New report reveals high economic risk of anti-DEI laws in Missouri

A new report finds some Missouri laws and prospective laws are perceived as discriminatory regardless of their actual intent - and it outlines some bi…

A 2017 report in the New England Journal of Medicine found, among participants with coronary artery disease, fluctuation in body weight was associated with higher mortality and a higher rate of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Post-holiday 'yo-yo' diets: risk factors for heart health

The holiday season is filled with recipes passed down from years before, and feasting with family and friends. But think again before you have …

The Farm Credit System is cumulatively the largest lender to the agricultural sector, making about 45% of all agricultural loans, with $350 billion in assets. (DiedovStock/Adobe Stock)

Report: Farm Credit System needs an update

A new report calls for greater accountability in the system that provides funding to farmers in underserved communities. The research takes a dive …

The 17th annual 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list includes a diverse group of organizations, representing 22 industries. The companies offer an average of $14,831 in financial reimbursement for adoption costs and an average of nine weeks paid leave. (Olesya Shelomova/Adobe Stock)

As National Adoption Month ends, MO families head into new future

Many parents complete their families through adoption, and November has been the month to encourage awareness, recognize those still waiting to be …

Last year, Kansas voters overwhelmingly rejected efforts to eliminate the right to abortion under the state Constitution. Missouri's total abortion ban went into effect in June 2022. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

KS ruling broadens access to abortion, reproductive healthcare

A Kansas state court judge has blocked several abortion-related restrictions, in a decision which is bound to have an effect in neighboring Missouri…

Stroke is ranked as the second leading cause of death worldwide, with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million people. (Irina Strelnikova/Adobe Stock)

For World Stroke Day, learn how to spot a stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke - so learning how to spot one can be vital in saving your own life or someone else's…

At the federal level, hate crime laws include crimes committed on the basis of the victim's perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. (Argus/Adobe Stock)

Kansas City reassures residents after MO spike in religion-based hate crimes

Some Missourians fear an increase in hate crimes in the wake of a six-year-old's murder in Illinois this week - an incident authorities say was motiva…

Obesity researchers in Missouri have been working on a five-year study of childhood obesity in lower-income families, led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. (Adobe Stock)

MO parents urged to 'lead by example' for kids' heart health

Heart disease takes more than 15,000 lives in Missouri every year, making it the number one cause of death in the state. This is the time of year …

Proponents of regular dental care cite the case of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver of Maryland, who died of a toothache in February 2007. (Anna Kosolapova/Adobe Stock)

Greater access to dental care through MO HealthNet

More Missourians should be able to get routine dental care, with a recent change in the way providers are paid by the state. MO HealthNet is paying …

Many of Missouri's working parents have limited and often unaffordable access to quality child care, resulting in

MO loses $1.35 billion annually due to child care issues

Among Missouri parents surveyed, 30% reported they have limited their working hours or stopped altogether because of unreliable child care. The …

The Right Time initiative conducted an online survey of 1,000 Missouri residents between April 27 and May 3. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Is Birth Control Legal? Many Missourians Unsure

One in four Missourians either doesn't believe or doesn't know that using birth control pills is legal in the state. The Right Time, an initiative …

According to Salary.com, Missouri child care workers typically earn between $32,581 and $41,250 annually. (lordn/Adobe Stock)

MO Child Care Experts Elaborate on Issues in 2023 Kids Count Report

The resounding theme of the 2023 Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book is child care shortages and unaffordability. In Missouri, the …

More than 25% of Missourians will be older than 60 by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

HCBS Cuts Threaten Services for Aging Population in Missouri

November is National Family Caregivers Month, which focuses attention on the unpaid care work of family members. The care provided by families …

The administration's crackdown on asylum rules is certain to be challenged in the courts. (Pixelrain/AdobeStock)

Immigrants' Rights Groups Slam Asylum Rules Taking Effect Today

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Immigration rights groups, including the ACLU, are vowing to sue to stop the administration's new asylum rules, which …

Missouri increased its number of foster-care children living with a relative or close family friend by 10% over the most recent 10-year reporting period, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (adoptuskids.org)

Report: Missouri Foster Kids Flourish in Families

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Despite a nationwide increase in the number of kids in foster care, Missouri has made inroads in placing more kids who …

Each month more than 5,000 Missourians take academic classes in Department of Corrections facilities. (doc.mo.gov)

Life After Prison: Missouri Confab Focus

UPDATE: On Wednesday, 11/14, President Donald Trump indicated support for a prison reform bill observers believe has a chance for bipartisan …

The 2018 Kids Count Data Book is moving from hard copy to online and through a new app. (Pixabay)

Mo. Kids Count to Launch Well-Being Data App

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri's annual snapshot detailing how children are doing in health, economic stability, education and several other …

Whether you take your child to a hospital emergency room or an urgent care center, it's best to make sure it is staffed by board-certified pediatricians and pediatric nurse practitioners. (Pixabay)

When to Go: Emergency Rooms vs. Urgent Care

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – 'Tis the season for frequent visits to the emergency rooms – but should you go to an urgent care center instead? …

More than 100,000 Missouri children live in immigrant families. (26057/Pixabay)

Minority, Immigrant Families Face Largest Childhood Obstacles in MO

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The biggest barriers to success for Missouri's children are in the paths of black and Hispanic populations, and children …

Monique Willis with son Alonzo Thomas IV, who was killed on Apr. 5, 2014. (Monique Willis)

Vigil Draws Attention to Skyrocketing KC Murder Rate

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City has recorded nearly 90 murders in 2017 - an increase of more than 50 percent over this time a year ago. With the …

Parents often get their children's' diagnosis at one location, then visit a multitude of specialists to seek treatment options. (Herney G�mez/Pixabay)

KC Hospital Becomes Treatment Hub for Emerging Childhood Disease

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A relatively common but under-diagnosed childhood disease is getting special attention at a unique clinic in Kansas City…

After her son's death in 2013, Michelle Metje co-founded Corey's Network to provide supports for families of murder victims in the Kansas City metro area. (Corey's Network)

As MO Homicide Rate Rises, Victim's Mom Helps Grieving Families

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Michelle Metje had been a social worker for 25 years, but it wasn't until her son was murdered in 2013 that she discovered …

When someone develops dementia, gets in an accident or struggles with a disability, the role of caregiver often falls to a family member. (Gaertringen/Pixabay)

Missouri Ranks Among Nation's Worst in Supporting Family Caregivers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Forty-seventh. That's where Missouri ranks nationwide in providing assistance to family caregivers. The finding appears in …

New Annie E. Casey Foundation statistics rank Missouri 28th among states for providing resources to benefit children and families. (Annie E. Casey Foundation)

Missouri Gets Mixed Grades for Child Well-Being

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An annual report on child well-being ranks Missouri 25th in the nation for providing children vital supports. The Annie E…

Missouri ranks among the top ten states with the highest percentage of food insecure households. (Jacqueline Sosa/Pixabay)

Fewer Missouri Children Expected to Go Hungry This Summer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Breaking the cycle of poverty is more difficult when kids go hungry, and that's especially true after school lets out for the …

More than 30 percent of the Missourians who are considered food insecure are children. (Juan Esteban Zapata)

Report: Nearly 1 Million Missourians are Food Insecure

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Nearly a million people are food insecure in Missouri, meaning they don't always have enough food or access to food to meet …

There's both good and bad news in the latest Missouri Kids Count survey. (Virginia Carter)

More Focus on Missouri's Children Urged

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – There's a growing number of children in Missouri who live in high poverty areas, are homeless or lack health insurance…

Sally Terranova and her son Colin rely on Medicaid to deal with his type 1 diabetes. (S. Terranova)

Medicaid Cuts Would Hit Children and Seniors

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Legislation being heard in the Missouri Senate this week would change the financing structure of the Medicaid program…

Hunger is especially prevalent in African-American households, with more than 1 in 5 in Missouri considered food insecure. (bread.org)

MO African-Americans Face Higher Food Insecurity

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Anti-poverty advocates this month during African American History Month are shining the spotlight on hunger issues faced …

Once a child is diagnosed with diabetes, there are a lot of lessons to be learned about keeping their blood-sugar levels in check. (Children's Mercy)

Children's Mercy Hospital Launches Innovative Diabetes Program

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A new program has been launched in the region that lets children who have been newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes avoid a …

Low-wage workers say Donald Trump's selection for U.S. Labor Secretary makes more in a day than they do all year. (standupkc.org)

MO Low-Wage Workers Protest Trump's Pick for Labor Secretary

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Low-wage workers in Kansas City and across the country are staging protests in opposition to President-elect Donald Trump's …

Family game night or baking cookies are suggestions for keeping bored kids busy while they're home from school for the holidays. (V. Carter)

Holiday Time Means Quality Time

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – By now, kids across Missouri may be going a little stir-crazy from the holiday break - and parents may be counting the …

A new report says families' health needs are threatened by promises to repeal the Affordable Care Act. (cdc.gov)

Thousands to Lose Health Coverage if Affordable Care Act is Repealed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A new report shows that a plan to partially repeal the Affordable Care Act could reverse progress made in improving access to …

Kids love toys, but parents and consumer watchdog groups don't love that some toys can collect online data about them. (Brad Robinson)

Toys that Spy on Kids? It's Real

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A new report from a consumer watchdog group has some tips for holiday shoppers who want to avoid toys that collect …

There are lots of ways to give to the thousands of children who are in the hospital during the holidays. (Children's Mercy)

Making Holidays Special for Ill Children

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – It isn't something people like to think about this time of year, but thousands of children are in the hospital during the …

Country singer Jimmy Wayne was taken in as a foster child at 16 and says it changed his life. (Jimmy Wayne)

A Plea for More Foster Parents

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Country singer Jimmy Wayne has a message he's sharing across the country – thousands of children need help…

A new report says many toys recalled because of safety issues are still for sale online. (cdc.gov)

Report: Dangerous Toys Lurking Online

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – As Missouri parents and caregivers tackle their holiday shopping lists, a new report is reminding them to keep toy …

A lot of people will be gathered around the dinner table this holiday season, and political discussions could lead to animosity. (cdc.gov)

Politics May Not Work at Holiday Parties

"We respectfully agree to disagree" may be the mantra heard at office parties, family events and faith-based celebrations across the country this …

Advocates want to make sure hunger and poverty are top priorities of the new Trump Administration. (usda)

Hungry Missourians Need Trump's Help, Advocates Say

JEFFERSON CITY, MO. – One in six households in Missouri struggles to put food on the table every day, and 1 in 5 children is hungry on a …

A new report shows 94 Missouri's children now have health insurance, up about 1.5 percent from 2013. (cdc.gov)

Missouri Slightly Behind on Child Health Care Coverage, Report Shows

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The United States has reached a milestone when it comes to making sure that all children have health insurance, according …

Missouri made changes in the juvenile justice system three decades ago that are being hailed as a model for other states. (aecf.org)

Report: Missouri on Right Track for Juvenile Justice

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri stands out for its work in turning young lives around, according to a new report on youth prisons. The Annie E…

One topic that was missing from the last presidential debate: children. Advocates hope the topic will be addressed Sunday night. (Christine Fletcher)

Advocates: Children's Voices Not Being Heard in Campaigns

ST. LOUIS – Advocates for families say the presidential candidates, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, need to talk about …

Children in rural areas are more likely to stay there, start businesses and raise families if they're given a voice in the future of their communities, a coalition of more than 500 organizations maintains. (Unsplash/Pixabay)

Giving Rural Youth Reasons to Stay, Thrive in Smalltown America

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A nationwide movement aimed at improving the quality of life in rural America, including Missouri, says it's now focused …

Many Missouri teens and their families can't afford court fines and fees. And that often leads to more problems. (courts.mo.gov)

Young People in Missouri Facing Debtors' Prison

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – When a young person is unable to pay court-related costs, he or she can face what's known as "debtors' prison," a …

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MO: Family/Father Issues