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A special session of the Missouri Legislature to complete the budget may be needed if it is not finalized by Friday at 6 p.m.(luzitanija/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Critical child care funding hangs in balance as Missouri budget nears deadline

Child care advocates are pushing for increased funding as the budget deadline approaches this Friday. Robyn Schelp, director of policy and advocacy …

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)

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 …

The Drug Enforcement Administration reported seizing more than 115,000 pounds of methamphetamine in 2020, marking a 55% surge compared with 2018. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

Uncovering America's methamphetamine history

Missouri may, at one time, have had a reputation as the "meth-lab capital of the country" - but a five-part podcast uncovers its true history…

$During his 17 years in prison, relatives said Brian Dorsey was committed to improving himself and remained infraction-free throughout his long incarceration. (Felipe Caparr�s/Adobe Stock)$

Missouri carries out its first execution of 2024

Missouri went through with its first execution of the year, as Brian Dorsey was put to death last night, just after 6 p.m. CT. The U.S. Supreme …

Nearly three in 10 (27%) dual-eligible Missourians enrolled in D-SNPs in 2021. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

Missourians unaware of dual eligible special needs plans for healthcare savings

Dual Special Needs Plans such as Medicare Advantage in Missouri offer low costs with minimal co-pays and deductibles. In Missouri and across the …

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…

The increase in funding for community health centers also helps alleviate some of the burdens caused by threats to 340B, the low-cost prescription drug program. (1st footage/Adobe Stock)

New funding a boost for community health centers

Community health centers in Missouri and across the nation are getting a boost in funding thanks to Congress' passage of a bipartisan spending package…

The now scrapped House Bill 1708 passed out of the House Rules Committee on Jan. 29. The National Rifle Association describes the bill as

Missouri Dems attempt new legislation following parade shooting

Missouri Democrats have filed legislation which would prompt a vote to return gun possession rules to local governments. The move was prompted by a …

Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, enacted as part of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, provides limited federal immunity to providers and users of interactive computer services. (Aleksei/Adobe Stock)

Social media CEOs apologize to victim families for harm experienced online

A contentious congressional hearing on Wednesday saw a unanimous push for regulations on social media specifically related to children. U.S. Sen…

Uninsured people are more likely to support public health insurance programs, but are less likely to vote than people with health insurance, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. Studies show the trend has contributed to a lack of Medicaid expansion in states that could benefit from it. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Doctors: Voting would improve U.S. health care system

Voting is not only good for democracy, it is also good for your health, according to one of the nation's largest medical associations. The American …

The number of mental health providers rose from 184.2 to 256.8 per 100,000 population between September 2018 and September 2023. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Report: Number of MO mental healthcare professionals jumps nearly 40%

The latest edition of America's Health Rankings report is out - and although Missouri ranked 40th overall, the state is showing improvement in the …

In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, studies have shed light on several other potential health benefits associated with vacationing, including decreased depression, less stress and improved productivity. (Mr. Bolota/Adobe Stock)

Cardiologists suggest heart-healthy holiday travel plans

AAA is projecting a record 7.5 million air passengers will travel over the next two weeks. Cardiologists and the American Heart Association suggested …

The Missouri Rural Health Association reported rural Missouri communities and stakeholders are working together to addressing transportation, recruiting staff and reducing costs for clinical care. (StockRojoVerdeyAzul/Adobe Stock)

Report: Rural Missouri needs more health care attention, investment

About one-third of Missouri is considered rural, and people who live there often have health challenges. The latest research suggested overlooking …

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…

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Panuwat/Adobe Stock)

Fraud takes highest financial, mental-health tolls on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

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 …

The 340B Drug Pricing Program, a part of the 1992 Public Health Service Act, provides outpatient drugs at deep discounts to safety net providers. (Gorodenkoff/Adobe Stock)

Missouri community healthcare centers face 340B uncertainty

While large hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturers battle over drug costs, Missouri community health centers see themselves as collateral damage…

Missouri law allows Medigap enrollees to change Medicare insurance plans at the same coverage level during their anniversary window. (Andrey/Adobe Stock)

Open enrollment means researching your healthcare options

Missourians have plenty of choices when it comes to health insurance coverage - and it's time to gear up for making those decisions. For people on …

While you may feel too busy to de-stress, you can decide to take back your

Simplify Family Schedule to Decrease Stress, Boost Heart Health

As fall classes and after-school activities are in full swing, Missouri families can feel pressure to do it all, but the American Heart Association …

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 …

The process of recertifying enrollment in Medicaid, which generally had been done on an annual basis before the COVID pandemic, was paused during the Public Health Emergency by federal law in early 2020. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Half Those Losing Medicaid in MO are Children

With the pandemic era ending, Medicaid annual renewals are unwinding in Missouri. Eligibility for Medicaid is being verified and more than 54,000 …

Fifteen unarmed civilian protection teams exist in the United States and five more internationally, according to the Shanti Sena Network. (KozyrevaElena/Adobe Stock)

Unarmed, Skilled De-Escalation Teams Prepared for Worst of Times

When Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., needed assistance after threats during her 2020 election campaign, she turned to unarmed civilian protection in Saint …

According to the National Survey on Drug Use conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 16.5% of construction workers reported

Peer Support Helps St. Louis Construction Workers Battling Addiction

Construction workers are more likely to die by suicide or of a drug overdose than workers in almost any other field, and a St. Louis-based peer …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 49% of adults living with a disability experience depression, compared with 15% of the public. (Adobe Stock)

Self-Advocacy Helps MO Residents with Disabilities Live Fuller Lives

Almost one in three in Missouri lives with a disability, which can sometimes make navigating the world a challenge. People First of Missouri has …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls well-child visits

Contentious 2023 MO Legislative Session Saw Wins for Struggling Families

Although Missouri's 2023 legislative session was contentious and resulted in a historically low number of bills being passed, advocates for children …

By federal law, all states provide Medicaid coverage for pregnancy-related services to pregnant women with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level and cover them up to 60 days postpartum, according to KFF. Missouri lawmakers are considering expanding these services to cover a year. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Push for More Postpartum Healthcare Funding

Healthcare advocates in Missouri are urging support for a measure that would expand health care services for new mothers on Medicaid. Senate Bill 45…

In a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, 34% of Black adults reported having had a family member killed by a gun, compared with 17% of white adults. (Adobe Stock)

MO Nonprofit Seeks More 'Nuanced' Coverage of Firearm Injuries, Deaths

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Missouri ranks fourth nationwide in firearm deaths. The nonprofit …

Research suggests without community health centers, 15 million additional patients would be at risk of not having access to primary care. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nearly 2 Million in MO are Medically Disenfranchised

A new report looking at access to primary-care doctors found nearly 2 million Missourians are medically disenfranchised. The report from the …

The Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model ranks Missouri 14th among states for numbers of children who will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18, at 9.1%. West Virginia is the highest, at 12.4%. (Adobe Stock)

MO Expert: We Can Do More to Help Grieving Kids

One in 11 Missouri children, and one in 13 nationally, will lose a parent or sibling by age 18. Childhood grief that is not dealt with can have …

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 …

Research indicates kids of middle-school age are most frequent victims of bullying. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

Preventing Bullying: The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning

October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, and experts are reminding Missourians to be aware of the patterns within bullying. One in …

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that each year, 21 million American adults experience a major depressive episode. (Adobe Stock)

MO Mental Health in Focus for Depression Screening Day

With many people still struggling in the wake of the pandemic, this week's National Depression Screening Day Oct. 6 is a reminder to Missourians to …

Trouble sleeping and insomnia are often overlooked symptoms of anxiety disorders. (Adobe Stock)

Treating Anxiety Not Seen as One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Expanded anxiety screenings could have a long-term positive impact on the health of Missourians, according to mental-health advocates. The U.S…

While child poverty has improved in Missouri, still 23,000 kids live in families with incomes below the poverty line. (Adobe Stock)

Annual Child Well-Being Report Ranks Missouri 27th Among States

Children in Missouri are facing unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression - that's according to the 2022 Kids Count Data Book, released today by …

At least part of every county in Missouri, except one in the Kansas City area, has a doctor shortage, and mental health professionals can be especially hard to find. (loreanto/Adobe Stock)

MO Residency Training Program to Help Relieve Doctor Shortage

Nearly every county in Missouri faces a doctor shortage, and the Ozark Center in Joplin for behavioral health is getting a funding boost to help …

The increase in the flu vaccination rate in the last decade is the highest in United Healthcare's Senior Report history. (cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

Report: MO Older Adults Face Steep Addiction, Mental-Health Challenges

Older Americans are dying from drug overdose or suicide at much higher rates now compared with a decade ago, according to the latest America's Health …

One in four high school seniors in the class of 2022 said they've changed their post-high school plans since the start of the pandemic. (shock/Adobe Stock)

Report Confirms Disparities in Getting Behavioral Health Support

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Women and young people have faced increased behavioral health challenges since before the pandemic, according to a new report…

A new study about how parents talk with their kids about racial violence will focus in part on Missouri, where Black families still deal with the impacts of the police killing of Michael Brown in 2014. (Elvert Barnes/Flickr)

Study to Probe How Black Parents, Kids in MO Discuss Racial Violence

ST. LOUIS -- More than a year after the police killing of George Floyd that sparked nationwide protests, a professor in St. Louis is taking on a …

One in ten Missouri teens didn't graduate high school on time in 2019, down from 19% in 2010 - though last fall, more than 40% of Missourians planning to pursue higher education either cancelled or reduced course loads. (Tom Wang/Adobe Stock)

Report: MO Children, Families to Benefit from Child Tax Credit Expansion

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri is ranked 30th among states for overall child wellbeing in a new report, and advocates for kids and families say the …

Tens of millions of households in the United States spend more than a third of their income on rent, and the pandemic has impacted many Missourians' abilities to keep up. (steheap/Adobe Stock)

Legal-Aid Groups: Know Your Rights When Facing Eviction

ST. LOUIS -- With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium on shaky legal ground and set to expire at the end of June…

More than 400 nurses have died while working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Nurses Share Lessons from Pandemic on International Nurses Day

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- This International Nurses Day, nurses in Missouri are raising concerns about the long-term mental health impacts of the COVID-1…

Community partnerships have found ways to adapt in order to keep caring for children and families throughout the pandemic. (Gargonia/Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Shifts Methods of Caring for Children, Families

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The COVID-19 pandemic has left many Missouri families financially insecure, especially those with children, and it's also …

Missouri could become one of 14 states to take legislative action on media literacy, if lawmakers pass a bill to incorporate it into K-12 education. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Bring Media-Literacy Training to MO Schools

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri lawmaker introduced a bill which would add media literacy training to the public-school curriculum. House Bill 74 …

Mental-health and substance-use advocates in St. Louis are launching a new program to help get behavioral-health resources to community members in crisis. (releon8211/Adobe Stock)

New Partnership to Divert Some St. Louis 911 Calls to Behavioral-Health Experts

ST. LOUIS - A new partnership in St. Louis starting this month will divert some 911 calls to trained behavioral health professionals - if the caller …

At least 15 bills under consideration by the Missouri Legislature target protections for LGBT individuals. (Adobe Stock)

Equality Under Attack? Missouri Considers Anti-LGBT Bills

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Civil rights organizations say bills introduced this session in the Missouri Legislature are part of a larger-scale attack …

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MO: Mental Health