Missouri is considering ways to help with the mental health needs of children. Alisa Nelson talks to Department of Mental Health Director Valerie Huhn, who spoke to the Missouri Board of Education about the state of mental health among children ..read more

Mental health problems are on the rise among children and Missouri is discussing ways to meet their growing needs. Missouri Department of Mental Health Director Valerie Huhn told the State Board of Education that in the last three years, the U.S. Surgeon General has issued advisories about the mental health of children, instead of about ..read more

After passing the Missouri House, the Senate has passed legislation that would stop state funding from going to Planned Parenthood or other abortion providers. The House bill was carried in the Senate by Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold. “There have been many efforts over the years to finally defund Planned Parenthood. That effort has been made ..read more

The Missouri Board of Education will hear a presentation on Tuesday about the state of mental health among children. Missouri Department of Mental Health Director Valerie Huhn and State Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven are on tap to present the details. U.S. Surgeon General advisories say nearly one-third of teenagers report using social media almost constantly ..read more

This week, A.T. Still University’s Missouri School of Dentistry is in southeast Missouri to provide dental work to anyone in need. Dr. Herb Silva is leading the “Smiles of Hope” clinic. “There’s a lot of need,” he told Missourinet. “And certainly, there’s a correlation in healthcare, that oral health care, that’s where it all starts ..read more

A pilot project has been announced that plans to improve health outcomes in rural Missouri communities. It’s a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Social Services and the MO HealthNet Division. The Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) project focuses on addressing social care challenges that impact residents’ ability to maintain their health and ..read more

The state Senate has given initial approval to legislation that would create a prescribed pediatric extended-care center license issued by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). The bill from Sen. Rusty Black, R-Chillicothe, focuses on providing specialized care for children with complex medical needs. Currently, children with medical complexities can receive private ..read more

Current Missouri law allows Medicaid payments to cover the cost of hearing aids for eligible low-income children, pregnant women, and visually-impaired people. The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a bill that would expand Medicaid coverage to include hearing aids and cochlear implants for all eligible low-income residents. Rep. Cameron Parker, R-Campbell, is sponsoring the ..read more

A Missouri state senator wants help to be a heartbeat away when a student’s heart stops. Sen. Karla Eslinger, R-Wasola, is sponsoring a bill that would require Missouri schools to develop and use a response plan in the case of a heart emergency or a similar life-threatening matter at school. “It’s just these basic, really ..read more

Missouri’s rate of measles is on the rise. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said measles cases or outbreaks have emerged in several states, including Missouri earlier this year. Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease, especially serious for children under age five and those who are immunocompromised. Parents and guardians are ..read more