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Future healthcare providers experience rural Missouri
A group of 19 students pursuing healthcare careers at Missouri universities spent five days exploring what makes rural communities healthy during the 2026 Rural Immersion Program, a partnership between the University of Missouri School of Medicine’s Rural Scholars Program and University of Missouri Extension.
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Kevin Everett appointed to lead MU Extension Health and Human Sciences unit
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Kevin Everett has been appointed as the new senior director of University of Missouri Extension’s Health and Human Sciences unit, effective July 1.
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MU Extension recommends treating clothing to repel ticks
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists are urging farmers, gardeners, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions against ticks by treating clothing with permethrin, a highly effective repellent that both repels and kills ticks.
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Missouri healthcare: Why access isn’t as simple as it sounds
People across Missouri recognize that healthcare needs to improve. And the first step is understanding what is putting pressure on the system.
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Changing Missouri weather fuels tick populations
Missouri’s changing weather patterns are creating more favorable conditions for ticks, increasing concerns for the agricultural community and anyone who spends time in fields, forests or backyards.
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A strong Missouri workforce starts with health
Missouri’s economy depends on people healthy enough to show up. When illness sidelines workers, communities lose productivity and opportunity. This underscores why it’s important to treat health as an economic issue for the state.
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Missouri’s health challenges reflect larger systems
Missouri’s health gaps aren’t just about clinics and hospitals. Where people live, work and connect shapes access to food, transportation, housing and care. Strengthening these systems can make healthier choices easier and improve health outcomes statewide.
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Alpha-gal syndrome changes how we socialize
The rising number of Missourians diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is changing how individuals and families eat and socialize. Alpha-gal syndrome causes allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal-derived products.
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MU Extension releases new guides to help Missourians manage alpha-gal syndrome
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As cases of alpha-gal syndrome continue to surface across the Show-Me-State, University of Missouri Extension has released five new publications to help individuals and families understand, prevent and manage the condition.
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MU Extension: 'Stop the Bleed' law will benefit ag community
A new Missouri law that went into effect Jan. 1 will benefit the agricultural community. Senate Bill 68, known as the “Stop the Bleed Act,” mandates that all public and charter schools in the state implement protocols for traumatic blood loss and equip their facilities with bleeding control kits.
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Recovery Friendly Workplace Partners with Sober Sidekick of Arkansas
Recovery doesn’t have to be a solo journey and that’s where Sober Sidekick comes in.
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Missouri farmer adjusts to life with alpha-gal syndrome
Life changed dramatically for Ted DeVault of Mexico, Mo., in 2023, when he was diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergic condition triggered by the lone star tick, which is common in Missouri.
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Boone County Family Resources Earns Missouri Recovery Friendly Workplace Designation
On September 23, 2025, the employees of Boone County Family Resources (BCFR) in Columbia, Missouri celebrated their commitment to the health, well-being and recovery needs of employees and clients as they received the Recovery Friendly Workplace designation during an on-site ceremony. BCFR completed several steps to earn the designation.
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MU Extension offers workshops on alpha-gal syndrome
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a series of free educational workshops on alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an allergic condition associated with tick bites. “AGS is more than just a health concern. It’s a growing public issue in Missouri and the Midwest,” says MU Extension nutrition and health specialist Rachel O’Halloran.
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Improving life after cancer
Health care professionals have two upcoming opportunities to deepen their understanding of cancer survivorship: a free webinar series and a statewide symposium featuring a physician who is also a cancer survivor.
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University of Missouri Supervisor Adheres to Recovery Friendly Workplace Principles
Colleges and universities throughout the United States are recognizing the importance of supporting employees in recovery. While many of these employees credit their sobriety to their workplaces, employers have also benefited though increased staff retention, improved productivity, and employee loyalty.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
University of Missouri Extension has information and resources for individuals, families, caregivers and others.
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Purpose Church Becomes First Religious Institution to join RFW Team
Purpose Church, led by pastors Ashley and Josh Harrison, has proudly become the first church in Missouri to receive the Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) designation. Becoming a RFW means an organization will promote employee well-being by supporting substance use recovery and reducing stigma. This milestone reflects their ongoing commitment to the well-being of their congregation and the wider community.
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Moon Yoga becomes first Yoga Studio to Receive RFW Designation
The small, cozy ceremony was short but meaningful, with Allene Gremaud, RFW Program Coordinator and Moon Yoga instructor saying a few words to welcome folks to the studio and say what it means for this studio to become designated. She expressed her gratitude for Moon Yoga offering a welcoming, supportive environment led by Amber. There was a murmur of agreement from attendees.
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Local Motion and Missourians for Responsible Transportation Join RFW Designees
Local Motion and Missourians for Responsible Transportation (MRT), two affiliated nonprofits advocating for safer infrastructure for walking, biking, and transportation for all, joined the Recovery Friendly Workplace Designees.
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Recovery Friendly Workplace-Missouri has new community resources
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Addiction costs Missouri $1.4 million per hour, but a recovery-friendly workplace can increase profits for businesses and foster an employee-focused culture. Enhancements to the Recovery Friendly Workplace-Missouri website provide new resources to help you learn more and do more in your community.
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Immersion program provides students rural medical experience
The Rural Immersion program offers medical students valuable hands-on experience in rural health care, fostering connections with local health professionals.
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Vaccines again? I already got these shots!
Vaccines are safe and effective tools for preventing the spread of diseases that are shared person to person. The American Association of Immunologists reminds us that each August we celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month to let everyone know which vaccines to get and how often. Some shots are given one time in our lives. Others require boosters or extra doses to make sure we stay protected against that disease.
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Diabetes prevention is focus of community health partnership in SW Missouri
A community partnership in southwest Missouri offers classes and support to help residents prevent type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes.
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MU Extension brings Recovery Friendly Workplace model to Nebraska
Missouri’s Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative is working with the Nebraska Safety Council on developing a similar program in Nebraska, said Rural Opioids Technical Assistance Program Director Ann McCauley.