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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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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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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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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
University of Missouri Extension has information and resources for individuals, families, caregivers and others.
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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.
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Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Feb. 26 to March 3
Raise awareness and support for people with eating disorders during Feb. 26–March 3.
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Adult high school becomes a Recovery Friendly Workplace
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries Excel Center in Columbia is the first school in Missouri to become a Recovery Friendly Workplace. This designation recognizes employers that promote workplace cultures that reduce stigma and provide recovery resources to address the challenges surrounding substance use disorders.
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Harm reduction advice for safer holidays
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Use of legal and illegal substances sometimes increases during the holidays. It might be extra celebratory cocktails with friends or self-medication to deal with depression or stress. While there is no safe way to use any substance, health experts have developed an approach to help people engage with substances in safer ways, said Michelle McDowell, senior coordinator for University of Missouri Extension Community…
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Our Community, Our Health: learning from local voices
BENTON, Mo. – Maude Harris really wants to know what people in Scott County think about the COVID-19 vaccine and other community health measures.
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Recovery Friendly Workplace designation: “A good business decision”
Missouri businesses can access free training to support employees in recovery, fostering a supportive workplace culture and addressing workforce shortages.
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September is Suicide Prevention Month
Learn resources and support for suicide prevention in rural communities during National Suicide Prevention Month.
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Survey seeks worker input on recovery friendly workplaces
A statewide survey seeks employee feedback on workplace support for substance use recovery to help design Recovery Friendly Workplaces across Missouri
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A key Missouri asset: MU Extension generated $1.2 billion economic impact in FY21
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension generated an estimated $1.2 billion economic impact throughout Missouri in fiscal year 2021, according to a recent impact analysis. That amount contributed to the University of Missouri System’s overall $6.5 billion economic impact statewide.
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Statewide survey shows that drugs affect 70% of Missouri employers
A statewide survey found that over 70% of Missouri employers face absenteeism, reduced productivity, and accidents due to workplace substance misuse.