From our friends at MoDOT:
Peek behind the plow
You’ve probably seen MoDOT’s yellow snow plows out clearing the roads during the recent snowstorms, but do you know what goes on behind the scenes to get those trucks ready to roll?
When Mother Nature is at her worst, MoDOT responds with its best. We’ve created a video to show you the planning, the performance and the people who keep our roadways clear.
You can see it here or by clicking the image above. ... See MoreSee Less
Missouri DHSS and partners continue planning and preparing for novel coronavirus
No confirmed cases in Missouri to date
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments to respond to the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak and assure the health and well-being of Missourians as residents return from China.
“We have been working to ensure our state is educated and prepared and is adhering to all of the latest guidance from our federal partners,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of DHSS. “As travelers return to Missouri, we have partnered with them and local public health agencies on monitoring efforts to ensure their safety and the safety of their families and communities.”
The federal government is recommending self-monitoring with public health supervision for all travelers returning from mainland China (excluding Hubei Province) who have been screened at one of 11 airports and found to have no symptoms. Local public health agencies are mobilizing across the state to educate returning travelers about how to isolate and check for symptoms twice per day. Daily reports from the travelers to local and state public health help ensure the health of travelers and their communities.
Currently, the federal government is requiring that:
· All travelers to the United States who have been in China in the past 14 days are being routed to 11 airports, none of which are in Missouri. There they are screened for travel history and symptoms.
· Travelers who have returned from Hubei province in China where the outbreak is centered are quarantined by the federal government for 14 days at one of the 11 airports.
· Travelers from China (excluding Hubei Province) without symptoms will be allowed to continue to their final destination. These travelers will self-monitor with public health supervision. If any of those travelers develop symptoms of respiratory illness, they will undergo epidemiological and clinical evaluation, in collaboration with health care providers, to rule out infection with novel coronavirus.
Missouri businesses and employers are urged to review the latest interim guidance provided by the CDC, which also underscores the importance of collaboration with public health authorities. The guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including nCoV, in non-health care settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of 2019-nCoV.
The risk to the general public in Missouri, especially without history of travel to China, is still considered very low at this time. Remember that the steps to take to prevent the spread of flu and the common cold could also help prevent the spread of other respiratory viruses like 2019-nCoV:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
· Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
· Stay home when you are ill.
“As we learn more about the 2019 novel coronavirus, we find there is good and bad news,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, Missouri’s State Epidemiologist. “The good news is that this novel infection does not seem to have as high of a case fatality rate as other coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS. What is discouraging is that this virus is showing the ability to spread as easily as the flu, which means there is a likelihood of many more people becoming infected in the near future.”
Those with questions or concerns related to 2019-nCoV can call 573-751-6113 or email info@health.mo.gov for more information. There are also resources available at health.mo.gov/coronavirus and on the CDC’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus. ... See MoreSee Less
The Elks Mobile Dental Unit will be located at the Macon Elks Lodge #999, 212 North Rollins Street, Macon, MO 63552 Monday, February 3, through Thursday, February 20. Some individuals may qualify for the free dental care offered. Patient eligibility is children and adults who have developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities as identified by the Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities, and individuals in extreme financial distress, who have found it impossible to receive dental care anywhere else.
These individuals should be given a letter of referral from the Lodge. Go online to www.lakewoodhospitalkc.org/services/dental. For questions, call 816/404-6904. ... See MoreSee Less
State seeks organizations to provide nutritious meals to children during summer months
Federally-funded program helps fight childhood hunger
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is looking for organizations throughout the state to help feed thousands of children who would otherwise go without meals during the summer months when school is not in session.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) reimburses organizations for meals they serve to children under the age of 18 who are at risk of not having enough to eat during the summer months. The program is one of the ways Missouri is working to fight childhood hunger. During the school year, nearly half of the children in Missouri qualify for, and receive, a free or reduced-price school breakfast and/or lunch. Organizations that choose to sponsor the SFSP will help ensure that children in needy areas of the state continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.
“Preventing food insecurity in children is an important step in improving the health of Missourians,” said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director. “Without the assistance of organizations across the state, many of Missouri’s children would go hungry during the summer months.”
Organizations eligible to participate in the program as sponsors include schools, faith-based organizations, camps, private nonprofit agencies, and local government entities. The sites are required to be located in areas where at least half of the children are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals.
The federally-funded program is administered by DHSS. The department will accept applications from organizations March 1 through May 15 to participate in the program. Organizations interested in serving nutritious meals to children through the summer are requested to apply. Training in the requirements for the program will be provided.
More information about the Summer Food Service Program is available online at www.health.mo.gov/sfsp or by telephone at 888-435-1464 (toll-free). Hearing-and speech- impaired citizens can dial 711. Potential sponsors may also write to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Summer Food Service Program, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination
Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at:
www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. ... See MoreSee Less
From our friends at MoDOT:
Call the right play - plan ahead for Super Bowl weekend
For the first time in 50 years, Missouri’s Kansas City Chiefs are in the Super Bowl!
If you’re planning on having a party or going to one, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants you to have a plan for a sober ride home for you or your guests.
If you’re going to a party, designate a sober driver or call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you.
If you’re hosting a party, don’t allow your guests to drive if they’ve had too much liquid celebration. Take their keys, help them make safe travel arrangements or bring out an extra blanket for the couch. Consider serving non-alcoholic beverages and stop serving alcohol after halftime. The safety of your guests is your responsibility.
Watch videos - KC Chiefs mascot K.C. Wolf knows to BUPD and Bad decisions ... See MoreSee Less
