Summersville Line Dance Workout resumes more

A new health humanities essay from the University of Missouri highlights how the narrative of many news stories detailing the challenges of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic often emphasized individual experiences. However, many of these news stories often left out broader public health, socioeconomic and environmental contexts critical to how consumers of news shape their thoughts about the pandemic and how to respond. more

As we begin our annual move toward fall and more normal routines of work, school and family, it can be a great time to make sure that all of us are up to date with our recommended cancer screening tests. more

The Howell County Health Department will host a free drive-thru flu vaccine clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6 at its main location, 180 S. Kentucky Ave. in West Plains. more

A free walking class will be offered by University of Missouri-Howell County Extension Nutrition and Health Education Specialist Stephanie Johnson three days a week from Oct. 11 through Nov. 17. more

The Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors are invited to join the party.  more

Officials with the American Red Cross announce the organization is experiencing a national blood shortage. more

The Howell County Suicide Prevention Network will host A Talk to Remember: Light a Flame for Suicide Prevention from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at the West Plains Civic Center. more

Ozarks Healthcare officials announced today that the 64-year old healthcare organization has reduced its workforce by about 130 “full-time equivalent positions due to inflation.” more

The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation announces its third annual Fall Mum Sale, described by officials as “a vibrant and colorful fundraising event” aimed at supporting Ozarks Healthcare’s Endowment Fund. more

Open enrollment for Medicare health and drug plans begins on Oct. 15.   more

The John J. Pershing Veterans Affairs Medical Center will offer veterans several opportunities to get no-cost influenza vaccinations during September and October.  more

Brucellosis is a disease, caused by the members of bacterial Brucella family, that mainly infects cattle, goats and sheep, leading to pregnancy loss, which has caused billions of dollars in economic losses for livestock producers worldwide. The disease can also jump from animals to humans, mainly through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or inhaling the spores from the tissues of infected animals. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital board of trustees recently approved the appointment of Cheryl Maley, a registered nurse from Houston, as the new Home Health of the Ozarks and Hospice of Care director. Centers for Medicare Services requires board approval for home health and hospice agency director positions.  more

Ozarka College officials in Melbourne, Ark., announce its 2023 class of practical nursing students achieved an overall first-time pass rate of 96.1% on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX. The exam is required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in the state of Arkansas. more

Two companies in Missouri have issued recalls of meat products due to possible contamination, officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) on Saturday. more

Work-related stress can severely harm someone’s mental health and, without proper support, lead some to turn to substance abuse and even suicide. more

Rural Missourians often face more disparities in health outcomes than their urban and suburban counterparts, in part from challenges accessing health care — a problem amplified in recent years by a growing physician shortage. But a new study at the University of Missouri found that health and health care organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food and mental health support, as they recognize these services contribute to a person’s overall health. more

As students and teachers head back to school, Ozarks Healthcare is reminding busy families of its range of specialized services designed to ensure a healthy and happy school year. more

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of vehicular, heat-related illnesses and deaths for children, point out officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7. more