HCC Provides Food Stamps and Medicaid Application Assistance

Shelly Harden, Community Health Worker, can help individuals with applications for food stamps, MO HealthNet (Medicaid), and other programs under the Family Support Division. She also assists individuals with appeals if they are rejected. To avoid cases from closing, individuals are encouraged to return their re-investigation forms.


For more information, contact Shelly Harden at 660.259.2440.
Complete and Return MO HealthNet Medicaid Eligibility Review Form or Lose Benefits
The Family Support Division (FSD) is required to complete an annual review of MO HealthNet (Medicaid) eligibility. In order to determine continued eligibility, FSD sends MO HealthNet Eligibility Review Information forms, also called re-investigation forms, to Medicaid recipients to fill out. Recipients must complete and return the form or risk losing state-funded health insurance. HCC provides assistance completing and submitting MO HealthNet Eligibility Forms. For assistance, contact Iva Eggert at 816.263.2803, or Shelly Harden at 660.259.2440.

Historic Loss of Medicaid and CHIP for Missouri's Kids

Missouri has the highest percentage decline of child Medicaid and CHIP enrollment.  

Missouri children rely on Medicaid and CHIP for health insurance. Medicaid and CHIP coverage is beneficial to children’s health and has positive economic impacts. Healthy kids are more likely to graduate from high school and find the kind of jobs that contribute to the economy. Recently, Missouri has seen a significant drop in child enrollment in Medicaid. 56,716 children lost coverage from January to December 2018. For more information, visit this  link
Save the Date!
Odessa Project Connect
Friday, July 19, 2019 - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Odessa High School

Volunteers and service providers are needed! Contact Chris Carney at 660.259.2440 for details.
As Spring Rains Arrive, So Do the Risks Associated with Flood Water, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Warns

Precautions should be taken by all who work near floodwater to avoid exposure

As many northwest Missouri communities face rivers and creeks at or above flood stage, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) reminds Missourians of the serious health and safety risks posed by floodwater.

“It is vital that everyone working near floodwaters realizes the risks that exist,” said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director. Just as driving in moving or standing water is dangerous, wading in floodwaters or exposure while recovering from a flood can pose health risks.”

Children should be warned never to play in or near floodwater. Seemingly stable creek and stream banks may suddenly give away, throwing a person into moving water. Powerful currents can sweep people in, resulting in deadly consequences for them and rescuers. Additionally, floodwater may obscure storm drains or culverts.
In addition to drowning, floodwaters pose many risks:

  • Floodwater can contain raw sewage and pose other risks, including infectious diseases, hazardous chemical exposure, and debris that can cause injuries.

  • Direct contact with floodwater can cause skin rashes, an infection of cuts or wounds or stomach illnesses including vomiting and diarrhea.

  • Downed or broken power lines in floodwater pose an electrocution hazard.

  • Sharp objects and debris, such as glass or metal objects, may be lurking in floodwater.

  • Animals, insects, snakes and other reptiles that have been displaced due to flooding may be submerged or hiding in debris in or near floodwaters.

Clothing exposed to floodwater should be removed as soon as possible. Exposed hands, feet and any other skin should be washed with clean soap and water.
After working in or near floodwaters, monitor any cuts, scrapes or wounds for redness, swelling or drainage. Seek prompt medical attention if any of these symptoms develop.

Anyone involved with flood cleanup should have had a booster dose of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine within the past 10 years. Contact your local health department or your primary care physician if you need a Td vaccine. For more information regarding flood safety and recovery, visit this link.

About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at  health.mo.gov  or find them on  Facebook  and  Twitter  @HealthyLivingMo.
Long Periods of Sedentary Behavior May Increase Cardiovascular Risk in Older Women

A new study has found that the longer older women sit or lay down during the course of a day—and the longer the individual periods of uninterrupted sitting—the greater their risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. To read the complete release, visit this link.
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Lafayette County Habitat for Humanity Helps Bring Affordable Housing to the Community

Lafayette County Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.

For more information about the application process, call Mike at 816.263.1729, or email lafcohfh@yahoo.com . To learn more about Lafayette County HFH, visit this link .
Lafayette County Health Department Offers Tobacco Education Classes

New and pregnant moms are invited to attend tobacco education classes at the Lafayette County Health Department located at 547 S. Business Hwy. 13, Lexington, Mo.

Classes are held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 26
Tuesday, April 2
Tuesday, April 9

Individuals who attend two classes will be entered in a drawing for a free car seat ($375 value). Children are welcome!

For more information, call Bre Jensen or Angel Jiovenale at 660.259.4371, ext. 229.
Don't Forget These Health Services and Programs!