Special Thanks to This Month's Newsletter Sponsor, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services!

Transportation is fundamental to public health. Without affordable, reliable access to transportation, people may be unable to attend health care appointments or receive necessary medication and preventive treatments. When transportation is not an option, many people will delay health care until a crisis occurs, leaving them at the mercy of emergency department staffing and resources.

In rural areas, both transportation and emergency services are severely lacking, sometimes creating a fatal impact. In Kaiser Health News’ emotional podcast series Where It Hurts, Sarah Jane Tribble interviews rural residents about the closure of a critical access hospital and its devastating effect on the community.

In one interview, a woman describes a seemingly unending night, chasing the ambulance carrying her husband to the hospital, only to realize the emergency room was closed. She waited for hours relying on helicopters to transport her husband to the next closest emergency room, only to eventually be told none were available, without being given a reason why.

To fill transportation gaps in rural Missouri, the Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA) hopes to help community champions expand their understanding of access barriers and create sustainable transportation solutions. MRHA partnered with Missouri University (MU) Extension and School of Medicine’s Office of Health, Outreach, Policy, and Education (HOPE) to deliver the Mobility Management Certification Program. This program uses participants’ lived experience and understanding of transportation in their communities to develop a tangible action plan to bridge transportation gaps across multiple networks.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $866,664 with 25% funded by HRSA/HHS and $649,998 amount and 75% funded by nongovernment source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government. 

It's Global Pro Bono week! The annual event celebrates skill-based volunteering to make a positive difference in our local communities and around the world. Every year, thousands of people volunteer their professional expertise in marketing, legal services, HR, strategy and IT to support nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and more. Taproot Foundation, one of the founders of Pro Bono Week, has organized thousands of pro bono project for nonprofits around #GivingTuesday since its inception. For #GivingEveryTuesday, think about some ways you can use your skills for good!

Here are some ideas:

- Are you an artist? Use your skills for good! In Argentina for #GivingTuesday, Juani, age 11, painted this mural wall to show the sign language alphabet and create more inclusivity.

- Are you an engineer? Can help build a solar powered community fridge for your neighborhood? (Inspiration)

- Handy with tools? Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and build a home for someone

- Are you a lawyer? Volunteer with your local legal aid society or be an advocate for a foster child or immigrant.

- Are you a graphic designer or a writer? Help a nonprofit develop a fundraising campaign or a build awareness for their mission

- Help a nonprofit get ready for Giving Tuesday! Whether you're in marketing, advertising, creative services, web design, there's an opportunity for you to help - check out Taproot to find opportunities specifically for #GivingTuesday.

Giving Tuesday is coming! November 30 is coming up fast! Start thinking about how you'd like to activate on Giving Tuesday.

MRHA and Partners Offer Free Rides to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments in 12 Rural Missouri Counties!

Special thanks to Bates County Transport, New Growth Women's Business Center, Own My Own, Inc., and West Central Missouri Community Action Agency.

November is National Diabetes Month!

Prediabetes is a serious health condition that puts you at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes affects more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults - thats 88 million people - but most people don't know they have it.

The good news is that by making healthy lifestyle changes it is possible to manage or reverse prediabetes and prevent it from turning into type 2 diabetes.

Program Offers Relief and Respite for Dementia Caregivers

This free program is offered in partnership with Memory Care Home Solutions, Alzheimer's Association and Missouri Rural Health Association.

Caregivers receive reimbursement for up to $700 for respite services, like:

• Assessment and care coordination
• Adult day care
• In-home care
• Nutritional supplements
• Safety and supportive programs
• Education and counseling programs

Eligibility requirements for Caregiver Relief Program:

• Individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia must reside in Missouri and live at home with the primary caregiver. Persons residing in long-term care communities are ineligible.
• Participants must start using funds within 45 days of enrollment. Funds are capped at $700, are contingent upon availability and distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Call the Alzheimer's Association for a free Care Consultation, 800.272.3900.

November Is National Family

Caregivers Month

Caregivers for Alzheimer's and dementia face special challenges.

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia often involves a team of people. Whether you provide daily caregiving, participate in decision making, or simply care about a person with the disease — there are resources to help.

Five tips to help you cope

1. Manage your level of stress. Stress can cause physical problems (blurred vision, stomach irritation, high blood pressure) and changes in behavior (irritability, lack of concentration, change in appetite). Note your symptoms and discuss with a doctor, as needed. Try to find relaxation techniques that work for you.
2. Be realistic. The care you give does make a difference, but many behaviors can't be controlled. Grieve the losses, focus on positive times as they arise, and enjoy good memories.
3. Know you're doing your best. Remember that the care you provide makes a difference and that you are doing the best you can. You may feel guilty because you can’t do more, but individual care needs change as Alzheimer’s progresses. You can’t promise how care will be delivered, but you can make sure that the person with the disease is well cared for and safe. For support and encouragement, join ALZConnected, our online caregiver community.
4. Take a break. It's normal to need a break from caregiving duties. No one can do it all by themselves. Look into respite care to allow time to take care of yourself.
5. Accept changes as they occur. People with Alzheimer’s disease change over time and so do their needs. They may require care beyond what you can provide on your own. Becoming aware of community resources and care options — from home care services to residential care — can make the transition easier. So will the support and assistance of those around you.

EPA Technical Assistance for Small Public Water Systems

Apply by December 3

HRSA Physician Assistant Rural Training Program

Apply by December 9

HRSA Primary Care HIV Prevention in Health Centers 

Apply by December 14

Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program 

Apply by December 20

Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Implementation

Apply by January 13

3RNET Recruitment and Retention Assistance

Ongoing