Celebrate GivingTuesday!
Help Your Community with a
Donation to HCC
At the best of times, rural communities face challenges with access to quality affordable housing, health care, broadband, and other services that make up the social safety net.

HCC’s supply warehouse, established in 2015, houses hygiene items, linens, furniture, appliances, and more materials available for those in need. HCC Chief Network Development Officer Suzanne Smith helped establish the warehouse after seeing a similar model in Warrensburg while planning future Project Connect events. The one-day public health events allow adults in the community to receive free health services, as well as access to necessities from the warehouse.

The warehouse is a 7,500 square foot space occupying the parking lot opposite HCC. The organization works with large companies to glean items that would otherwise go to a landfill. “I don’t mean items that are trash,” Smith said. “I mean items like laundry pods, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and items like that.”

The warehouse also collects items that cannot be purchased with food stamps, including deodorant, toilet paper, and women’s hygiene items. HCC works with local schools to ensure they have these items in stock, and schools often return the favor by hosting supply drives to replenish the warehouse. HCC also collects Depends diapers, durable medical equipment such as canes and crutches, mattresses, furniture, and appliances.

“If we don’t have it in our warehouse, we can put out a plea to the community to see if someone might have it and donate it,” Smith said. “Folks in our community are super generous, they trust what we do and believe in what we do. Usually within 24 hours, we have it or folks will willingly donate the money so we can get it.”

Give Back in Lexington
Whether it be a financial donation, volunteer hours, or items for those in need, there are plenty of ways Lexington residents can give back to their community. HCC is always accepting donations and has opportunities for volunteers to help pick up, log, and sort warehouse items.

HCC is also looking for volunteers for their annual Project Connect events. Volunteers guide adults in the community through the one-day public health events, helping them learn about resources and services available in their community.

Community organizations can hold a drive for warehouse items, take a tour of the warehouse, or request an HCC staff member to speak to your organization. 

To learn more about the warehouse, make a donation, volunteer, or become an HCC member, contact Suzanne Smith at 660.214.2852 or by emailing Suzanne.smith@hccnetwork.org.
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community.
COVID-19 Booster Shots Are Now Available for All Individuals Age
18 and Older
Thinking about getting a booster shot? Here’s what you need to know:
Everyone age 18 and older can receive a booster shot. If you received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you can get a booster at least 6 months after completing your initial vaccination series.

Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine can receive a booster shot at least 2 months after their initial vaccination.

Individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Consult your doctor or health care provider if you are not sure. Expert recommendations now allow for mix and match dosing for booster shots.

To schedule a booster shot close to home, call CVS in Lexington at 660.259.2258 or visit https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/find/#map/.
Navigating Dementia Caregiving
During the Holiday Season and
COVID-19 Pandemic
The holidays are often filled with sharing, laughter and memories. But they can also bring stress, disappointment, sadness — and due to the COVID-19 pandemic — heightened risk for spreading the virus, especially for older adults who tend to have underlying health conditions. A person living with Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays because of the changes he or she has experienced. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed by maintaining traditions while providing care and adhering to safety precautions.

The safest option is to avoid in-person holiday gatherings with people outside of your household, as there are other ways to stay socially connected. A holiday is still a holiday no matter where it is celebrated. Below are tips and ideas for safely engaging with family and friends during the holidays. 

  1. Get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
  2. Adjust expectations.
  3. Celebrate while physical distancing.
  4. Connect through technology.
  5. Take extra precautions for in-person gatherings.
  6. Familiarize others with the situation.
  7. Involve the person with dementia.
  8. Adapt gift giving. 
HIV PREVENTION
Using HIV Medication to Reduce Risk
What is PrEP?
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is an HIV prevention method in which people who don’t have HIV take HIV medicine to reduce their risk of getting HIV if they are exposed to the virus. PrEP can stop HIV from taking hold and spreading throughout your body. Currently, there are only two FDA-approved daily oral medications for PrEP.

PrEP is prescribed to HIV-negative adults and adolescents who are at high risk for getting HIV through sex or injection drug use.

Why Take PrEP?
PrEP is highly effective when taken as indicated.

The once-daily pill reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70%.

Your risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods.

Is PrEP Safe?
PrEP is safe. No significant health effects have been seen in people who are HIV-negative and have taken PrEP for up to 5 years.

Some people taking PrEP may have side effects, like nausea, but these side effects are usually not serious and go away over time. If you are taking PrEP, tell your health care provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

And be aware: PrEP protects you against HIV but not against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other types of infections. Combining PrEP with condoms will reduce your risk of getting other STIs. 
You May Now Be Eligible of Missouri's Expanded Medicaid Program
For help determining eligibility and enrolling in Missouri Medicaid, contact Shelly Harden at 660.214.2869. 
Upcoming Webinars
Diabetes Management and Prevention Programs

Dec. 1, 2021

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