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Sickness on the rise in Pike County!

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It likely goes without saying that there are many unwelcomed illnesses arriving at your household this holiday season. Our communicable disease nurse reports that the COVID level is high as well as flu; especially influenza A. We are also aware that strep throat and RSV is hitting our county hard. We want to take this time to remind everyone to take these proper preventative precautions to keep yourself, your family and friends safe during this holiday season:

  1. Check with your healthcare provider on vaccines you may be eligible for to help prevent illness such as Flu, Pneumonia and Covid.
  2. Take everyday preventive measures to help reduce the spread of illnesses:
    1. Avoid close contact with sick people
    2. If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible
    3. Do not go to work or school if you are sick
    4. Cover coughs and sneezes
    5. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
    6. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
    7. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects

All COVID-19 Vaccines now Walk-In Welcome

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We are now able to offer all COVID -19 vaccines during our walk-in clinic hours – no appointment necessary for those ages 12 and up!

We offer:

  • Pfizer: Ages 6 months+ (2-dose Primary Series & Booster doses available)
  • Moderna: Ages 12+(2-dose Primary Series & Booster doses available)
  • Novavax: Ages 12+(2-dose Primary Series available for those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine yet)

Our Walk-In Clinic hours are: Monday through Friday : 8am-12pm & from 1pm-4pm

For those who are under the age of 12 you can book your appointment here >>>>

PCHD announces continued WIC contract and Income Guidelines

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Bowling Green, MO – The Pike County Health Department announces a contract continuance to provide WIC services for federal fiscal year 2023 has been signed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program providing services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday based on nutritional risk and income eligibility. The primary services provided are healthy, supplemental food, risk assessment, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, health screening and referrals to health care. To be eligible for WIC, applicants must have an income of less than or equal to 185% of the poverty level and be at nutritional risk. Migrant families are also eligible.

WIC supplemental food packages are specially chosen to provide foods high in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Eligible women and children receive fortified milk and cheese, eggs, whole grain bread products, hot or cold cereals, 100% fruit juices, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. The WIC program recommends breastfeeding, provides breastfeeding support, baby foods, and infant cereal. For women who cannot or choose not to breastfeed, infants may receive supplemental, iron fortified formula. WIC participants obtain their foods by using their eWIC cards for specific items at participating local grocery stores and pharmacies.

Studies confirm that pregnant women who enroll in WIC during the early months of pregnancy have fewer low birth weight babies, experience fewer infant deaths, see the doctor earlier in pregnancy and eat healthier.

WIC is administered in Pike County by the Pike County Health Dept. Persons interested in applying or who are in need of more information should contact the Pike County Health Dept. at 573-324-2111. WIC clinics are offered at 1 Healthcare Place, Bowling Green, Missouri, 63334 and 608 S. Carolina St., Louisiana, Missouri, 63353. Hours of both 9am-4:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday.  WIC can be reached 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

Missouri WIC Income Guidelines – May 1, 2022

Guidelines reflect gross (pre-tax) income. Family SizeAnnualMonthlyTwice-MonthlyBi-WeeklyWeekly
1$25,142$2,096$1,048$967$484
2$33,874$2,823$1,412$1,303$652
3$42,606$3,551$1,776$1,639$820
4$51,338$4,279$2,140$1,975$988
5$60,070$5,006$2,503$2,311$1,156
6$68,802$5,734$2,867$2,647$1,324
7$77,534$6,462$3,231$2,983$1,492
8$86,266$7,189$3,595$3,318$1,659
9$94,998$7,917$3,959$3,654$1,827
10$103,730$8,645$4,323$3,990$1,995
11$112,462$9,372$4,686$4,326$2,163
12$121,194$10,100$5,050$4,662$2,331
13$129,926$10,828$5,414$4,998$2,499
14$138,658$11,555$5,778$5,333$2,667
15$147,390$12,283$6,142$5,669$2,835
16$156,122$13,011$6,506$6,005$3,003
Each additional family memberPlus $8,732Plus $728Plus $364Plus $336Plus $168

 

Body Safety Parent Night – Free Event!

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Join us for a free event, no registration required!  This program will discuss information about child sexual abuse, how to reinforce safety lessons at home, and prevention tips on how to keep kids safe. This event will be held on Thursday, October 16th at 6pm in our community conference room (side entrance).

STATISTICS:

The prevalence of child sexual abuse is difficult to determine because it is often not reported; experts agree that the incidence is far greater than what is reported to authorities. CSA is also not uniformly defined, so statistics may vary. Statistics below represent some of the research done on child sexual abuse.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau report Child Maltreatment 2010 found that 9.2% of victimized children were sexually assaulted (page 24).

Studies by David Finkelhor, Director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, show that:

  • 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse;
  • Self-report studies show that 20% of adult females and 5-10% of adult males recall a childhood sexual assault or sexual abuse incident;
  • During a one-year period in the U.S., 16% of youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized;
  • Over the course of their lifetime, 28% of U.S. youth ages 14 to 17 had been sexually victimized;
  • Children are most vulnerable to CSA between the ages of 7 and 13.

According to a 2003 National Institute of Justice report, 3 out of 4 adolescents who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well.

Learn more >>>

Download this flyer >>>

 

Temporary benefit increase extended for Missouri WIC participants

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New benefit amounts begin Oct. 1

 

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri WIC announces the extension of the temporary increase of the Cash Value Benefit for Fruit and Vegetable Purchases (CVB) starting Oct. 1, 2022. The new amounts will be $25 per month for child participants, $44 per month for pregnant and postpartum participants and $49 per month for breastfeeding participants. Previous CVB values range from $9 – $11. WIC is the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.

 

Eligible participants need to contact their WIC local agency starting Sept. 30 to schedule an appointment to load the additional benefits on their eWIC card before redeeming any October benefits. Participants who redeem any October benefits before receiving the increase will not receive the increase until November.

 

Missouri WIC provides additional healthy fruits and vegetables for up to 60,000 women and children per month. WIC families have the opportunity to shop for nutritious foods at approximately 600 authorized WIC retailers throughout Missouri and can receive services at any of the 116 local agencies. WIC serves financially eligible women, infants and children under the age of five. Fathers, stepparents, foster parents, grandparents and guardians are also encouraged to apply for WIC benefits for any children in the household under the age of five.

 

Missouri WIC provides quality nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, nutritious foods and referrals to health services. It is also one of the most successful, cost-effective and important nutrition intervention programs in the country.

Missourians interested in learning about the benefits of WIC may visit wic.mo.gov or call TEL-LINK at 1-800-835-5465 to find the WIC local agency closest to them.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Nondiscrimination and complaint information can be found on our website at wic.mo.gov.

WIC is funded by the USDA and is administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 

 

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New DHSS branding: https://stateofmissouri.app.box.com/s/8ijidcbv6720oirugqk234im28fik35x

 

About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS): 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 us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo.

*UPDATED* Pfizer & Moderna bivalent boosters now available

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*Updated 9/15/2022 to include Moderna bivalent boosters*

We are now stocked with the Pfizer & Moderna bivalent boosters and have set up walk-in clinic dates to make it easy for you to receive yours! We will be offering these boosters at all of our shot clinics as well as the following dates and times at our office:

  • September 13th: 1-4pm
  • September 15th: 1-4pm
  • September 16th: 1-4pm
  • September 19th: 1-4pm
  • September 20th: 1-4pm
  • September 22nd: 1-4pm

 

 

LEARN MORE >>>

Updated COVID-19 boosters are now available. What are they, who should get them, and when?

On September 1, 2022, the CDC issued new recommendations for COVID-19 boosters, after the FDA authorized updated booster formulas from both Pfizer and Moderna. The CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up-to-date on vaccinations by getting an updated booster dose at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 shot—either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. Pfizer’s updated booster shot is recommended for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s updated booster shot is recommended for adults 18 and older.

These new boosters contain an updated bivalent formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and also protects against the newer Omicron variants that account for most of the current cases. Updated boosters are intended to provide optimal protection against the virus and address waning vaccine effectiveness over time.

Eligible individuals can get either the Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, regardless of whether their primary series or most recent dose was with Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine

As per the CDC’s recommendations, the new bivalent booster replaces the existing monovalent vaccine booster, therefore that vaccine will no longer be authorized for use as booster doses in people age 12 and up.

 

Emergency Preparedness Month GIVE-A-WAYS!

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Being ready during an emergency takes preparation. Knowing what to do and how to react doesn’t come naturally, it’s something we learn. September is National Emergency Preparedness month. Do you know where your family will meet if there is a fire in your home? Do you have enough supplies for three days if there is an emergency that might keep help from arriving immediately? Do you have your important numbers somewhere that doesn’t rely on your phone or electricity?

All of these things are part of emergency preparedness. It’s never too late to start! In fact, just thinking about these things is the beginning of your preparedness journey. Check out the resources the Pike County Health Department has listed on our website for more information.

Pike County Health Department will be celebrating National Preparedness Month in many ways throughout the month of September. We will be sharing all sorts of educational and informational tips and more during the month of September on our Facebook page @BGPchd; be sure to follow us! We will have an informational table set up in our office with all kinds of resources and goodies.

 

And last, but of course NOT LEAST, we will be having give-aways! Fill out our quick yes or no survey online to be entered to win one of our 7 give-aways throughout the month of September!

We will be giving away TWO Portable Preparedness go-bags EACH FRIDAY (September 9,16 and 23). On September 30th we will be giving away a BIG KIT: a large Pre-Packed At Home Emergency Preparedness tote that also comes with 2 car-side assistance kits!

 

Take the Survey now! >>>

 

What’s in the Portable Preparedness go-bag? ($77 value each)

  • Number Of Pieces 107
  • Emergency kit or disaster preparedness: Stay prepared for emergency situations everywhere you go. Ready America emergency survival kits sustain 4 people for 3 days (72 hours). Basic essential emergency supplies recommended by the American Red Cross
  • Includes 33-piece first aid kit: Comes with first aid essentials for minor injuries like bandages and wound cleaning solution. Take care of medical emergencies with easy-to-use supplies. Great for a car emergency kit or boat accessories
  • Food, water, emergency blankets: Everything you need in case of an emergency. 4 survival food bars (2400 calories) and water pouches with a 5-year shelf life, survival blankets, disposable dust masks, nitrile gloves, whistle, ponchos, pocket tissues
  • Four safety light sticks: In case you’re outdoors or in the wilderness with no light, this emergency bag includes 4 safety light sticks. Equipped with survival gear for hunting, boating, workplace, camping, backpacking, fishing, hiking, travel, home

What’s in the BIG KIT?! (Over $400 value)

  • Paper products: towels, cups, utensils, toilet paper, plates
  • Cleaning: Clorox wipes, gallon hand sanitizer, gloves
  • Kids – wipes and diapers, activities, games, coloring books, glow sticks, puzzles
  • Hygiene – toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouth wash, shampoo, deodorant, soap, razors, manicure set
  • Outdoors – off spray, sunscreen, emergency sleeping bags/tent/blanket and safety whistle, ponchos, fire start cubes, zippo typhoon matches, utility lighter, 50 feet utility line, 6’’ watertight case, air horn, hand warmer packets
  • First aid kits, masks, gloves
  • Flashlights and plenty of extra batteries
  • Fire & Water Proof Document bag with resources and checklists
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Food – can opener, canned goods, case of water & canned cat and dog food
  • Toolbox with basic tools and socket set
  • NOAA weather radio: Crank, battery, electric and solar powered
  • 2 roadside assistance kits/backpacks and magnetic safety arrow.

 

 

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to the local businesses that were so excited to help support us in our efforts to educate the community on the importance of being prepared for emergencies!

 

  • Full Throttle Nutrition
  • Perkins Electric
  • O’Reilly’s Auto Parts
  • Community State Bank
  • BG Tractor Supply
  • LaCrosse Lumber
  • Dollar Tree
  • Save-A-Lot
  • Clarity Dental
  • Tony Windmiller
  • Orscheln Farm  & Home
  • Deters Sign Co. & T-Shirt Shop
  • REMAX
  • Bowling Green Insurance Agency
  • BG Tire and Auto
  • BG Lumber
  • Poage Ford
  • Donna Pederson
  • Dollar General Employees
  • Pike County Commissioners
  • Farm Bureau Insurance
  • Reid Insurance Agency
  • Home Bank
  • Walmart
  • Ayerco #35
  • Sheriff Korte
  • HNB Bank

 

 

Missouri DHSS launches new department brand

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JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced today the launch of its new logo and identity to better reflect the department and its vision for the future of public health in Missouri.

 

“We are excited to unveil our new look as we work to unify public health strategies and messaging throughout the state,” said Paula Nickelson, DHSS acting director. “One of the many things that was reinforced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic was the importance of communication and collaboration among public health partners and extending that out to the people we serve. We are so much more than a team responding to a pandemic. We are working to transform public health in Missouri, and that starts with a fresh look and a thoughtful identity to which our entire team and external partners will feel a connection.”

 

Main features of the new logo include the following:

  • Curved line. The curved line in the middle of the logo has dual representation. DHSS is on a strategic path to improve health outcomes of Missourians. The curve is seen as Missouri’s journey toward better health. Additionally, the line is viewed as a stream. Along with partners, DHSS works to implement strategies upstream in order to improve overall population health. Upstream efforts seek to create community-level impact and improve community conditions by addressing social determinants of health. Midstream efforts seek to create individual-level impact by meeting individuals’ social needs through screenings, referrals and other individually-focused processes. Downstream efforts seek to create patient-level impact by providing clinical care.
  • Shield. Through many programs and functions, DHSS works to protect Missourians. Whether it’s protecting seniors or those with disabilities from abuse and neglect or by regulating facilities that serve residents, DHSS uses its authority to ensure entities are abiding by regulations that safeguard the wellbeing of Missourians young and old. Additionally, the shield has become the nationally recognized identity of public health departments and is used by many local public health agencies in Missouri today. The 115 local public health agencies serving Missourians throughout the state are one of the most valuable resources and partners to DHSS and its mission.
  • Medical cross. The medical cross is one of the most internationally known medical symbols. It represents non-biased health for all people. DHSS works to protect the health of Missourians, working collaboratively and in an aligned manner with the state’s health care providers.

 

Four main colors were selected to modernize the look and represent the functional areas within the department that serve Missourians with support from administrative personnel: community and public health, senior and disability services, regulation and licensure and the public health laboratory.

 

The update comes exactly six months after Nickelson, a 23-year veteran of the department, took the helm at DHSS which employs approximately 1,800 team members throughout the state.

 

“Our team has overcome several unprecedented challenges, especially throughout the past few years,” said Nickelson. “While circumstances were less than ideal, we cannot take for granted the strength, knowledge and partnerships gained that will help us move our state forward in protecting the health and safety of Missourians.”

 

DHSS worked with Missouri-based design firm, Firehouse Design Studio, Inc., to create the new brand.

A video explaining the new branding can be viewed here. Information about public health services and programs provided by DHSS can be located at Health.Mo.Gov.

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COVID-19 Boosters Temporarily Out-of-Stock

PCHD Web Admin 0 Comment

Per the CDC guidance released on 8/31/22 PCHD currently does not have the appropriate COVID 19 vaccines on hand to provide booster shots to anyone 12 years and older at this time.  We are working on getting the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines authorized for booster shots and we will announce when these become available.

We will notify when we are re-stocked! We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.