Submitted by Jill Temples
Columbia, Missouri – Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that his balanced budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2015 will include $20 million in grants for Missouri’s public colleges and universities to educate an additional 1,200 students for careers in high-demand mental health care fields through the Governor’s Caring for Missourians: Mental Health initiative.
“From teaching a child with autism how to interact with peers, to working with law enforcement to respond to a parent in mental health crisis, these health professionals will build on the work we’ve already done to strengthen communities and make sure Missourians have access to the care they need,” Gov. Nixon said. “With our economy continuing to pick up steam, this strategic investment will help Missourians with mental and developmental challenges live up to their God-given potential, while creating more high-paying jobs in our communities.”
The Governor made his announcement during a visit to Moberly Area Community College’s Columbia Higher Education Center. Under the Governor’s Caring for Missourians: Mental Health proposal, Moberly Area Community College would receive a $167,000 grant to establish classroom and lab space in Columbia to train occupational therapy assistants and create a new behavioral health technician certificate.
“As a former mental health provider, I truly believe that preparing our graduates for this profession will provide them solid career opportunities while strengthening the communities they serve,” said Dr. Jeff Lashley, MACC President. “Gov. Nixon’s commitment to Missouri’s community colleges is greatly appreciated as we continue our work of preparing students for success in a growing economy.”
The Governor was also joined by representatives from the University of Missouri System. Under the Governor’s Caring for Missourians: Mental Health proposal, the University of Missouri – Columbia would receive a $6,429,588 grant to prepare more psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physical therapists and licensed psychologists, including new doctoral internship positions at Fulton State Hospital.
“The University of Missouri System is committed to expanding educational opportunities and improving quality of life for all Missourians, and we greatly appreciate Gov. Nixon’s support in helping us achieve this critical mission through initiatives like Caring for Missourians,” said Timothy M. Wolfe, University of Missouri System President. “This new effort will help to strengthen Missouri’s mental health system and give our graduates real-world experience as they prepare to enter this high-demand field.”
The Governor said the initiative would help to address a critical shortage of mental health professionals to provide treatment and support to Missourians with developmental disabilities, mental illness or substance abuse disorders. For example, 104 Missouri counties and most of St. Louis City are designated by the federal government as mental health professional shortage areas. Seventy-two counties of Missouri’s 114 counties lack a licensed psychiatrist. And while applied behavior analysis is one of the most effective tools for treating autism spectrum disorders, 90 of Missouri’s 114 counties do not have a resident licensed analyst to provide this treatment.
Under the Governor’s Caring for Missourians: Mental Health proposal, a number of Missouri public colleges and universities would receive grants, including:
Missouri State University $1,667,930
Southeast Missouri State University $1,347,596
University of Central Missouri $610,940University of Missouri -- Kansas City $4,156,400
University of Missouri – St. Louis $1,676,307
University of Missouri – Columbia $6,429,588
Truman State University $520,524
Lincoln University $172,960
Northwest Missouri State University $216,200
Crowder College $216,076
East Central College $74,453
Jefferson College $301,410
Mineral Area College $195,803
Moberly Area Community College $167,283
Metropolitan Community College $439,892
North Central Missouri College $114,071
Ozarks Technical Community College $579,228
St. Charles Community College $155,000
State Fair Community College $91,585
St. Louis Community College $349,900
Three Rivers College $308,965
Launched by Gov. Nixon in 2009, Caring for Missourians is a strategic effort to increase the number of health care professionals being educated at Missouri’s public colleges and universities. Since 2009, $40 million has been invested in Missouri’s two- and four-year institutions of higher learning to help 1,500 more Missourians pursue careers as nurses, physicians, dentists and other health professionals.
Improving care for Missourians with mental and developmental challenges has been a top priority of Gov. Nixon and his administration. In 2010, Gov. Nixon launched Missouri’s Partnership for Hope to help thousands of Missourians with developmental disabilities live fuller lives. Prior to implementation of the Partnership for Hope, demand for home- and community-based services resulted in a large backlog of Missouri families waiting for help. Because of the backlog, many families waited years to receive the services they needed. Currently, the Partnership for Hope is serving more than 2,700 people with developmental disabilities in 99 counties statewide and the City of St. Louis.
Gov. Nixon implemented a $10 million strategic initiative to help identify and treat people with severe mental illness before they reach crisis point, and help communities respond to those who do. The Governor’s initiative included placing Mental Health Liaisons at each of the 29 Community Mental Health Centers across Missouri; an expansion of Crisis Intervention and Mental Health First-Aid training throughout the state; and resources for emergency room intervention teams to work with patients needing coordinated care.
Recently, Gov. Nixon announced his proposal for a strategic bond issuance that will make the resources available for the construction of a new high- and intermediate- security psychiatric facility at Fulton State Hospital. Built in 1851, the Fulton State Hospital is the oldest state psychiatric hospital west of the Mississippi River and houses the state’s only maximum-security psychiatric facility.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Julia Dodd and Amy Ellinghouse along with a multitude of volunteers raise money each year for worthwhile charities. This year they chose 18Fore Life as one of their charities.
They were able to donate $6,000 to Scott Kruse's 18Fore Life. An organization that gives "Gifts of Love" to families who are fighting against the dreaded disease, CANCER.
These donations have helped 18Fore Life reach their goal of giving 1 million dollars over the years and this year put them over the $200,000 mark for 2013 donations able to be distributed.
This brings a grand total of over $16,000 raised by Clause for a Cause. That's pretty awesome! May God continue to bless them for their selflessness and continued efforts to help those in need.
Shown in the photo are Julie Dodd and her elves and Scott Kruse of 18Fore Life.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
With the holiday season fast approaching, the employees have been generously donating canned and non-perishable foods to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission. At their annual Christmas luncheon employees brought toys to be donated to the Mission as well.
"I can't imagine a child waking up on Christmas morning with absolutely nothing to open," stated one County Wide Insurance employee. "It just breaks my heart."
Each year County Wide employees come together to donate to different charitable organizations. This year, along with the toys and food, employees took up a collection at work and donated money in Alan Hedrick's name to the Trinity United Methodist Church Children's Youth Group located in Bloomfield.
Hedrick opened his Christmas card in front of everyone and was humbled by their generosity. He smiled and said, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I thank you."
Shown in the photo are Dave Ellinghouse, County Wide Insurance employees and Kim Slavings, Director of the Stoddard County Gospel Mission. Photo provided by Zach Hedrick, County Wide Insurance employee.
Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri- Have you and your family members finished their wish list for the holiday? Is safe, crash free travel on those lists? If not, please add that to your list! The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely.
Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,117 traffic crashes during the 102-hour counting period. In those crashes, six people were killed and another 342 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period is 30-hours in length and begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 25, 2013. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive.
Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time to reach your destination, and obey all traffic laws.
If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies.
“Last year, a Missouri family was affected by a traffic crash every 18.3 minutes over the Christmas holiday,” said Colonel Ron Replogle. “Please be a safe, courteous driver. Wear your seat belt, obey Missouri's traffic laws, and if you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive.” A sober chauffeur or other alternative transportation modes are always the best option.
The Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Click It 4 Life!
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri – It's just been a year, but "Two People With One Goal" have created a beautiful collaboration between this community and those that need our help.
Dexter High School students, Jacob Robinson and Alexis Smith joined forces beginning with their first commitment to the community by hosting a coat drive. Now they have traveled full circle and are hosting the 2nd Annual Stoddard County Coat Drive for their organization, "End Poverty in Stoddard County".
Last year they collected 348 coats and distributed to children and adults throughout Stoddard County!
The Coat Drive began December 11th and goes through January 7th. This year’s goal is 300 coats! Let’s help these students achieve their goal and donate coats to those who have none!
Drop off locations are Dexter Medical Center located beside Sonic and if your child attends T.S. Hill Middle School you can send the coat with them. The students can give them to Mrs. Robinson, the Librarian.
Pick-up options are also available. Contact Jacob Robinson at 573-552-2108 or Alexis Smith at 573-820-5699.
They will deliver the coats to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission in Dexter and Born Again in Bell City. Any children-sized coats will be distributed to the elementary schools throughout the county. Each school can then give the coats directly to the children in need.
If you have any questions, concerns, or even ideas, please email them to info@endpovertystodardcounty.com and they will contact you at their earliest convenience.
“If you could let your churches know about us and help spread the word, we would appreciate any involvement or help with collecting coats,” stated Alexis Smith. Join the fight to end poverty in Stoddard County. Any donation is greatly appreciated!
