Health Archives

WHAT’S GOING AROUND: Doctors seeing upper respiratory illnesses, RSV and the flu

November 29, 2023 11:17 AM Erika McGuire

Here is a roundup of the illnesses doctors say are spreading around Mid-Missouri.

RECALL ROUNDUP: Federal regulators recall applesauce pouches, eyedrops and children’s nightgowns

November 16, 2023 10:55 AM Erika McGuire

The Food and Drug Administration has expanded its recall after the pouches can lead to possible lead exposure.

Nurse practitioners want restrictions lifted more even after new law

November 13, 2023 11:34 AM Hannah Falcon

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Nurse practitioners continue to advocate for less restrictions, even after a new law lifted some this year. Missouri’s governor is honoring nurse practitioners as new law eases restrictions on their practice. Gov. Mike Parson on Monday proclaimed this week, Nov. 12 through 18, as Nurse Practitioners Week in Missouri. A new

Naloxone education and distribution event to be held Thursday at church on Smiley Lane

November 13, 2023 1:59 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) A naloxone education and distribution event will be held 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church at 1707 Smiley Lane, according to a Monday press release from the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services. PHHS staff will also provide a brief training session for walk-ins from 6:30-7 p.m., the release

Missouri children won’t lose Medicaid coverage despite parents’ status change beginning Jan. 1

November 8, 2023 11:56 AM Morgan Buresh

Also in September, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sent a letter to state health officials explaining all states need to provide one year of continuous coverage for children starting on Jan. 1.

RSV vaccine offered at Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services

October 31, 2023 9:36 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The RSV vaccine is being offered for adults 60 years old and older at the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, according to a press release from the PHHS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults 60 years old and older to receive a dose of RSV vaccine (Abrysvo),

Last MU Health Care drive-thru vaccination clinic held Saturday; 1,679 updated COVID-19 vaccines given so far

October 27, 2023 6:58 PM Ryan Shiner, Gabrielle Teiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The final of three MU Health Care drive-thru vaccine clinics began at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday at South Providence Medical Park. At the event, patients were able to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine. According to an email from MU Health spokesman Eric Slusher, at the previous two

QUESTION: Do you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer?

October 27, 2023 3:30 AM ABC 17 News Team

This month ABC 17 News has been highlighting the ongoing fight against breast cancer as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Blood drive honors resiliency of Mid-Missouri burn victim

October 21, 2023 4:48 PM abc17news-Newsroom

CENTRALIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Red Cross held a blood drive in honor of a firefighter who was severely burned at a bonfire in Mexico, Missouri. The blood drive was held Saturday in Centralia at the Holy Spirit Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. MU Health Care shared the story of Eli Beasely, a professional

Men have small chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer

October 19, 2023 11:07 AM Morgan Buresh

While the chance of a man being diagnosed with breast cancer is slim, it’s not impossible.

Updated COVID-19 vaccine available at Columbia/Boone County PHHS

October 19, 2023 4:57 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The updated COVID-19 vaccine is now available at the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, according to a Thursday press release from the department. Appointments to get the new vaccine from Pfizer can be made by calling 573-874-7279, according to the release. Appointments will be held at the PHHS building on

Athletes receive free hearing exams at Missouri Special Olympics

October 14, 2023 7:34 PM abc17news-Newsroom

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) About 30,000 Special Olympics athletes have hearing loss, but 83% of them have never had a hearing examine, according to the Special Olympics and Starkey. Hearing aid manufacturer Starkey hosted hearing screenings during the Special Slympics games Saturday in Jefferson City. Athletes got hearing tests and can qualify for free hearing

Jefferson City community shares personal stories of how Alzheimer’s has changed their lives

October 13, 2023 2:36 PM Meghan Drakas

Jefferson City resident Joey O’Connor lost his mother Betty Jean O’Connor on March 11. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago.

Dubois named new Boone Health CEO

October 13, 2023 8:40 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Boone Health Board of Directors stated in a Friday press release that Brady Dubois will be Boone Health’s next CEO. The release states his start date is Monday, Nov. 20. The release states he has 16 years of experience in health care leadership and was recently the CEO of Detroit Medical

MU Faculty Council approves statement asking MU Health Care to ensure forms of transgender health care for minors

October 12, 2023 7:57 PM Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The MU Faculty Council on Thursday voted 22-1 in favor of a statement that opposes MU Health Care’s recent announcement that it would stop prescribing puberty blockers to current minor patients. MU Health Care made the announcement in August after a law banning gender-affirming care for Missouri youth went into effect. The MU

Columbia woman shares treatment journey during her battle with breast cancer

October 12, 2023 3:24 PM Morgan Buresh

It was a normal day at the gym for Columbia woman Leigh Ann Clayton when she noticed a couple of lumps around her armpit.

Alzheimer’s Impact Movement working with lawmakers to advocate for Alzheimer’s policy

October 12, 2023 3:09 PM Meghan Drakas

The Alzheimer’s Impact Movement works with lawmakers to advance and develop policies to help with the research, care and support of people with Alzheimer’s.

How artificial intelligence is being used to research Alzheimer’s disease

October 11, 2023 10:50 AM Meghan Drakas

Some researchers in Columbia studying Alzheimer’s disease are using artificial intelligence to help identify the “most important factors.”

Mid-Missouri resources available for people affected by Alzheimer’s and their families

October 9, 2023 10:14 AM Meghan Drakas

This week, ABC 17 News is continuing our ‘Living with Alzheimer’s’ coverage leading up to the Jefferson City Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sunday.

MU School of Medicine looking to combat Missouri’s rural health care crisis

October 5, 2023 7:58 PM Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) With hospitals closing across Missouri, access to physicians and health care is becoming difficult in rural communities. Missouri has a lower ratio of primary care providers per capita than the United States. On Wednesday the MU School of Medicine received a $16 million award from from the Health Resources and Services Administration