When humans or animals get infected, the body’s immune system tries to not only clear the infection but also build up a memory of the pathogen that caused it. So, when the pathogen comes around again for possible reinfection, the body has an army of memory T cells that can recognize and destroy it. These T cells are a critical part of immunological memory, and an important component of efficient vaccines.   more

Ozarks Healthcare At Home has been recognized by Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) as a “Premier Performer” for achieving an overall patient satisfaction score, ranking in the top 5% of all eligible SHP clients for the 2022 calendar year, officials announced. more

Ozarks Healthcare’s Behavioral Health Center (BHC) has introduced the “Healing Hearts” support group, intended to be a compassionate and nurturing resource designed to provide support and guidance to adolescents and adults facing emotional and mental health challenges, announce officials. more

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks, with support from Delta Dental of Missouri, is launching a new $130,000 grant program to improve dental health for children attending rural schools, officials announce. more

Officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) say the agency is committed to empowering older adults in Missouri to reduce their risk of falls, one of the most significant causes of severe injuries and death among people older than 65. more

Summersville Line Dance Workout resumes more

A new health humanities essay from the University of Missouri highlights how the narrative of many news stories detailing the challenges of health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic often emphasized individual experiences. However, many of these news stories often left out broader public health, socioeconomic and environmental contexts critical to how consumers of news shape their thoughts about the pandemic and how to respond. more

As we begin our annual move toward fall and more normal routines of work, school and family, it can be a great time to make sure that all of us are up to date with our recommended cancer screening tests. more

The Howell County Health Department will host a free drive-thru flu vaccine clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 6 at its main location, 180 S. Kentucky Ave. in West Plains. more

A free walking class will be offered by University of Missouri-Howell County Extension Nutrition and Health Education Specialist Stephanie Johnson three days a week from Oct. 11 through Nov. 17. more

The Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors are invited to join the party.  more

Officials with the American Red Cross announce the organization is experiencing a national blood shortage. more

The Howell County Suicide Prevention Network will host A Talk to Remember: Light a Flame for Suicide Prevention from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at the West Plains Civic Center. more

Ozarks Healthcare officials announced today that the 64-year old healthcare organization has reduced its workforce by about 130 “full-time equivalent positions due to inflation.” more

The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation announces its third annual Fall Mum Sale, described by officials as “a vibrant and colorful fundraising event” aimed at supporting Ozarks Healthcare’s Endowment Fund. more

Open enrollment for Medicare health and drug plans begins on Oct. 15.   more

The John J. Pershing Veterans Affairs Medical Center will offer veterans several opportunities to get no-cost influenza vaccinations during September and October.  more

Brucellosis is a disease, caused by the members of bacterial Brucella family, that mainly infects cattle, goats and sheep, leading to pregnancy loss, which has caused billions of dollars in economic losses for livestock producers worldwide. The disease can also jump from animals to humans, mainly through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or inhaling the spores from the tissues of infected animals. more

Texas County Memorial Hospital board of trustees recently approved the appointment of Cheryl Maley, a registered nurse from Houston, as the new Home Health of the Ozarks and Hospice of Care director. Centers for Medicare Services requires board approval for home health and hospice agency director positions.  more

Ozarka College officials in Melbourne, Ark., announce its 2023 class of practical nursing students achieved an overall first-time pass rate of 96.1% on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX. The exam is required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in the state of Arkansas. more