Dr. Heidi Miller Syphilis, a complex sexually transmitted disease (STD), is a growing public health concern in Missouri and across the nation. Syphilis cases have increased by 230% from 2016 to 2022 in Missouri, with congenital syphilis cases also rising steeply. However, thanks ...

Maternal and infant care is a crucial aspect of public health, but patients living in rural areas often face unique challenges that can hinder access to quality health care. Understanding these obstacles is essential for improving care and outcomes for mothers and their babies.  ...

Sherry Searcy  Grundy County Health Department  As a nurse with 28 years of experience — 25 of which have been dedicated to vaccinations — my journey in the medical field has primarily revolved around public health, where I have had the privilege of working with individuals from ...

On Oct. 30, the Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative launched data dashboards for hospitals participating in the MO PQC. The dashboards, developed in collaboration with the Hospital Industry Data Institute, include severe maternal morbidity data, cesarean section rates, social...

Miranda Backes, M.Ed., LPC, NCC Perinatal loss, which includes miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss, is unfortunately very common. Individuals experiencing these losses often report significant grief, anxiety, and depression, underscoring the need for adequate support and...

Sarah Ehrhard Reid, MSW Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) can manifest in various forms, and it’s essential to recognize that each situation is unique. Violence may be emotional, physical, psychological, financial, sexual or a combination of these, ...

Bryanne Colvin, MD As a neonatologist at Washington University in St. Louis, I specialize in the care of both well and ill infants at BJC facilities. My passion lies in promoting safe sleep practices to prevent sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome...

Dr. Melissa Tepe Chief Medical Officer Affinia Healthcare, St. Louis Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy The vaccines recommended in pregnancy are safe for you and your baby. The vaccines are effective at preventing illness for you and your baby. Pregnant women and babies are at...

Jami Kiesling, R.N., BSN Chief, Bureau of Genetics and Healthy Childhood Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services  About Missouri’s Newborn Screening Program  Newborn blood spot screening allows for early diagnosis and intervention, which can be lifesaving for some infants...