Lafayette County Health Department

04/14/2026

Today, the Lafayette County Health Department Saving Smiles Program partnered with Immanuel Lutheran School to provide follow-up dental health screenings for students who had signed up in the Fall. These screenings don’t replace regular visits to your dentist, but they help monitor oral health between routine 6-month checkups.

Oral health is especially important for children because it supports proper growth, speech development, and overall well-being. Healthy smiles help kids stay confident, focused in school, and free from pain or infection. We are proud to partner with our local school districts and promote good oral health habits that lead to lifelong oral health.

04/01/2026

Celebrating 40 Years of Service

The Lafayette County Health Department is proud to recognize Carol Wells for an extraordinary milestone 40 years of dedicated service to the health and well-being of the Lafayette County community.

For four decades, Carol Wells has been the welcoming face greeting individuals as they walk through the doors of the Lafayette County Health Department. She has served as a part of the foundation of the organization, demonstrating unwavering commitment, compassion, and professionalism in her work. Throughout her career, Carol has played a vital role in keeping the department running smoothly while providing exceptional support to the community. She has consistently supported clients and families with care and kindness, all while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of public health.

Over the years, Carol has seen healthcare change in many ways, including updates to immunizations and new public health challenges. Through it all, she has been a familiar and trusted face for both staff and the entire community. “Carol’s dedication and passion for serving others have made a lasting impact on our department and the community we serve,” said Breann Jensen, Administrator “Her knowledge, experience, and kindness have helped shape the standard of care we strive to provide every day.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carol is known for her kindness, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to support her coworkers. Her contributions have not only strengthened the health department but have also inspired those around her.

As the Lafayette County Health Department celebrates this remarkable milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to Carol Wells for 40 years of exceptional service. Her legacy is one of compassion, commitment, and lasting impact on public health.

03/16/2026

Due to hazardous road conditions and staff shortages due to illness, LCHD will be closed today, 3/16. Regular office hours will resume tomorrow, 3/17, 8:00 am to 5:00pm. Stay safe and well!

03/03/2026

🌦️ Weekend Weather Update – Stay Prepared, Lafayette County! 🌦️

The Lafayette County Health Department is monitoring the weather forecast for this weekend. Current projections show the potential for strong storms, including heavy rain, gusty winds, and possible lightning.

⚠️ Be Prepared:
• Stay weather-aware and monitor local forecasts.
• Have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
• Secure outdoor items that could be blown away.
• Avoid flooded roadways — Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
• Seek shelter immediately if thunder roars or a warning is issued.

If severe weather occurs, check on elderly neighbors, those with medical needs, and anyone who may need assistance.

Your safety is our priority. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe this weekend!

For updates, follow our page and local emergency management announcements.
— Lafayette County Health Department

Are you Storm Aware? Prepare and learn how to stay safe during tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, and severe weather in Missouri.

02/26/2026

🚨 RECALL ALERT 🚨
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Saputo Cheese USA, Inc. is voluntarily recalling select Great Value Cottage Cheese products due to possible use of dairy ingredients that were not fully pasteurized.
🛒 Sold at Walmart stores in multiple states
📅 Distributed Feb. 17–20, 2026
⚠️ No illnesses reported, but products may pose health risks, especially for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
👉 Check for:
• Matching UPC codes
• 16 oz, 24 oz, and 3 lb white plastic tubs
• “Best If Used By” dates April 1–3, 2026
Do not consume. Return the product to the store for a full refund, or dispose of it.
Full recall can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/saputo-usa-recalls-great-value-cottage-cheese-because-possible-health-risk?fbclid=IwY2xjawQNivBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJTN1h0MDZZd0l5SDdXVUJPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm7ikWrZr5ifPZQeOEsVDFnobc8_ZlJKEGXFOKEXZk06qQh7tLCFkHPJVR98_aem_9QMYyrMxeGyMAqfE95Ua-A

01/28/2026

🥶 Cold weather doesn’t stand a chance when you dress smart!

As temperatures drop, layering is your best friend. Whether it’s chilly, cold, or extreme cold, the right outfit keeps you warm, dry, and safe.

🧥 Chilly: 1–2 layers + windproof outer layer
🧤 Cold: 2–3 layers, gloves, warm hat, waterproof boots
🧣 Extreme Cold: 3+ insulating layers, face covering, gloves, and waterproof boots

💡 Tip: Always protect against wind and moisture — staying dry = staying warm!

Stay cozy out there! ❄️🔥

01/26/2026

🎂✨ Birthday Alert! ✨🎂
Today we’re celebrating Jana, our amazing General Office Assistant! 🎉

She keeps things organized, supports our team in countless ways, and somehow makes even the busiest days brighter. Help us celebrate Jana by sending her lots of birthday love today! 🥳💙🎂

Happy Birthday, Jana! 💙

01/26/2026

The Lafayette County Health Department will open at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (1/26) due to the weather.
See you then!

01/22/2026

❄️ Cold Temperatures Ahead – Stay Warm, Lafayette County ❄️

With dangerously cold temperatures expected, it’s important to know where to go if you need a warm place to stay.

The following locations in Lafayette County may serve as warming centers during extreme cold:

📍 Concordia Senior Center
📍 Higginsville Senior Center
📍 Margaret Gray Center (Lexington)
📍 Odessa Senior Center

⚠️ Please note:
Warming center availability and hours may vary. Always check directly with each location for current hours and open status before going.

If you are unable to find a warming center near you, please call 2-1-1 for assistance and additional resources.

Let’s look out for one another and stay safe and warm. 💙
— Lafayette County Health Department

01/21/2026

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Mendi! 🎂🎉

Today we’re celebrating our incredible Health Program Coordinator, Mendi! 💐

Mendi plays a vital role in supporting our school health programs and the Saving Smiles dental program, helping ensure local students stay healthy, confident, and ready to learn. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to public health truly make a lasting impact on our community.

We are so grateful for everything she does for Lafayette County and for the care she brings to every child and family she serves. Please join us in wishing Mendi a very happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead! 💚✨

01/20/2026

Nobody wants to be a "sick" 7🤢

Wash those hands, cover your coughs, and stay home if you’re feeling under the weather—together, we’ve got this! 💛 #67

— Lafayette County Health Department

#67

For anyone interested in learning more about vaccines, please visit https://www.immunize.org/official-guidance/fda/pkg-inserts/page/2/

01/19/2026

📅 Office Closure – Monday, January 19, 2026

Our office will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day to honor the life, legacy, and vision of Martin Luther King Jr..

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” — Martin Luther King Jr.

As a public health department, we are reminded that service, compassion, and equity are at the heart of building healthier communities for all. We encourage everyone to take time to reflect, serve, and continue the work of creating positive change.

We will reopen with normal hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. 💙