Science, Health and Technology

The Missouri Department of Transportation is cracking down on youth impaired driving.

A Missouri senator who is a family physician says he'll try to block legislation authorizing a government database to track drug prescriptions unless it is put to a statewide vote.

Republican Sen. Rob Schaaf, of St. Joseph, Mo., began Thursday's debate on the prescription monitoring legislation by vowing to filibuster until he gets his way about a referendum.

You have probably heard the statistic: Missouri has the lowest cigarette tax in the nation – just 17 cents a pack, compared to the national average of $1.46. In this week's Health & Wealth update, public health advocates want to raise Missouri's tobacco tax to deter people from smoking, and to help offset the costs that tobacco incurs.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services granted over 10 million dollars to Missouri health centers Tuesday. As part of the Affordable Care Act, the nation’s new health care law, the funds are going to five community health centers across the state. Martin Kramer is a spokesperson for the U.S. Health, Resources and Services Administration. He says the funds will allow the centers to expand their services to more people in need.

At the health equity conference in Columbia last week, between the steady stream of PowerPoints and pie charts, I had the chance to talk with some smart folks who spend their time thinking about health disparities and how to end them:

Columbia could be the next city in Missouri to bring natural gas fuel to residents.  The city is also considering purchasing new natural-gas-powered garbage trucks.