Missouri Health Talks

Hosted by Rebecca Smith

Missouri Health Talks travels throughout the state gathering conversations between Missourians about issues of access to healthcare.

Latest Episodes

AI chatbots could help pregnant people with opiod use disorder find treatment

Nurses Drew Herbert and Matt Farmer are University of Missouri researchers trying to find out if generative AI, along with professional therapy, can help pregnant people with opioid use disorder who are ready to seek care.
Using AI for second opinions: “In a matter of seconds, it essentially renders a [breast cancer] risk assessment.”

Dr. Amy Patel is the Medical Director of the Breast Cancer Center at Liberty Hospital outside Kansas City. She spoke about an AI algorithm they use with breast ultrasounds that gives radiologists a data-informed second opinion.
Using AI to improve stroke outcomes in rural Missouri: “We can save your life."

Jason Mayberry is the stroke coordinator for Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston, Missouri. They began using RapidAI, an AI software, in October 2023 that helps their doctors more quickly assess, diagnose and begin treatment for people experiencing stokes.
PFLAG Sedalia makes space for 'people seeking support for themselves or for their loved ones.'

PFLAG Sedalia is a community group focused on serving LGBTQ+ folks and their families throughout western Missouri and beyond.
"Our goal has always been to ensure that kids are getting services without having to drive really far distances."

Jessi Frencken and Carmen Rathert are the co-owners of The Pediatric Place, an interdisciplinary therapy clinic in Clinton and Knob Noster that offer services, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, ABA [applied behavior analysis] therapy and more.
Overcoming the barrier of rural transportation with 'the power of people and of volunteers.'

New Growth Transit is based in El Dorado Springs, and it serves it’s community as a sort of neighbor-to-neighbor ride share – where community-member volunteers are reimbursed to drive folks to the doctor, work or to get groceries.
"As senior centers, we're constantly looking at our communities and trying to see what works."

Once a month, the senior center in Osceola offers a toenail clinic for their patrons.
Connecting residents to resources: 'Something that seems small can make all the difference in someone's life.'

Mercy Services United is a newer initiative in Sedalia that provides a walk-in hub for social services and connection for those in need. It’s a partnership between many organizations, including the United Way of Pettis County and the ToRCH program at Bothwell Regional Health Center.
Programs for Sedalia seniors, 'kind of started in the fitness realm, but then it's grown.'

The Heckert Community Center in Sedalia opened in 2022 and offers many services to members, such as a full gym, an indoor walking track, an indoor pool, a myriad of fitness classes and more.
"Families will tell us that donating (breast) milk can help them along their grief journey."

The Pettis County Health Center has just officially become a milk depot – which means they are now a drop off site for those wishing to donate human breast milk to help medically fragile and premature infants.