News – Thursday, January 8th 2026

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met, December 18th for their monthly meeting. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of November. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there were no cases of COVID-19 reported, however the virus is known to be present in the community, while the active lead cases were reported at 72, plus 5 communicable disease cases. There was one Influenza A case, 6 animal bites were reported, and there were 11 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 30 total tests. The November environmental report showed there where 12 total inspections or re-inspections conducted. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were 6 car seats distributed, there were no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, no CPR Courses, no consultation for Childcare Health, and there were 10 Title X appointments reported. There was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 354 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 519 total appointments other than WIC, 97 total provider appointments, 198 treatment court visits, 116 lab appointments and 88 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 6 family plannings, one well-child visit, 2 other well-woman exam, 6 other physicals, 7 SEMO physicals, plus 24 other visits, and 51 acute illness appointments for a total of 97 visits. Laboratory details showed 146 Lab Draws, 2 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, one pregnancy test, 3 lead tests were reported, plus 24 other urine drug screenings. Phlebotomy appointments totaled 110, while all Lab appointments totaling 116. Immunizations for November showed 30 for COVID-19 and 58 for Influenza, plus 69 other vaccines given during 88 appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that no DCHC Board of Trustee positions were expiring this year, so no election is necessary in April. He updated the Board on continued delays in payments by the State of Missouri. At the end of November there was well over $100,000 in payments owed to the DCHC by the State. Jessica Ricks provided written reports to the Board regarding her team’s activities and the progress on the Community Health Improvement Plan and accreditation. Moser suggested that the Board consider granting the DCHC Staff off December 26th, given that it falls on a Friday this year. The Board approved the staff being off December 26th. The financial reports for November were reviewed. Current assets at the end of November were $1,139,348.32. Total assets were $1,986,647.67, total liabilities were $365,693.02, and equity was $1,620,954.65. Revenue for November was $71,634.70, expenses were $113,397.87 for a net operating revenue deficit of $41,763.17. After other revenue and expenses, net revenue was a negative $46,582.65. The report from H&R Block was also reviewed. Moser noted that November was a three-payroll month. After discussion of the financial effects of the State’s delinquency in payments, the financial report was approved. During new business Zach presented the 2026 budget for consideration and after lengthy discussion the budget was approved. He presented two proposed changes to the bylaws and explained the rationale behind them. The decision was tabled to be discussed with the full Board at a future meeting. Moser presented the proposed Policy Manual and an accompanying resolution which would detail the transition from a Board-edict style management to a policy management, in which the Board would set policy, the Administrator would set procedure, and the Administrator would be responsible for ensuring compliance with policies. The issue was tabled for further Board member review and discussion with the full Board at a future meeting. The Board entered closed session at 6:15 to discuss personnel. At 6:35 the Board returned from closed session where the Board voted to modify an employee’s salary for 2026. Prior to adjournment the next regular meeting date was set for Thursday, January 15th, 2026, with the hearing for the Environmental Fees starting at 5:00.