Stone County Health Department

06/01/2026

Stay in the loop with the latest updates, important announcements, upcoming events, and helpful resources by checking out our newsletter! 📰✨ We’re excited to share what’s happening and keep you connected with all the things you need to know 💌😊

05/31/2026

💚 Mental Health Matters Every Day 💚
May may be over, but mental health is not something we only focus on for one month out of the year.
Our mental health impacts how we think, feel, connect with others, handle stress, and navigate life's challenges. Just like we care for our physical health, we must also make time to care for our emotional and mental well-being.
Some days that may look like:
Taking a walk outside
Spending time with people who lift you up
Setting healthy boundaries
Getting enough rest
Talking to a trusted friend
Reaching out for professional support when needed
Remember, it's okay to not be okay. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Let's continue creating a community where conversations about mental health are welcomed, support is available, and no one feels alone in their struggles.
Check in on your friends.
Check in on your family.
Check in on yourself.
Because mental health awareness doesn't end when May does, it matters every single day.

💚

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

Last Thursday we celebrated an incredible milestone as we honored Pam Burnett on her retirement after 20 years of dedicated service as Director of the Stone County Health Department.
Throughout the day, so many friends, coworkers, community partners, and supporters stopped by to share memories, laughter, hugs, and well wishes. The outpouring of love was a beautiful reflection of the impact Pam has had on this community over the last two decades.
Pam’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Stone County have touched countless lives. Her legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Thank you, Pam, for your service, your heart for people, and the difference you have made in our community. You will truly be missed, and we wish you nothing but joy and blessings in this next chapter.

05/26/2026

News Media Release

For more information:

Felicia Beasley RN, BSN, BJ

417-272-0050 ext. 2206

For Immediate Release:

Did you know that irregular, very painful or heavy periods can be sign of health problems? Stone County Health Department offers a regular Health and Wellness clinic for those who may be uninsured or underinsured on Thursdays. Our experienced Nurse Practitioner can address your period concerns. Please call us at 417-272-0050 for questions or to make your appointment today.

05/22/2026

Grandparents & Kinship Caregiver Banquet
A Celebration of Joy, Purpose & Sacrifice
Are you raising your grandchildren or helping care for a relative’s children?
If so, this special evening is for YOU.
Join us for a night of encouragement, appreciation, and connection as we honor the love, strength, and sacrifice you give every day. Your commitment is shaping the next generation, and we want to celebrate the incredible difference you make.
Dinner Provided
Encouragement & Shared Stories
Special Gifts & Resources
Connect with Others Who Understand Your Journey
Friday, June 5, 2026 @ 6:30 PM
Wrights Chapel 8929 State Hwy A, Billings, MO
Hosted by Resurrected Hearts
In partnership with Stone County Health Department
Please RSVP here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K2G5F6G
You are seen. You are valued. You are appreciated.

05/21/2026

What we test for:

The Stone County Health Department Environmental Services Division monitors several swimming areas of the James River and Table Rock Lake for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. These organisms are found in the f***l waste of humans and animals. According to the EPA E. coli is the most reliable indicator organism to determine the bacteriological contamination of surface water. When high concentrations of E. coli are found in the water this indicates there is f***l matter in the water. Two samples are collected from each swimming area, and the geometric mean is considered to be the measure of the bacteriological water quality for that area for that day, and, by extension, for that week. As required in Missouri Revised Statues section 640.080, RSMo, if the geometric mean of the weekly water quality sample results exceeds the equivalent of 190 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water (190 mpn/100 ml), swimming is not recommended. The sample results can help visitors decide whether a particular beach is suitable for swimming, based on the bacteria levels.

Why we test:

Human and animal f***l waste can contain disease-causing organisms. Swimming in water contaminated with f***l waste can expose the swimmer to illness. Children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems (such as those living with AIDS, those who have received an organ transplant, or those receiving certain types of chemotherapy) can suffer from more severe illness if infected. When the test indicates a swimming area that has E. coli levels that exceed standards for whole body contact, swimming in those contaminated areas is NOT recommended. An advisory will be removed when the bacterial levels at the swimming area again meets the bacteriological water quality criteria.

When we test:

The Environmental Services Division of the Stone County Health Department monitors the swimming areas weekly to bi-weekly during the recreational season (May through October) pending upon weather conditions.

The swimming areas that we monitor of the James River are located beginning in Northeast Stone County and all the way down to Shoals Landing near Galena. The most northern site is located at the low water bridge near where the Finely and the James rivers merge. The other sites include the river access near McCall Bridge Rd and Greenway Dr., H. L. Kerr Conservation Access and Ralph E. Cox Conservation Access.

05/19/2026

For Immediate Release:

How much caffeine is too much caffeine for kids? We don’t often think about kids having too much caffeine, especially if they aren’t drinking soft drinks or coffee. But how much caffeine is found in the energy drinks that are advertised to replace electrolytes and provide a boost of energy? You’ve surely seen the brightly colored drinks that are marketed to kids and teens. And the hip upbeat commercials on television hyping a boost of energy, better focus and alertness to get you through your day.

Energy drinks have been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, but unfortunately, they seem to be becoming increasingly popular with younger children as well. In recent studies, Johns Hopkins University found that almost one-third of teens ages 12 to 17 drink energy drinks regularly.

If you have a teen or younger child, it’s important that you educate yourself on what is in their drinks by reading labels. Then in turn, be sure to educate your child on the dangers of these drinks and how to read the labels as well.

The most important step you can take to protect your kids is read the label. A cup of coffee has roughly 150 mg of caffeine. A Mountain Dew “Kickstart” has 90mg of caffeine but is also contains 20 grams of sugar. A Spike energy drink has 350 mg of caffeine and no sugar. But Full Throttle has 160 mg of caffeine and 58 g of sugar. Typically, these drinks have a combination of caffeine, B vitamins and sugar. That combo is designed to give you a jolt of energy and more focus. Sports drinks may not contain caffeine but they usually contain lots of added sugars.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that energy drinks are not appropriate for children and adolescents. 400 mg of caffeine daily appears to be safe for adults, but the amount of caffeine that is considered safe in children is unknown per Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Children’s developing brains and smaller sizes make them much more susceptible to the effects of caffeine and sugar. They can develop behavioral or mental health issues. It can cause trouble sleeping or increased aggression, stress and depression. To an extreme, these drinks can cause irregular heart beats, diarrhea, seizures, high blood pressure or panic attacks.

So, what is the best drink for hydration for kids? Water. As a parent the best thing you can offer your child to drink is water as the first choice to quench their thirst. Other alternatives would be unsweetened coconut water, diluted 100% fruit juice or low-fat milk or milk alternatives. Please note, babies under 6 months should not be given water. These recommendations are for adolescents and teens.

Talk to your kids about energy and sports drinks and prepare them for when you may not be there to supervise their choices.

For more information:

Felicia Beasley RN, BSN, BJ

417-272-0050 ext. 2206