The Joplin Health Department, along with the Community Health Collaborative, would like to invite the community to join them at various health- and safety-related events/programs across the region this December. Learn more about each event below!
CPR Classes, Provided by Joplin Health Department
Various dates throughout December 2025 | Costs may vary | Open to all adults | Hosted at the Joplin Health Department’s WIC Classroom, 321 E. 4th Street
The Joplin Health Department will be hosting several free CPR classes throughout the month of December. The three classes are:
- HeartCode® BLS Skills Checkoff – This course is designed for those who already have completed the HeartCode® BLS Online course. This is a hands-on skills session to complete BLS certification.
- Hosted on Wednesday, December 3 @ 3:00 to 4:00 pm
- Heartsaver® CPR/AED – For non-medical personnel who wish to learn about basic CPR and AED use.
- Hosted on Wednesday, December 3 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Friends and Family® CPR – This is a great class for new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and others.
- Hosted on Wednesday, December 17 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
To register, click here.
Independent Living Center’s Veteran Directed Care
Offered all through December
Through their partnership with Veterans Affairs, the Independent Living Center now provides both Agency-Directed and Veteran-Directed in-home care services tailored to each person’s needs.
The Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program empowers veterans with disabilities to live independently in the comfort of their own home. Veterans have the freedom to choose their own Personal Care Assistant — including a family member or friend — to help with daily tasks. Services include housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry and linens, shopping, and grooming.
Call 417.659.8086 for more information.
Free Citizenship Classes
In Joplin on Fridays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm | Online on Mondays from 6:00 to 7:45 pm | Free
Do you need to study for the U.S. Citizenship test?
Crowder College offers free U.S. citizenship classes in Joplin! Work with a certified instructor in order to gain the skills and language needed to pass your interview and citizenship test. Online options are also available.
Learn more by calling 417.455.5521 or click here.
Harm Reduction Supplies Drive-Thru Pickup
Each Friday in December | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm | Located at NextGen Diagnostic Services, 2025 S. Duquesne Road
Each Friday, NextGen Diagnostic Services offers a drive-thru pickup where patrons can receive NARCAN, fentanyl test strips, and maternity kits for free. There is no cost, no paperwork, and no judgement.
Loving Solutions
Each Tuesday in December| 9:00 to 11:00 am | Located at The ROCC, 1402 S. Main Street
Loving Solutions is a 10-week program designed for moms, dads, foster parents, grandparents, adoptive parents, and any other caregivers who struggle raising tough kids aged five to ten and desire to improve their relationship with their children.
Loving Solutions gives parents proven ways to improve their child’s behavior. Attendees will learn the “seven magic words” of parenting and teach parents how to avoid arguing with their children. These techniques are just short of a miracle in getting children to do things that are requested of them with less fuss and resistance.
The primary goal of this group is to make parenting easier, reduce family tension, eliminate arguing, stop unwanted behaviors, raise grades, and help children develop self-discipline.
Classes are ongoing, so you can join a group anytime.
To register, contact Joan Doner, Program Coordinator, at 417.625.4300, ext. 4327 and joan.doner@courts.mo.gov, or Heather Lambeth, Family Advocate, at 417.625.4300, ext. 4376 and heather.lambeth@courts.mo.gov.
CHANCE Class
Held once in December | Hosted by the Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area
The Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area hosts their CHANCE Class each month, giving the homeless a chance to get back into the workforce. Ideal candidates are:
- Homeless
- Willing to work 30+ hours per week
- Currently unemployed or underemployed
To get involved, call 417.627.2038 or email sbrinkoetter@escswa.org.
Joplin Schools Parents as Teachers (PAT) Santa Grab Bags
Thursday, December 4 | Free programs brought to you by Joplin Schools‘ Parents as Teachers
Join Joplin Schools’ PAT at the Joplin Public Library on December 4 for this come-and-g0 event!
Families and parents are welcome to come and grab some ideas and a few supplies for some fun, festive holiday crafts. Santa will also be on-site for pictures with the kiddos.
To schedule your pre-kindergarten visit, you can call 417.208.2669 or email kerriclouse@joplinschools.org.
Car Seat Check-Up
Wednesday, December 10 | Free event | 9:00 am to 3:30 pm | Hosted at the Alliance of Southwest Missouri, 1601 Wall Street
Are you a parent of a car seat rider? The Alliance of Southwest Missouri invites you to their Car Seat Check-Up, which takes place on the second Wednesday of each month.
Their team of experts will help you install your car seat and ensure that it fits your child properly. You must schedule an appointment by calling 417.782.9899 or by emailing cpryor@theallianceofswmo.org.
One Joplin’s StoryWalk Unveiling
Thursday, December 11 | 9:00 am | Free event | Leonard Park, 408 Turk Avenue
One Joplin invites families, educators, and community members to celebrate the unveiling of a new story installation at the Leonard Park StoryWalk. The event will take place on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 9:00 am at Leonard park in Joplin (408 Turk Avenue).
This free, family-friendly celebrate will include:
- Photos with Nana Claus
- Joplin Schools’ Parents as Teachers resources and activities
- Children’s crafts
- Complimentary children’s books
The featured story, If Mice Pulled the Sleigh by Bill Barnsley and illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum, is a whimsical winter tale that celebrates imagination, teamwork, and holiday cheer.
About the Joplin Health Department:
The Joplin Health Department provides a variety of services to the community, including animal control, community health, environmental health, medical services, vital records, emergency preparedness and response planning, and WIC.
References:
Suzan Morang, Community Health Planner/Educator
Joplin Health Department
417.623.6122, ext. 1256
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