The Joplin Health Department, along with the Community Health Collaborative, would like to invite the community to join them this summer at various health- and safety-related events/programs across the region this summer. Learn more about each event below!
MU Extension’s 100 Miles, 100 Days Program
From June 16 to September 23, 2025 | Free program hosted by University of Missouri Extension
MU Extension is hosting a statewide initiative called 100 Miles, 100 Days which is a no-cost movement program that helps to motivate you to increase your physical activity throughout the 100 days of summer.
Starting June 16th, start moving in whatever way you enjoy- biking, dancing, even strength training! You can keep a log of your progress and set whatever goal you’d like that keeps you moving. You’ll receive weekly reminders and motivators that can give you fresh ideas as well! You’ll have until the last day of summer this September to meet your goals.
This program is a great way to get groups, coworkers, friends, and families to hold each other accountable or even compete for the most miles!
For more information, click here.
CPR Classes, Provided by Joplin Health Department
Various dates throughout July 2025 | Free events | 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 summer. 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, July 23 @ 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, July 2 @ 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
- Hosted on Wednesday, July 23 @ 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Friends and Family® CPR – This is a great class for new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and others.
- Hosted on Wednesday, July 30 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
To register, click here.
Car Seat Check-Up
Wednesday, July 9 | 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.
Show Me Water Safety
Wednesday, July 16 | 6:30 to 8:30 pm | Free event | Held by the Joplin Family YMCA and hosted at Schifferdecker Pool in Joplin, 400 S. Schifferdecker Avenue
All area parents of four- to twelve-year-olds are invited to Show Me Water Safety, hosted by Joplin Family YMCA.
This comprehensive program developed through a collaborative community partnership committed to reducing the risk of injury and loss of life associated with recreational water activities. This initiative brings together professionals from diverse fields, such as aquatic safety, emergency response, and environmental education, all dedicated to equipping participants with essential water safety knowledge and skills. Children will visit several different interactive stations and get in the water with safety crews.
Every registered participant will receive a free lifejacket and all participants must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Swimsuits are recommended.
You must register for the event. You can register your kiddos here.
CHAMPS Family Health Coaching
Various dates throughout the summer | Free program sponsored through Kansas City University (KCU)
Bring your family together for a free, fun, hands-on health coaching experience! Led by trained student doctors, CHAMPS sessions are designed to enhance family health behaviors through engaging activities tailored to fit your family’s unique goals and interests. Each session, customized just for you, might include cooking, gardening, sports, trying new foods or learning a new game.
CHAMPS health coaching includes six to eight sessions, held weekly or bi-weekly over a period of three to four months. Sessions are about 45 minutes long and scheduled for after-school or weekday evenings to fit your family’s availability. At the semester’s end, a celebration event recognizes your family’s accomplishments. Families unable to join the current semester can enroll in future sessions.
Sessions take place at community locations across the Score 1 for Health screening area, including elementary schools, libraries, health clinics, parks and KCU’s campus — most within 5-25 minutes of KCU.
Learn more here and contact litaylor@kansascity.edu to get your family involved in CHAMPS.
Joplin Schools Parents as Teachers (PAT) Summer Programming
Various dates throughout the summer | Free programs brought to you by Joplin Schools‘ Parents as Teachers
Are you a parent of a child who is not yet enrolled in kindergarten? Joplin’s PAT offers free:
- Personal visits
- Developmental screenings
- Group connections
- Community resource information
You can enroll in the program today by clicking here.
If you have a child who will attend kindergarten in the fall of 2025, you can also schedule a free pre-kindergarten visit, which will help boost developmental and social-emotional skills that are needed to succeed in school. Parent educators will also offer ideas and activities to help make it a smooth transition for the whole family.
To schedule your pre-kindergarten visit, you can call 417.208.2669 or email kerriclouse@joplinschools.org.
Franklin Technology Center’s Dental Assisting Revised Program
Classes begin Wednesday, August 6 | Tuition rates apply
Franklin Technology Center’s Adult Education is excited to introduce a revised Dental Assisting Program that will begin in August 2025.
The Adult Dental Assisting Program is designed to prepare students for employment as entry-level dental assistants in a variety of dental settings. This comprehensive program combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experience, and clinical practice to ensure students develop the knowledge, technical skills, and professionalism required to thrive in a dental office environment. The revised program structure allows individuals to balance their education with personal and professional responsibilities while also providing dental offices with a convenient option to upskill new hires.
The fall cohort will begin on August 6, 2025, with a second cohort beginning January 7, 2026. The details are as follows:
- This is a 600-hour program, with 164 in-class hours, 284 hybrid hours, and 152 clinical hours.
- The first 15 weeks, class will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
- From week 16 to week 25, there will be two clinical days along with regular class hours on Fridays.
- Upon completion of the program, participants will be awarded a National Entry Level Dental Assistant certificate from the Dental Assisting National Board.
- All classes will be held at Missouri Southern State University’s Health Sciences Building.
The deadline to apply for the fall cohort is July 28, 2025. Applications for the spring cohort must be submitted before December 8, 2025.
Learn more about this program and how to apply here.
Missouri Council for Activity & Nutrition’s Worksite Wellness Survey
Online survey | Open throughout summer
The Missouri Council for Activity & Nutrition (MOCAN) is seeking feedback to help them learn more about the current landscape of worksite wellness programming in Missouri.
This survey is intended for those who manage or contribute to their company’s worksite wellness policies. You can take the survey here.
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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