AGENCIES GET FUNDING FOR FLOOD FICTIMS' HEALTH CARE

The Missouri Coalition for Primary Health Care and the Missouri Department of Health have received federal funding for the provision of primary health-care services to individuals who have been impacted by the floods of 1993 and 1994.

The MCPHC has implemented a flood health-services referral line for callers to dial a 1-800 number to obtain information about available primary health-care services in their area. An operator will answer each call and refer the caller to either a local health department or a community health center near them for primary care services.

In conjunction with the referral line, the Department of Health has focused on the expansion of primary care services in three areas of the state that are among those most affected by flooding: Buchanan, Chariton, Ste. Genevieve and Perry counties.

The local health departments in those areas are expanding their existing programs to include community outreach, physicals and screenings free of charge or on a sliding fee scale, and health education.

Health services referral line hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The telephone number is 1-800-356-6391).