Health & Medicine
Explore these online resources for free with your DBRL library card.
Consumer Health Complete
LOG IN TO THIS RESOURCE. Provides information to patients from periodicals, pamphlets and reference works covering all areas of health and wellness from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary, holistic and integrated medicine.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guide
Case Counts & Statistics
- Boone County, MO COVID-19 Information
A clearinghouse of up-to-date COVID-19 case counts and statistics and available resources for COVID-19 for Boone County. - Columbia Public Schools Coronavirus Plan
The plan published by the Columbia Public Schools district detailing how they plan to deal with the risks associated with in-person instruction during the ongoing pandemic. - Coronavirus Tracker
Resource for accurate and updated numbers on this global pandemic. - Maps & Visuals
A collection of links to different maps and data visualizations of the evolving pandemic from the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. - Missouri Public Health Dashboard
Statewide COVID-19 information for Missouri – Definitions, statistics, case counts, hospital status and other up to date information can be found here. - Covid-19 at Mizzou
Source for the plans and resources related to dealing with the ongoing pandemic through the University of Missouri.
General Information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Information from the leading national public health institute of the United States. - Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services
Up-to-date information on emergency preparedness and downloadable signs for workplaces and schools. - How to “Flatten the Curve”
Excellent explainer from the Washington Post about how social distancing can slow the spread of the coronavirus. - Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
Missouri news related to the outbreak and a statewide public hotline for citizens or providers needing guidance regarding COVID-19 (the disease caused by the novel coronavirus). Call the hotline at 877-435-8411. - The Path to Zero: Key Metrics for COVID Suppression
A collaboration of top scientists at institutions around the country, lead by the Harvard Global Health Institute, who have joined forces to create a unified set of metrics for the coronavirus pandemic, including a shared definition of risk levels — and tools for communities to fight the virus. Dashboard retired as of December 2022. - World Health Organization
Health topic page from the World Health Organization (WHO), an agency of the United Nations that focuses on world public health. Includes a “myth busters” page that addresses COVID-19 rumors. - Your pets and COVID-19
Information on the health and welfare of domestic animals, including pets, during the COVID-19 pandemic from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Medical Advice & Help
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Hotline: 877-435-8411
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) activated a statewide public hotline for citizens or providers needing guidance regarding COVID-19. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available Mon-Fri. 7:30am – 5:30pm. - COVID-19 Testing Sites
List of locations, including their contact information, where COVID-19 testing is available in the state of Missouri. - Boone Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) Page
Information on screening and testing through Boone Hospital Center. - MU Health Care Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Page
Information about what to do if you’re sick and how to get tested through MU Health Care. - Columbia/Boone County COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Information on vaccines from Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services. - Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Vaccinators Map
Information on providers of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the state of Missouri. Individuals can sign up online or call the COVID-19 hotline at (877) 435-8411 for notification of statewide vaccinations. - Statewide Vaccination Transportation Services
The Department of Health and Senior Services, in collaboration with Missouri’s Advisory Committee on Equitable COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution, compiled this list of statewide and regional resources for individuals who face transportation as a barrier to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Many of these transportation providers received stimulus funds to provide transportation to assist individuals with getting to and from their vaccine appointments and are able to offer the service at no cost. These rides will be available as long as the funding lasts for each provider.
Information for Parents & Child Care Providers
- Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
A kid-friendly comic explaining the facts about the coronavirus and tips for prevention from NPR. - Resources for K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs From the CDC
- Talking to Children About COVID-19
A parent resource from the National Association of School Psychologists.
Assistance
- Affordable Connectivity Program
The FCC is extending a benefit for families to gain access to broadband services during the pandemic to families experiencing hardship, both due to the COVID-19 pandemic and otherwise. - Ameren Missouri COVID-19 Clean Slate Program
Multiple community partners and agencies will participate in administering this program and determining income eligibility. Once the agency determines your eligibility, the program can help you clear the remaining balance on your account after you make a down payment of 25% of your current balance owed. - CoMoHelps
CoMoHelps is a joint effort of Heart of Missouri United Way, City of Columbia, Boone County and Community Foundation of Central Missouri, offering assistance to those who are struggling in the COVID-19 pandemic and to those who wish to help. - COVID-19 FAQs for Businesses and Workers
Coronavirus information from the Missouri Department of Labor. Includes information about unemployment compensation, worker’s compensation and discrimination. - Get Help (COVID-19)
The City of Columbia and Boone County are coordinating the community’s mass care and human services response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here you can find up to date information about social service and healthcare resources for residents of Boone County. - Mortgage Relief Deadlines Extended
Some homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage now have a little extra time to seek help. - Relief for Renters
A number of resources for individuals struggling with housing due to COVID. The CDC eviction moratorium expired on August 26th, 2021. - Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
COVID-19 resources from the Small Business Administration. - Student Loan Forbearance
To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers can be placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. The U.S. Department of Education’s COVID-19 relief for student loans is ending this year. Student loan interest will resume starting on Sept. 1, 2023, and payments will be due starting in October. - Tax Relief
Special section of the IRS website focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. - Third Economic Impact Payments
Statement from IRS regarding the third economic impact payments
Health & Medicine Guide
Affordable Care Act & the Health Insurance Marketplace
- HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov
The federal government’s hub for health law information, including the Health Insurance Marketplace. - Cover Missouri
A project of the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) to promote quality, affordable health coverage for every Missourian, including guidance for Missourians exploring options for coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
Medical Information
- Consumer Health Complete
Provides content from periodicals, pamphlets and reference works covering all areas of health and wellness from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary, holistic and integrated medicine. - MEDLINE
Provides authoritative citations from over 5,400 journals on medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system and much more. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Provides information on everything from health conditions and emergency preparedness to travelers’ health. - Healthfinder.gov
Find government and nonprofit medical and health services. - Health Literacy Media
HLM aims to bridge the gap between complexity, understanding, and action by building and operating programs that embrace health literacy best practices. - KidsHealth
A wide array of topics about medical, emotional and developmental issues for children, parents and teens. - MedlinePlus
Authoritative information from the National Institutes of Health. - Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
Alternative Medicine
- Consumer Health Complete
Search for articles about complementary, holistic and integrated approaches to health care and wellness. - National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Drug Information
- Missouri Rx Plan
MoRx is Missouri’s State Pharmacy Assistance Program created to coordinate benefits with Medicare’s (Part D) Prescription Drug Program. - National Institutes of Health PubChem Portal
Provides links to PubChem drug information as well as to scientific journals, clinical trials, etc. - Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs.
Organizations
- American Cancer Society
- American Diabetes Association
- American Heart Association
- American Red Cross – Mid-Missouri Chapter
- Arthritis Foundation – Eastern Missouri Chapter
- Easterseals Midwest
- United Way Missouri 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a fast, free and confidential way to find info for many local social services.
Local Medical Facilities
Boone County
- Boone Health
- Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center
- Family Health Center
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital
- MedZou Community Health Clinic – serves patients without insurance
- Rusk Rehabilitation Center
- University of Missouri Health Care
- MU Hospital Medical Access Videos (available in 8 different languages)- Family Health Center and South Providence Medical Park
- MU Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Callaway County
Health Insurance Marketplace Guide
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace is a website created as part of the Affordable Care Act where you can compare health insurance plans and buy the plan that is right for you. Here you can shop for plans, compare options, see if you qualify for financial assistance and enroll for coverage. The Open Enrollment Period for 2024 coverage is November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024. In some cases (loss of coverage, major life event), you may be qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
How to Enroll Online
- Open enrollment begins November 1.
- Visit HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov
- Create an account
- Fill out the application. You will need:
- Address
- Name, birth date, age and Social Security Number for anyone applying
- Income information for anyone applying
- Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering household members
- Information about any employer-offered coverage, even if you have opted out
- Compare plan options
- Pick the plan that best meets your needs
Other Ways to Enroll
- By phone at 1-800-318-2596
- By mail: printable form and instructions.
- In person with the help of trained staff. See “Getting Help” below or visit localhelp.healthcare.gov to find a location near you.
Getting Help
Get help from local organizations’ trained staff who can answer questions and help you fill out your application.
At Library Locations
Primaris Foundation, the organization that has coordinated in-person help at both our Columbia and Callaway library branches during the fall/winter, may offer in-person help during the enrollment period, check at your local branch for more information.
You can call to make an appointment for free, one-on-one help in one of these ways:
- Mid-Missouri: 573-817-8338
- Throughout Missouri, contact Cover Missouri: 800-466-3213
Boone County
- Aging Best
201 W Broadway, Suite 1E, Columbia, MO, 65203
Call 573-443-5823 to set up an appointment for one-on-one assistance. Persons do not need to be 60 and older. This service is open to all uninsured individuals and families. - Central Missouri Community Action
Call 573-443-8706 toll free for assistance. - Family Health Center
1001 W. Worley St, Columbia, MO
Call 573-214-2314 or 844-853-8937 to set up an appointment for one-on-one assistance. - Missouri Kidney Program
2800 Maguire Blvd. Suite C202, Columbia, MO
Call 573-882-2506 or 800-733-7345 to set up an appointment for one-on-one assistance. - Missouri Connections for Health
601 W. Nifong Blvd., Suite 3A, Columbia, MO 65203
Call (573) 817-8300 or (800) 466-3213 to schedule individual assistance. - Spectrum Health Care
1123 Wilkes Boulevard, Suite 110, Columbia, MO
Call 573-514-7312 to schedule individual assistance.
Callaway County
- Community Health Center of Central Missouri
561 Commons Drive, Fulton, MO
Call (573) 632-2777 for assistance.
Forms and More Information
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
A comprehensive selection of health insurance marketplace resources from CMS.gov. - Cover Missouri
A project of the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) to promote quality, affordable health coverage for every Missourian, including guidance for Missourians exploring options for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. - Kaiser Family Foundation
Healthcare reform information and resources from the Kaiser Family Foundation. - The Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace for Individuals – Fact Sheets – from covermissouri.org
- Frequently Asked Questions from covermissouri.org
- Health Insurance Marketplace information for other states.
- About Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace
If you are currently enrolled in the Medicare program, you are already covered under a health insurance program and WILL NOT be required to participate in the new program.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Buyer’s Guide
LOG IN TO THIS RESOURCE. Provides personalized reports offering step-by-step guidance on how to select a Medigap insurance plan and determine which plans and insurers are right for you.
MEDLINE
LOG IN TO THIS RESOURCE. Provides authoritative citations from over 4,800 journals on medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system and much more.
Mental Health Guide
Crisis Hotlines
- Mental Health Crisis Hotline (Burrell Behavioral Health)
1-800-395-2132 - Mid-Missouri Crisis Line
1-888-761-4357
Columbia: 573-445-5035 - Suicide Prevention Hotline
988 - Vet2Vet: Veterans Crisis Hotline
988, followed by 1 when prompted - United Way 211
From a cell phone dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626
Select Reading Lists & Library Resources
- Consumer Health Complete
Provides content from periodicals, pamphlets and reference works covering all areas of health and wellness from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary, holistic and integrated medicine. - Mental Health To-Go Kits
Evaluation, Counseling & Treatment
- Arthur Center
Provides outpatient behavioral health services and crisis intervention for youth and adults of east central Missouri (including Callaway County). - Burrell Behavioral Health
Burrell is a private, not for profit organization that provides a wide range of mental health services for individuals and families. - CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia
Provider of acute inpatient and outpatient treatment for adolescents, adults and seniors, who have been suffering addiction or mental health challenges. - Compass Health Network
Not-for-profit center serving 46 Missouri counties that provides a full continuum of behavioral health services and supports. - Family Counseling Center of Missouri, Inc.
Not-for-profit mental health service organization with both outpatient clinics and residential treatment centers in mid-Missouri. - Fulton State Hospital
A regional long-term adult inpatient facility serving 31 counties in central and northern Missouri and providing “Maximum Security and Intermediate Security Forensic mental health services for the entire state of Missouri.” - Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital
Find information on Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), counseling and other support services for veterans, families and caregivers. - Missouri Psychiatric Center (Formerly Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center)
Treatment services for “adults, adolescents, children and their families who are in crisis or who need a comprehensive diagnosis evaluation in an inpatient setting.” - New Horizons
Not-for-profit mental health program providing adult psychiatric services, assistance with medication, drop-in rehabilitation, structured substance abuse treatment programs and support for transition from homelessness. - Phoenix Programs, Inc.
A behavioral health center focusing on individuals and their families who seek long term recovery from substance use disorders and enhancement of mental and physical wellness. Programs include residential treatment for adult men and outpatient treatment for men, women and adolescents. - University of Missouri Psychological Services Clinic
Through the university’s Department of Psychological Services, the clinic provides outpatient counseling and therapy for children and adults in the Columbia area.
Local Resources & Support Organizations
- Mental Health First Aid Training Program – Missouri Dept. of Mental Health
A program designed to teach basic first aid interventions for common mental health problems (anxiety, depression, substance abuse, etc.) or crisis situations (suicidal behavior, drug overdose and the like). - Missouri Behavioral Health Council
Provides a complete listing of community mental health centers and alcohol and drug abuse treatment agencies in the state. - Missouri Dept. of Mental Health
The Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) “is responsible for assuring the availability of prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals and families requiring public mental health services throughout the State of Missouri.” - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Columbia
NAMI is dedicated to “improving the lives not just of individuals with mental illness, but of the entire family” and locally provides support group meetings and education services.
National Resources & Information
- American Psychological Association (APA)
Search by topic to find information on disorders, treatment and resources. - AllPsych – DSM-V-TR
Provides authoritative definitions and diagnosis of mental disorders. - Mental Health America
A non-profit organization working to inform, advocate and enable access to quality behavioral health services for all Americans. - MindFreedom International
A non-profit, advocacy organization critical of the psychiatric drug industry. - National Institute of Mental Health
Information, reports and updates on treatment from government and privately funded research. Includes information on clinical trials, medications and statistics with many printable publications and fact sheets on frequently asked questions. - Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
Government agency providing mental health publications, data, a service locator and links to help hotlines.
Teen Health & Wellness
LOG IN TO THIS RESOURCE. This award-winning resource provides middle and high school students with up-to-date, nonjudgmental self-help support. Topics covered include diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, safety, mental health, suicide, bullying and LGBTQ+ information.