Joint Board of Health and Hospitals - August 20, 2026

The Joint Board of Health and Hospitals for the City of St. Louis, Missouri, convened on August 20, 2026, to discuss various public health initiatives and updates. Key procurement-related discussions included the announcement of a recently issued Request for Proposals (RFP) for Medicaid navigation services to assist with new verification requirements, with final vendor selections nearing completion. The board also discussed funding and resource allocation challenges related to Medicaid coverage changes, including termination of coverage for certain therapies, and the impact on community health centers' service delivery. Additionally, the board reviewed ongoing partnerships with federally qualified health centers and community organizations to support vaccine education, outreach, and hydration distribution during extreme heat. While no new contracts were awarded during the meeting, the board highlighted upcoming grant-supported community events and emphasized the importance of continued funding and policy advocacy to support long-term public health improvements. The meeting included updates on public health leadership, emerging health issues such as vaccine mandates and foodborne illness outbreaks, and plans for enhanced regional collaboration and internship programs.