May 19, 2026

MHA Health Institute: 2026 Pain Management Series Registration: Advancing Substance Use Care in Clinical Practice, Starts June 10

Join MHA for a four part informational series focused on improving clinical practice related to opioid prescribing, pain management, stimulant use disorder and alcohol reduction.

Each session offers practical, evidence-informed strategies that can be applied across health care and community settings.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the CDC prescribing guidelines,
• Engage patients in effective pain-related conversations,
• Learn about overamping and how to medically respond to stimulant use disorder, and
• Improve comfort with difficult conversations around alcohol use.

Cost: Complimentary to all attendees

When:

• Wednesday, June 10, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 17, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 24, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 1, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Click Here to Learn More and Register

May 19, 2026

DIMENSIONS: Tobacco-Free Advanced Techniques Training, October 27-28

A training program for healthcare professionals offered by the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

This two-day training covers tobacco fundamentals, tobacco addiction, tobacco treatment strategies and a motivational intervention for tobacco cessation. Trainees will also be trained to facilitate the DIMENSIONS Tobacco Free Group – a 6-week group curriculum.

The Advanced Techniques training is a train-the trainer model, meaning participants will leave the training with the materials and knowledge to train others at their organization. Every trainee will have download access to the program materials at the completion of the training.

Attendees will:

• Promote tobacco cessation for persons with behavioral health conditions,
• Conduct 30-minute motivational intervention,
• Facilitate the Tobacco Free group,
• Build awareness around tobacco dependence, and
• Make referrals to community resources.

Cost:

This training is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and is therefore offered at no-cost to qualified participants.

When: October 27 – 28

Registration required by October 16

Click Here to Register

May 19, 2026

Tobacco Cessation Health Systems Change Community of Practice

The University of Colorado Behavioral Health and Wellness Program is facilitating Cohort 4 of the Tobacco Cessation Health System Change – Community of Practice. This CoP includes on-demand webinars, monthly Learning Community Calls, and access to the Dimensions Tobacco Free Group.

BHWP will create an interactive learning environment where you can set goals that match your organization’s readiness for change, exchange ideas, and work with peers from other Missouri organizations to overcome barriers.

To register or ask questions, please contact Cessation specialist, Kayla Langford at kayla.langford@health.mo.gov.

May 19, 2026

Applications Open Now: Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training, Apply by June 18

This training provides a comprehensive approach to learning evidence-based treatment for individuals to master the core competencies defined by the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD) and obtain the necessary training required to apply for the National Certificate in Tobacco Treatment Practice (NCTTP). The training benefits all health disciplines.

Prerequisites:

• Healthcare worker or practitioner interested in providing evidence-based treatment to people who use tobacco and nicotine,
• Agency or employer recommendation, and
• Tobacco-free for 6 months prior to course.

Click Here to Learn More

May 14, 2026

MHA Health Institute: Infection Prevention Academy, June 2 – July 28

This academy will prepare infection prevention health care professionals, both new to their role and those seeking an excellent knowledge refresher, to be facilitators and resources for surveillance, prevention and control of infections.

Professionals who are new to infection prevention responsibilities will learn how to manage the everyday duties of infection surveillance, analyze disease data, and identify problems and resolutions. It will enhance existing programs through a presentation of current guidelines and evidence-based practices applicable to infection control programs, product selection and evaluation.

Cost: MHA Health Institute coupon eligible

• MHA Members – $400
• Non Members – $500

When: Tuesdays, June 2 through July 28, 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Click Here to Register

May 14, 2026

Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program – Deadline for Next Cohort is September 30

Participants in this program – including Critical Access Hospitals and inpatient Prospective payment System hospitals – receive virtual and on-site technical assistance to address financial and operational challenges while maintaining essential health services for their communities.

Funded by FORHP and carried out by experts at the Georgia Southern University Center for Rural Public Health Practice and Research, the program accepts applications on an ongoing basis, with a cut-off of September 30 for the next cohort.

Click Here to Learn More and Apply

May 4, 2026

National Nurses Month Nurse Scholar Program Scholarship Opportunity; Apply Today to Take the Nurse Scholar Program for Free

Enhancing rural nursing practice through distance learning.

The AgriSafe Nurse Scholar program is an online, on-demand learning experience taught by experts in agricultural health & safety.

The program will help nurses increase their competence in prevention, identification, and assessment of diseases and conditions commonly experienced by people working in agriculture.

Topics covered include:

• Emerging issues
• Personal protective equipment
• Respiratory hazards
• Dermatologic disorders
• Pesticide exposure
• Women’s health issues
• Zoonoses
• Immigrant farmers
• Safe-guarding children
• Rural behavioral health
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Aging, and more

Click Here to Learn More and Apply

May 4, 2026

MHA Health Institute: Navigating the Complexities of the Nurse Manager Role, September 16-17

The role of a nurse manager is crucial and unique in health care settings. They bridge the gap between front-line nurses and administrative leadership and are tasked with developing strong teams of nurses to deliver exceptional patient care.

This two-day event delves into the distinct challenges that nurse managers face in their daily responsibilities. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will gain valuable insights into the complexities of this role and explore strategies to effectively overcome these challenges.

Objectives

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the process of transitioning into a nurse manager leadership role and how to successfully balance clinical expertise and managerial responsibilities,
• Learn concepts of SWOT analysis to evaluate staff and identify opportunities for improvement,
• Identify elements of a healthy work environment and discuss how to incorporate psychological safety and open communication,
• Develop approaches for effective communication and collaboration across the continuum, from upper management to staff and interdisciplinary teams, and
• Discuss the nurse leader’s role in maintaining regulatory compliance.

Cost:

• MHA Members $495
• Non Members $595

When: Wednesday, September 16 – Thursday September 17

Click Here to Learn More and Register

May 4, 2026

MHA Health Institute: From Staff Nurse to Charge Nurse, June 2

This event will focus on the unique challenges nurses face when transitioning from peer to leader and professional role model within clinical settings. You’ll explore leadership styles that support safe, high-quality patient care, strategies for navigating conflict on fast-paced units, and communication techniques that strengthen teamwork across the interdisciplinary care team.

Additional topics include effective delegation aligned with scope of practice, fostering psychological safety, and practical approaches to protecting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being while leading in today’s demanding healthcare environment.

Objectives

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify characteristics of a good charge nurse and how to build upon these attributes,
• Identify key differences and challenges of transitioning from a peer to a leader and role model as a charge nurse,
• Develop and recognize a charge nurse’s role in positively affecting productivity, team collaboration, staff retention and patient outcomes,
• Describe and apply the role emotional intelligence plays in building trusting relationships, resolving conflict and improving communication,
• Identify and develop methods to overcome obstacles/challenges as a leader in an ever-changing and chaotic health care environment,
• Outline approaches to improve the art of delegation and accountability for outcomes,
• Describe responsibilities and obligations to regulatory bodies, upper leadership, staff, patients and self while functioning in the charge nurse position, and
• Develop survival techniques for your mental, emotional and physical well-being, as well as professional growth.

Cost:

• MHA Members $395
• Non Members $495

When: Tuesday, June 2 and Thursday, August 6

Click Here to Learn More and Register

May 4, 2026

MHA Health Institute: Infection Prevention Academy, 8 Sessions, Starts June 2

This academy will prepare infection prevention health care professionals, both new to their role and those seeking an excellent knowledge refresher, to be facilitators and new resources for surveillance, prevention and control of infections.

Professionals who are new to infection prevention responsibilities will learn how to manage the everyday duties of infection surveillance, analyze disease data, and identify problems and resolutions. It will enhance existing programs through a presentation of current guidelines and evidence-based practices applicable to infection control programs, product selection and evaluation.

Cost:

• MHA Members $400
• Non Members $500

When: Tuesdays, Starting June 2 through July 28

Click Here to Learn More and Register