Community leaders met virtually on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 to continue community conversation about response to the coronavirus pandemic and announce the following:

• The United Way of the Mark Twain Area has established a community help line at 573-221-2761. We encourage our community to use this line to access vital resources as they encounter life-altering issues associated with food insecurity, transportation issues or other major concerns.
• Hannibal Public Schools staff is currently preparing packets for students. Packet pick up is Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Packets will be distributed drive-up style. Middle and high school packets will be distributed electronically unless paper copies are needed.
• Hannibal Public Schools nurses have called families to arrange for medicine pick up through Friday, March 20.
• Hannibal Public Schools will be distributing breakfast and lunch beginning Monday, March 23 and is collaborating with Douglass Community Services to distribute USDA Summer Meal Program dinners and HAYS to distribute Buddy Packs. There will be 22 sites for meal pick up, which are listed at the end of the release.
• As of the time of this release there are no positive cases in northeast Missouri. Hannibal Regional has been and is continuing to test patients which meet the testing criteria. To continue all efforts in mitigating potential exposure, Hannibal Regional Healthcare System has a designated Fever/Virus Entrance.  All patients which are exhibiting fever or virus symptoms should use this designated entrance beside the Emergency Room.  Visitor restrictions are in place, and all visitors and patients are screened upon entrance to the facility.  All recent updates, COVID-19 resources and updates from CEO Todd Ahrens are available at www.hannibalregional.org.
• The United Way of the Mark Twain Area has launched a COVID-19 Response Fund to assist with the assembly and delivery of Response Kits for clients of area senior centers who have meals delivered to their homes. These Response Kits will include some shelf staples, paper products, toiletries, etc. to help seniors avoid going into public settings. Kits will be distributed through Heartland Resources in Lewis County, Monroe City Senior Nutrition Center, Palmyra Nutrition Center, Paris Senior Center, the Shelby County Senior Citizens, and the Hannibal Nutrition Center, as supplies allow. To make a donation,  please visit http://unitedwaymta.org, send donations by mail to PO Box 81, Hannibal, MO 63401 specially marked for the COVID-19 Response, or make a donation through the United Way of the Mark Twain Area Facebook page.
• The United Way of the Mark Twain Area is providing a weekly “Celebrity Reading Time,” which will feature local leaders and celebrities reading their favorite children’s books via video on the United Way’s website, http://unitedwaymta.org.
• Douglass Community Services remains open, providing all services, but has closed their building to visitors.
• The YMCA of Hannibal will be providing a super snack from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, March 23rd. This will be a grab-and-go meal for each child in the car. 50 bags will be available each day.
• The YMCA of Hannibal is closed to the public, but will be providing onsite daycare for children K-5th grade beginning Monday, March 23rd. Childcare will be available from 7am-5:30pm. Children will be placed in appropriate classes of no more than 8 students per room with 2 attendants. Priority registration will be available for First Responders and Health Care Officials. Register by calling 573-221-0586.
• The Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce remains open, but has closed their office to visitors.
• Out of an abundance of caution, starting Thursday, March 19, all city buildings will be closed to the public for 30 days, to protect the public.  The exception being the lobby at the police station which will remain open.   All essential services will continue, such as fire and police protection, as well as electric, water and sewer services and street and park repair and maintenance.  Both the main Board of Public Works office at 3 Industrial Drive and City Hall, 320 Broadway, have secure drop boxes where payments can be delivered. The HBPW offers multiple ways to access account information on the website:  www.hannibalbpw.org/departments/customer-service/pay-your-bill/. All late fees will be waived, there will be no disconnects for late payments. We appreciate the cooperation of everyone as we work together to do what we can to contribute to slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
  • Important numbers follow:
    • Board of Public Works Customer Service 573-221-8050
    • Board of Public Works emergency service issues (24/7) 573-221-0955
    • City Hall 573-221-0111
    • Parks & Recreation 573-221-0154
    • Hannibal Municipal Airport 573-406-3728

The group continues to urge our community to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidelines to combat the spread of this virus, including hand washing, regular disinfection of surfaces, practicing social distancing and limiting travel, and staying home if you are sick. If you think you may have the coronavirus, please call your healthcare provider’s office before visiting.

Additionally, the group reminds our community of the importance of seeking out information from credible and reliable sources like the CDC, and not relying on social media for updates.

The group of community leaders includes representatives from the following: Hannibal-LaGrange University; Preferred Family Healthcare; Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council; Mark Twain Behavioral Health; YMCA of Hannibal; City of Hannibal; Marion County Health Department; Hannibal Police Department; Hannibal Fire Department; Clarity Healthcare; The PATCH Center; Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce; Hannibal Clinic; Douglass Community Services; United Way of the Mark Twain Area; Marion County Emergency Management; Holy Family School; St. John’s Lutheran School; Hannibal Public Schools; Hannibal Regional Healthcare System; and Moberly Area Community College.

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Bus Schedule*

• Bus #1-- Intersection of Big Creek Lane & Hwy HH  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #1--Intersection of Janapas Trail & Ideal Villa Place  --  12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #2-- Oakwood Elementary School, 3716 Market St.  --  11 AM-Noon
• Bus # 2-- Intersection of Rt O & Flint Hill Road (New London)  --  12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #3-- Antioch Baptist Church, 59621 Antioch Lane  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #3—AD Stowell Elementary, 700 Fulton Avenue  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #4-- Intersection of Rt T & Oakhill Road (New London) -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #4-- Embassy Christian Center, 600 North Street  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #5—Intersection of Monkey Run & Hwy 79  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #5--Hannibal Public Library 200 South 5th Street  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #6-- Intersection of Saverton West Road & Rt E (Saverton)  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #6-- Eugene Field Elementary School, 1405 Pearl Street  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #7—Calvary Baptist Church, 4605 West Ely Road  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #7-- Intersection of Hwy 168 and County Road 404  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #8—Clover Road Christian Church, 785 Clover Road -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #8—Mark Twain Elementary School, 2800 Bird St -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #9—Intersection of Munger Lane & Country Meadows Northside -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #9Hannibal Transportation Center, 2365 Warren Barrett Drive  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #10—Hannibal High School Auditorium Parking Lot, 4500 McMasters -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #10—Intersection of North Section St. & Mark Twain Ave. (Ayerco 22)  -- 12:15-1:15 PM
• Bus #11—Intersection of Shawnee Trail & Atoka (Closest to Munger Lane)  -- 11 AM-Noon
• Bus #11—Intersection of Starlight Ridge & 29th Street (Mailboxes)  -- 12:15-1:15 PM

*All locations are Hannibal, 63401, except where noted

As part of the community’s proactive planning to slow the spread of COVID-19 Hannibal Regional is implementing visitor restrictions beginning March 19, 2020 until further notice.  

Until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our patients, team members and the community Hannibal Regional Healthcare System is implementing visitor restrictions at Hannibal Regional Hospital and all Hannibal Regional Medical Group locations.

We recognize that there are times when having a visitor or family member present is crucial. In these cases, visitors will be allowed based on the exceptions listed below. Please note: in all cases a visitor will only be allowed if they do not have symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath). Additionally, children under the age of 16 will not be allowed except under extraordinary circumstances.

Visitor restrictions are as follows:

• Women in labor may have one partner and one birth support person accompany them.
• Nursery patients may have one birth parent plus one significant other who must remain in the room for the duration of the visit.
• Patients who are at the end-of-life or critically ill on life support may have two visitors.
• Patients with disruptive behavior, where a family member is key to their care, may have one visitor.
• Patients who have altered mental status or developmental delays (where caregiver provides safety) may have one visitor.
• Minors under the age of 18 may have one visitor, or parents or guardians.
• Patients undergoing surgery or procedures may have one visitor (patients under age of 18 may have two visitors) who must leave the hospital as soon as possible after the procedure/surgery.
• The following patients may have one person with them:
  • Patients who have an appointment at a Hannibal Regional Medical Group location
  • Patients who are undergoing laboratory testing or a radiology procedure
  • Patients  visiting the Emergency Department 

Visitors must remain in the patient’s room throughout their visit.  Once the visitor leaves the patient’s room they must leave the facility.  

Visitors will not be allowed for patients with a pending or positive COVID-19 test.  To learn the latest COVID-19 updates at Hannibal Regional visit hannibalregional.org/coronavirus.

Key community leaders gathered Monday morning, March 16, 2020, to continue conversations regarding community preparedness and response to the coronavirus pandemic.  This group, composed of more than thirty representatives from organizations in the Hannibal area, identified ways to continue joint efforts in a unified approach to the coronavirus situation. As of the time of the meeting, there have been no positive COVID-19 test results in the northeast Missouri region.  Healthcare officials reported that patients are able to be tested in the Hannibal area and some area residents have already been tested.  Missouri state officials communicate daily and if any new cases are confirmed either locally or on the state-wide level, the state will make the announcement.

As local officials work together on this issue, we urge our community to do the same.  When the Centers for Disease Control provides updated guidelines to combat the spread of this virus, please follow them!  Your actions can affect so many around you and what you do could save the lives of many. WASH your hands.  Practice social distancing, limit travel, clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily, stay home if you are sick and call your healthcare provider’s office before visiting if you think you may have the coronavirus. 

Additionally, this group reminds our community of the importance of seeking out information from credible and reliable sources like the CDC, and not relying on social media for updates. This group continues to routinely communicate and will offer updates both through each organization and as well as further releases from this group. The group includes representatives from the following: Hannibal-LaGrange University; Preferred Family Healthcare; Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council; Mark Twain Behavioral Health; YMCA of Hannibal; City of Hannibal; Marion County Health Department; Hannibal Police Department; Hannibal Fire Department; Clarity Healthcare; The PATCH Center; Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce; Hannibal Clinic; Douglass Community Services, Marion County Emergency Management, Holy Family School; St. John’s Lutheran School; Hannibal Public Schools; Hannibal Regional Healthcare System; Marion County Emergency Management; and Moberly Area Community College.

Remember, stay educated, follow CDC guidelines, and stay calm. We can all work together to keep our community safe and healthy. For the most recent coronavirus updates, visit www.cdc.gov.

Over 48 million Americans are affected by some degree of hearing loss, making it the third most common chronic health condition in the United States.  Linda Carleton, MS, F-AAA, an audiologist with Hannibal Regional Medical Group, is urging the community to be more aware of their hearing health and get a free hearing screening.

“Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises; ear infections, trauma, or ear disease; harm to the inner ear and ear drum; illness or certain medications; and deterioration due to normal aging process,” explains Linda.  Not all hearing loss is attributed to aging - over 1 billion people are at risk for hearing loss due to unsafe personal use of portable music devices. “Everyday loud activities, such as operating lawn or farm equipment, concerts, hair dryers or alarm clocks can contribute to hearing loss.”  Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent but is usually preventable. To protect your hearing, wear ear protection when sounds are louder than 85 decibels, turn down the volume, and walk away from loud noises.  

You might have a problem with your hearing if you have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy environment such as a restaurant, are unable to hear people talk to you without looking at them, or have a constant ringing or pain in your ears. The first step in treating a hearing problem is to get a hearing screening by an audiologist.  Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist can determine the best treatment, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and hearing rehabilitation. To schedule your free hearing screening contact Linda Carleton’s office call 573-629-3500.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018 the Hannibal-LaGrange University Trojan basketball teams hosted their 6th Annual Hoops for Hope Game.  The basketball teams sold pink Hoops for Hope shirts to raise funds for the Life.Light.Hope cancer patient assistance fund at the James E. Cary Cancer Center and Hannibal Regional Infusion Center.  Pictured are the Hannibal-LaGrange University men’s and women’s basketball teams, head coaches Jason Durst and Kelly Quigle, assistant coaches Josh Pickett and Kelly Stutler and Angie Wilcoxson from Hannibal Regional Foundation.