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ADMINISTRATION / BIOTERRORISM
How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?
Missouri County Health Departments have access to the database in Jefferson City where Vital Records are housed. The St. Joseph/Buchanan County Health Department offers Vital Records service from 8:00 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. Come to the second floor of Patee Market, 904 South 10th, complete an application and pay a $15 fee per copy. The birth must have taken place since 1920, in Missouri. The application must be submitted by the person on the certificate or a family member.

What do I need a birth certificate for?
A State certified record of birth is a legal document. A birth certificate may be required to enroll a child in school, to get a driver’s permit or license, to get married, to travel or get a passport, some employers require them, as do some insurance policies, or for other legal documentation purposes.

Can I get a death certificate from your office?
Death certificates are also issued through county health department offices for deaths which occurred in Missouri, since 1980. If the death you need a certificate for does not meet these qualifications, you may contact the State office of vital records, below. A certificate of death may be needed for probate purposes, to process insurance claims or to buy or sell a piece of property that was wholly or partially owned by someone who is now deceased.

How can I pay for a birth or death certificate?
The St. Joseph/Buchanan County Health Department accepts cash, personal check or money orders. The State can process credit or debit card purchases, and they offer overnight service, both with a surcharge.

How do I make a change to a certificate?
All changes must be processed at the State level. County offices cannot make any change to a certificate, even if it appears to be a misprint or typographical error. Information to contact the state is below.

How do I obtain a copy of a birth certificate from another state?
We can only process requests for Missouri births, but we’ll be happy to give you the contact information for other states or foreign births. Call our office (816-271-4636) for the phone number and address or search on-line by inputting “State of ____” in the search engine. Look for a .gov or an “official” state site, and once there, look for a vital records link. You may be able to complete the process on-line or download and print a copy of the application form to mail, or you might just get a phone number and address.

For Missouri requests a county office cannot fulfill, to make a legal change to a certificate or to request a certificate over-night, Contact the

Bureau of Vital Records
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102

573-751-6387

How do I get a copy of my marriage certificate?
Contact the Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds at 816-271-1437 for a copy of a marriage certificate. Copies of marriage certificates are available from the county in which the marriage took place.

I’m traveling to another country. Do I need any vaccinations?
Possibly. The Clay County Health Department in Liberty, Missouri can assist you. Contact them at 816-781-1601 and ask for the Oversea’s Nurse.

What is bioterrorism?
The intentional or threatened use of viruses, bacteria, fungi or toxins from living organisms to produce death or disease in humans, animals or plants.

How likely is a bioterrorism attack in our area?
The likelihood of a large- scale bioterrorist event is currently thought to be low, given the level of technical sophistication required to develop a weapon to disperse the biological weapon in the manner necessary to infect massive numbers of people. However, since the events of September 11, 2001, which too was thought to be of low probability, the Public Health Department, together with local emergency management agencies and state officials, is focusing its efforts on improving the ability to respond to such an event, should it occur.

What can be done to protect my family and myself against bioterrorism?
Prepare as you would for any emergency (i.e. flood, winter storm or earthquake), including ensuring that you have a portable battery powered radio, flashlight, ample supply of batteries and several days supply of non perishable food, water, and clothes for all family members. Develop a communication plan, to be able to contact all family members if something happens while your family members are separated because of school and work. For more details on what to do, to protect yourself and family members, please visit: American Red Cross – “Terrorism: Planning for the Unexpected” And
Ready.Gov – From the Department of Homeland Defense.

How prepared are St. Joseph and the rest of Buchanan County for a bioterrorism attack?
St. Joseph and Buchanan County have emergency response plans in place to deal with hazardous chemical or biological events, as well as other disasters and are currently working to strengthen these plans. These plans involve the coordination of multiple agencies involved in law enforcement, public health, fire, emergency medical services and disaster response. For example, Public Health has developed systems for rapid detection and investigation of disease outbreaks that could be the first indication of a biological attack. Early detection will be very important, so that persons at risk can be identified and managed appropriately.

How safe is our water?
The United States public water supply system is one of the safest in the world. The general public should continue to drink and use water just as they would under normal conditions. Your local water treatment supplier and local governments are on the alert for any unusual activity and will notify you immediately in the event of any public health threat. At this point, we have no reason to believe that additional measures need to be taken.

Should I buy a Gas Mask?
No. The use of gas masks during a chemical or biological attack is not recommended due to legitimate safety concerns. The lack of training and improper use of masks, filters and hoods, as well as a false sense of security as to their effectiveness, could pose a threat to public safety. Without the proper training and equipment, you could be putting yourself at greater risk. There is at least one, recent documented instance where improper use of a gas mask lead to civilian deaths.

What are some of the diseases associated with bioterrorism?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have listed a group of diseases that are of highest concern. This “Category A” list includes the biological agents that cause anthrax, plague, smallpox, botulism, tularemia and the viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola.

What is smallpox?
Smallpox is a serious, contagious and often fatal infectious disease caused by variola virus. There currently is no specific treatment for smallpox disease, and the only prevention is vaccination. Patients with smallpox can benefit from supportive therapy (e.g., intravenous fluids, medicine to control fever or pain) and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections that may occur.

Can I get the smallpox vaccine?
Currently, the vaccine is not available to the general public. Right now, as a precautionary measure, the vaccine will be available to members of emergency response and investigative teams. However in the event of a smallpox outbreak, the vaccine will be offered to everyone.

ANIMAL CONTROL
Emergency Calls After-hours: Emergency calls after-hours consist of animal bites, injured [stray] animals, loose livestock, wildlife in a occupied building, or any call where the well-being of a citizen or an animal is at risk.

Adoption Procedure and Fees: Adoptions are handled on a first come, first served basis. The fees are as follow:

	Dogs	Cats
Adoption Fee	$10.00	$5.00
Spay/Neuter Fee	Spay/neuter fee is based on sliding scale, depending on the animals weight.	Spay: $35.00 Neuter: $25.00
Registration Tags	$5.00	$5.00

For photographs of some of the animals we have on hand, please go to the Friends of the Shelter website

Redemption Fees:The redemption fees for dogs consist of a $10.00 impoundment fee, and a $8.00 per day board fee. If the animal isn’t currently registered at the time of impoundment then a spay/neuter deposit will be assessed. This fee is based on a sliding scale depending on the animals [for dogs only] weight.

The redemption fees for cats consist of a $10.00 impoundment fee, and a $7.00 per day board fee. If the animal isn’t currently registered at the time of impoundment, there is an additional spay/neuter fee assessed. The fee is $25.00 for males and $35.00 for females.

Lost Pets: If you have lost your pet it is important that you come to the Shelter to see if it has been impounded. Due to the owner’s description not matching the officer’s description, staff will not provide this information over the telephone. Stray animals are held 5 days, which must include 1 Saturday.

Found Animals:If you have found an animal with a city registration tag, you may contact the shelter and the owner’s name will be provided. It is recommended that animals found without any form of identification be delivered to the Shelter, or the citizen may board the animal and run a found ad in the local newspaper.

License Requirement for Pets:The City Code of Ordinances requires all dogs and cats 3 months or older to be vaccinated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian and registered with the City. Registration tags may be purchased at any of the local veterinarian clinic offices.

A Ban on Pit Bulls or other Breeds:The City of St. Joseph does not ban the owning of any breed of dog. The City does have a vicious dog ordinance [Section 5.89} that addresses the aggressive behavior of any dog.

Spay/Neuter Assistance: The Shelter does not offer spay/neuter financial assistance to pet owners.

Leash Law:City Ordinance requires that dogs be kept secured to the owner’s property, or when off of the property on a leash not longer than 6 foot. If an animal is observed off the owner’s property Animal Control & Rescue may impound it.

Cat Nuisance Complaints:Cats that are causing real estate or personal property damage may be trapped with the use of a live-box trap from Animal Control & Rescue. An Animal Control Officer must witness the damage and obtain a statement from the complainant, prior to the Shelter loaning a trap. There is a $25.00 damage deposit required, upon returning the trap in the same condition it was when borrowed, the $25.00 deposit is refunded.

If the complainant knows who the owner of the cat(s) is, the owner may receive a summons for allowing their cat to cause a nuisance.

Barking Dog Complaints:Upon receiving a barking dog complaint a letter is sent to the dog owner’s residence. The owner is given notice of the complaint and advised that if the problem isn’t resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction that they may be issued a summons to appear in Municipal Court. If the problem isn’t resolved and the complainant is willing to document the date and times the dog is barking [for approximately 3 days] and also willing to testify in court, the owner may be issued a summons.

Odor and Waste Complaints:The City Code of Ordinances requires that animal waste be removed from a yard, kennel, pen or run every 48 hour. The waste should be stored in an airtight container to prevent the attraction of insects, and removed from the premises once a week.

If a nuisance exists due to the owner’s failure to remove the waste, or because of a large number of animals in a small enclosure, the complainant may sign a complaint against the animal owner. The owner may then be summons to appear in Municipal Court.

Animal [Licensing] Registration Program:All dogs and cats three (3) months of age or older are required to vaccinated for rabies by a veterinarian and registered with the City. The registration fee is; $5.00 for spay/neutered animals and $15.00 for unaltered animals. Registration tags may be obtained from any Veterinarian Clinic, City Hall finance department, or the Animal Shelter. The registration period runs from June 1st to May 31st.

Animal Bites:All animals involved in bites to human beings are required by city ordinance and state law to confined for a ten (10) day observation period at either the Animal Shelter or an approved veterinarian clinic or boarding facility in the City. If the animal was shedding the rabies virus at the time of the bite, it will show signs of rabies within the ten (10) day period.

Live-trap Procedures:The Animal Shelter will make available for loan, live humane box traps. These traps may be used for nuisance cats [with approval of the Shelter Manager] and nuisance wildlife. There is a $25.00 damage deposit required. There is a limited number of traps available so the severity of the problem may take priority.

Complaints Handled by Priority: Complaints received by the Animal Control & Rescue Shelter are handled by priority. Complaints concerning citizens being at risk of injuries [by an aggressive animal] or exposure to a diseased animal are given top priority. Animals being mistreated or at high risk of abuse or injury are also given top priority. All other complaints are investigated based on the severity of the risk to the public or the animal.

Handling Fee for Unwanted Animals:For City and Buchanan County residents there is a $10.00 handling fee for each unwanted animal surrendered to the Shelter by it’s owner. For non-residents of Buchanan County there is a $20.00 handling fee.

Handling Fee for Stray Animals: For City and Buchanan County residents there is no fee for bringing stray animals to the Shelter. For non-residents there is a $20.00 handling fee, plus a $49.00 board fee for stray animals.

Breeders and Litter Permit:If you own an intact dog or cat and allow that animal to breed you are required to obtain a breeders permit from the Animal Control & Rescue Shelter, prior to the welping of the puppies or kittens. The breeders permit cost $20.00. If you fail to obtain the breeders permit and are in possession of a litter of puppies or kittens you are then required to obtain a litter permit from the Animal Control & Rescue Shelter. The cost of the litter permit is $100.00.

Abandonment of Unwanted Animals:It is a violation of City Ordinance and State Law to abandoned any animal. Conviction of this crime can result in a fine from $1.00 to $500.00, and a jail sentence from 1 day to 6 months.

HEALTH CLINIC
Is there a charge for children or adult immunizations?
There is no charge for immunizations at the St. Joseph/Buchanan County Health Department. The clinic does have a nominal charge for a TB test. TB vaccine is purchased by the clinic. The vaccines used in the immunization clinic are supplied through the Vaccine For Children (VFC) program.

Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Most children or adults don’t have any reaction to receiving a vaccine. Some children or adults may have a mild reaction that lasts for only a short time. The effects of the diseases vaccines protect against can last a lifetime.

If my child has a fever or is on an antibiotic can they still get immunized?
Unless your child is showing signs of serious illness, it is safe to give the vaccine.

Do you use a new needle and syringe on every child?
Absolutely. All equipment is disposable for the safety of the patient. The clinic staff also use gloves when giving exams, immunizations or when drawing a blood sample. The gloves are changed between patients.

Do I need to start all my shots over if I’m late getting one of my immunizations?
No. The clinic nurses will look at your immunization record and decide what needs to be given at that time. No shot series is started over.

I’m traveling to another country. Do I need any vaccinations?
Possibly. The Clay County Health Department in Liberty, Missouri can assist you. Contact them at 816-781-1601 and ask for the Oversea’s Nurse.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Can I prepare food in my home kitchen and sell it for extra money?
Not unless it is a totally separate area in your home that meets all the same requirements of a small café. Before doing anything, please call 271-4636 and speak with one of our Food Safety Specialists.

Are all food service workers required to wear disposable gloves while handling food?
Yes, but this only applies to ready to eat foods.

Are artificial fingernails allowed by employees in a food service establishment ?
No, under our Food Code this practice is not allowed, even if the person is wearing disposable gloves.

Does your department do any testing for mold ?
No, there are no local companies that perform this testing at this time. However, check the yellow pages in the Kansas City area.

Are food service workers required to wear hair restraints?<br> Yes, it must be some type of physical restraint such as a ball cap, visor, or hair net, etc. and it must be worn to effectively restrain the hair.

What if my child tests positive for lead?
Should a child test positive for lead, there are things that can be done to limit their exposure to lead.

• Wash the child’s hands and face often, especially before snacks, meals and bedtime.
• Wash the child’s bed linens often to make sure they are clean.
• Wash toys when they become dusty or dirty.
• Place newspapers and magazines out of a child’s reach (there may be lead in the ink).
• Keep children away from painted surfaces, especially those that are peeling and chipping.
• Wipe down painted surfaces with a high phosphate detergent and wet-mop floors weekly.
• Seal off remodeling areas and keep children and pets away from this area.
• Prevent children from playing in dirt next to painted houses or buildings. Plant grass or shrubs in this area if possible.
• Remind family members to shower and change clothes before coming home if they work around lead-contaminated areas such as battery plants, automobile repair shops, craft shops where they are using stained glass, bait & tackle shops, etc. Wash their clothes separate from the rest of the family, especially the children’s clothes.
• Keep children from chewing or sucking on items unless you are certain they are non-toxic.

What roll does nutrition play in lowering a child’s blood lead level?
Caregivers can help a child resist the harmful effects of lead in the following ways:

• Make sure children eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium, protein and iron.
• Avoid serving foods high in fat, junk food, soda pop and candy.
• Offer healthy snacks between meals since an empty stomach absorbs lead faster than one that is not empty.

Why is lead dangerous?
Lead is poisonous when swallowed or inhaled. In young children it can cause reduced intelligence and learning disabilities that last a lifetime.

Community Health Services
Can chlamydia hurt my baby?
Yes, if untreated before you deliver. Your baby can be born with lung or eye infections.

How do you get HIV?
Through exposure to blood or body fluids.

There really aren’t that many NEW cases of HIV anymore, are there?
There continue to be 40,000 new cases of HIV infection each year across the U.S. 1/2 of these new infections are occurring in persons under the age of 25.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is the virus that causes AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It does this by breaking down the body's immune system, making it susceptible to all kinds of illnesses and infections.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of HIV infection include, but are not limited to: fatigue, chronic high fever or chronic diarrhea/vomiting. Many people do not have symptoms at all.

How long before symptoms appear?
It may take as long as 10-15 years for symptoms to appear after a person has been infected with HIV.

What is the HIV test?
The HIV test looks for antibodies to HIV in either a blood specimen or an oral specimen. Results take two weeks to come back and testing is free and confidential. This antibody test can detect antibodies as soon as 2 weeks - 6 months after infection.

How can a person become infected with HIV?
HIV is spread through unprotected oral, anal, vaginal sex with an infected person, through sharing needles/blood with an infected person, or from HIV-infected mother to child either before, during, or after birth through breast-feeding.

How do you prevent HIV infection?
You can prevent HIV infection as easy as A,B,C: A stands for abstinence and is simply not having sex or sharing blood with anyone. It is the only 100% way to prevention infection. B stands for being in a mutually faithful, committed, relationship with only one uninfected person who does not share needles/blood with anyone. C stands for condoms and/or safer sex use.

If someone is infected with the HIV virus in a rural county, how can they get services?
The program covers 16 Northwest Missouri counties.

If someone is infected with the HIV virus, what requirements do they need to meet to get services?
To enroll in case management a person must have proof of HIV Positive Status, show need per assessment, and be less than or equal to 300% of poverty.

WIC (Women, Infants, Children)
What is WIC?
WIC is Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program which is funded by the federal government.
We service women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or whose pregnancy recently ended or infants
under 12 months old and children under 5 years old who have qualified financially and have found
to have a nutritional risk. We can also test infants and children in these age ranges who have a
male guardian.

How do I get WIC?
To get WIC, you need to meet the WIC income guidelines and have a nutritional risk.

Income Guidelines (based on 185% poverty level). Pregnant women are counted as two family members.
Family Size	Annual ($)	Monthly ($)	Weekly ($)
1	16,613	1,385	320
2	22,422	1,869	432
3	28,231	2,353	543
4	34,040	2,837	655
5	39,849	3,321	767
6	45,658	3,805	879
7	51,467	4,289	990
8	57,276	4,773	1,102
Each additional family member	Plus 5,809	Plus 485	Plus 112

Do you have the name of a good dentist?
We have the phone number of the Medicaid dentist upstairs (816) 271-7807, or we refer to the yellow pages for dentists in the community.

What are some phone numbers of various community help programs?
Division of Family Services - 387-2000
Family Guidance - 364-1501
Head Start - 233-7193
Parents-As-Teachers - 671-4300
The Window - 364-0130
Birthright - 279-8242
Catholic Charities - 232-2885
EOC - 233-7193
Calvin Center - 232-7779
Inter-Serv - 238-4511

What are your hours?
Monday thru Friday: check pick up 8:00-11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Certification (new people) and Recertification (clients on the program), 8:00-10:00 and 1:00-3:00 p.m.,
Monday thru Friday.

What do we bring to the certification/recertification?
Picture ID: Drivers License, School ID, or Work Identification
Medicaid Card
Person or persons to be certified/recertified for WIC
Social Security Card
Shot record of child
Proof of income: wages, child support, SSI, interest on accounts etc.
Crib Card or discharge papers from hospital for baby

Where can I get more formula?
Birthright, food pantries, Heartbeat Pregnancy, Support Services. WIC only provides so much formula per month to an infant and the rest of the formula needs for the infant are up to the guardian.

Where are the food pantries?
We also refer to Social Welfare for extra food pantry listings information.

What foods can I get on WIC?
Women and children: milk , cheese, eggs, cereal, peanut butter/beans, 100% natural juices.
If postpartum women are fully breastfeeding they also get carrots and tuna added to their package.
baby formula, baby cereal and baby juices.

What are the numbers to various health department/programs?
We have phone numbers of various community help programs that the client can view on posters
in our offices, food stamps, Medicaid, etc.

Are pregnancy tests accurate?
Yes. The clinic currently uses the Acceava test. This requires a urine sample. It takes about 5 minutes for the test. A positive test detects hcg, which is a hormone produced by the placenta of a pregnant woman.

Is there a charge for a pregnancy test?
Not at the Health Department. Pregnancy testing is done free of charge. You do not need an appointment to have a test done. Tests are done Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

How can I get temporary medicaid?
Temporary medicaid is only for pregnant women. If you have had a positive pregnancy test you can bring your proof of pregnancy to the health department and we can issue your  “temp”. You will also need to bring proof of income, your social security number, and a picture identity.