Polk County Health Department

11/28/2025

Snow is on the way!

A few quick reminders to help you stay safe:
• Check the forecast and limit driving during heavy snow; if you must go, slow down and increase following distance.
• Clear sidewalks safely—take small shovelfuls, bend your knees, and take breaks to avoid overexertion.
• Dress in layers and cover fingers, toes, and ears to prevent frostbite.
• Have an emergency kit in your car.
• Watch out for slips and falls—walk like a penguin on icy surfaces.

Stay safe and look out for your neighbors! ❄️

11/26/2025

11/26/2025

A few friendly health and safety reminders from your friends at PCHD as we head into the holidays!

We’re wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season. 💚❄️

11/26/2025

The Polk County Health Department will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

We’ll reopen on Monday. Have a safe and healthy holiday!

11/25/2025

Lately, our communities in Iowa have been rocked by heartbreaking stories that demand our urgent attention. Bullying is no longer just “kids being mean” — it’s becoming a matter of mental health, safety, and even life and death.

Bullying is taking too many young lives, and our communities can’t stay silent.

Here’s what you can do today:

11/25/2025

As you gather with family and friends this week, it's important to ask if all the fi****ms in the home and in vehicles are securely stored before visiting. That means guns are stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.

This holiday season, help keep families safe by normalizing discussions about secure firearm storage.

11/24/2025

Public health isn’t always visible. You don’t always see the outbreaks prevented, the families helped, the systems strengthened, or the countless decisions made to keep people safe.

But the impact is real — and it matters.

Happy Public Health Thank You Day to all who serve behind the scenes with compassion and commitment. 💙

11/24/2025

‘Tis the season to be… food safe! Keep the joy high and the temps right. ✨

11/21/2025

11/21/2025

Vaccines keep children healthy, and decades of scientific research confirm they do not cause autism.

Follow the experts like American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), Infectious Diseases Society of America, American Public Health Association, Iowa Public Health Association, and Iowa Immunizes for evidence-based information on vaccines.

Harmful myths suggesting that vaccines cause autism sow fear and distrust in vaccines, ultimately jeopardizing the great progress we’ve made in preventing serious childhood diseases. For decades, scientists have studied the potential causes of autism, and have repeatedly found no credible link between childhood vaccines and autism. Any effort to misrepresent sound, strong science poses a threat to the health of children and does a disservice to our autistic community.

Read our full fact-check to learn more: https://bit.ly/4nI0Rnb

11/20/2025

Today is the Great American Smokeout — a perfect day to make your quit plan. If you're thinking about quitting to***co, Quitline Iowa can help. Free coaching via phone or online is available 24/7 and their goal tracker can help you hit your quitting milestones.

It's free and designed to support you every step. Start your quit journey at quitlineiowa.org or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

11/20/2025

We attended the 2025 Iowa Refugee Summit hosted by Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa this past week. We are grateful for the day of learning and connecting with community!

Our Public Health Planner, Kim McMains, had the opportunity to moderate a powerful discussion from local community health experts at Broadlawns Medical Center, Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity, and Linn County Public Health where they shared best practices on establishing healthy homes, and addressing health issues and needs within our refugee and immigrant communities here in Iowa.