Marshall County Iowa Public Health Department

03/21/2026

Each year on March 21, people around the world celebrate World Down Syndrome Day to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and celebrate the abilities and contributions of people with Down syndrome. The date (3/21) represents the three copies of the 21st chromosome, which is what causes Down syndrome.

This year’s global theme is “Together Against Loneliness.” While everyone can feel lonely sometimes, research shows people with intellectual disabilities experience loneliness at much higher rates. True inclusion—friendships, welcoming communities, and meaningful relationships—helps ensure everyone feels connected and valued.

🧦 How you can show support:
• Wear bright, bold, or mismatched socks to start conversations about inclusion
• Take time to learn more about Down syndrome
• Invite someone to join a conversation, activity, or group
• Celebrate the unique strengths and voices of people with Down syndrome

Small actions can make a big difference. Together, we can create communities where everyone belongs.

💙💛

03/19/2026

Radon is in the news in Marshalltown — here’s what you need to know

Local leaders are considering requiring radon mitigation systems in new homes as a step to reduce cancer risk in our community.

💡 What is radon?
-A colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can build up in homes
-You can’t see, smell, or taste it

⚠️ Why it matters in Iowa:
- #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers
-Every county in Iowa is high risk for radon
-About 71% of Iowa homes test above the EPA action level

🏠 The key message from Iowa HHS:
-Testing is the ONLY way to know your risk
-Even new homes can have high radon levels
-If levels are high, mitigation systems work and can reduce exposure

✅ Take action today:
-Test your home (reduced kits may be available through Iowa HHS & partners) get them here --> https://bit.ly/4lB5Vdo
-Fix high levels (4.0 pCi/L or higher)
-Retest every few years

👉 Bottom line: In Iowa, radon isn’t rare—it’s common. Testing your home is a simple step that can help prevent lung cancer.

More radon resources:
-American Lung Association https://bit.ly/4bfFarp
-Iowa HHS https://bit.ly/4dsHzjP

03/17/2026

🍀 Don’t test your Irish luck—plan a guaranteed ride home! 🍀

Celebrating? Make the safe choice before you go out. Marshalltown has options to get you home safely:

🚕 Local options like Ryde LLC Personal Transportation can also help get you home safely. Call them at 515-570-0480

🚗 Rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft are available 24/7 in Marshalltown, making it easy to request a ride anytime.

🚐Call your parents or a friend, you're never too cool to catch a sober ride.

✅ Plan ahead
✅ Use a rideshare or taxi
✅ Call a sober friend
✅ Stay the night if needed

A safe ride home is always better than relying on luck. 🍀

03/15/2026

📣 Marshall County Residents — We Want to Hear From You!

Following our recent presentation on cancer rates in Marshall County, we’re inviting community members to be part of the conversation around cancer awareness and prevention.

Your input helps guide local public health efforts and future prevention programs. 💙

📝 Take our short survey here:
https://bit.ly/40vaKuY

(You can also click the link on the flyer.)

📊 Miss the presentation? You can view the slides here:
https://bit.ly/414kXyE

Not a fan of surveys? No problem! Feel free to leave a comment below sharing your thoughts, concerns, or ideas related to cancer prevention in our community.

Together, we can work toward a healthier Marshall County.

03/13/2026

📊The Iowa Cancer Registry has released its 2026 Cancer in Iowa Report today.

An estimated 275 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Marshall County in 2026.

In Marshall County our top 5 cancers in order include prostate, female breast, lung, colorectal and endometrial (uterine).

There are ways you can decrease your cancer risk
✔ Talk to your healthcare provider about screenings recommended based on your age or family history.
✔ Reduce risk factors where you can-like staying active, avoiding Tabacco and alcohol and wearing sunscreen
✔ Stay informed and vaccinated (like HPV)

Marshall County Public Health wants to hear from local residents on how we can improve cancer education and prevention in our communities.

📝 Take our short survey here: https://bit.ly/40vaKuY

Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/4cLQigK

Together, we can work toward a healthier Marshall County.

03/12/2026

A huge thank you to all of our partners that made this happen and for all those that attended in person or online. Stay tuned for a survey to see how you can become more connected to cancer work in Marshall County!

Each year, there are 264 new cases of cancer in Marshall County, and 86 deaths from cancer.

That was just one of the important pieces of information shared with roughly 20 attendees at a seminar about cancer at the Marshalltown Public Library on Wednesday night.

They also learned that the five most prevalent types of cancer within the county are prostate, breast, lung, colorectal and endometrial.

Whitney Zahnd, an associate professor with the University of Iowa College of Public Health and presenting on behalf of the Iowa Cancer Consortium, said Marshall County ranks 50th among the 99 Iowa counties in the cancer rate, and it is also higher than the national rate. However, the rate of death is similar to the national.

Link: https://tinyurl.com/5euj43t2

03/11/2026

📣 Join us this evening!

Learn more about cancer trends in Marshall County and hear from experts about what the data means for our community.

🕔 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 In person at Marshalltown Public Library or virtual via Zoom

Your voice matters in this important community conversation. We hope to see you there! 💙

** Register here https://bit.ly/4srOu0V. Registration isn't required for attendance but is recommended.**

03/10/2026

📣 Tomorrow is the day! 📣

Join us to learn more about cancer trends in Marshall County and hear from experts about what the data means for our community.

March 11th | 5:00–6:00 PM
📍In person at the Marshalltown Public Library or via Zoom

Be part of the conversation about the health of our community. We hope to see you there! 💙

** Register here https://bit.ly/4srOu0V. Registration isn't required for attendance but is recommended.**

03/09/2026

Join us for an important community conversation about cancer in Marshall County. In just two days, community members, local leaders, and public health partners will gather to review the latest local cancer data and discuss ways we can work together to improve the health of our community.

Representatives from the **99 Counties Project** will share insights and give residents the chance to ask questions, share concerns, and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters in shaping the future of health in Marshall County.

Everyone is welcome—residents, healthcare partners, community leaders, and anyone interested in learning more.

Help us spread the word and join the discussion! 👥💙

Wednesday, March 11
⏰ 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 In person at the Marshalltown Public Library or virtual via Zoom

** Register here https://bit.ly/4srOu0V. Registration isn't required for attendance but is recommended.**

03/07/2026

Join us Wednesday, March 11th from 5:00-6:00 at the Marshalltown Public Library to learn about cancer in Marshall County.

The event is free and open to the public! Register here https://bit.ly/4srOu0V via the QR code listed in the flier. Registration isn't required for attendance but is recommended.

03/06/2026

Cancer impacts more families in Marshall County than many people realize.

Each year, about 264 residents are diagnosed with cancer and 86 lives are lost. Learning more about local trends can help our community focus on prevention, early detection, and support.

Join us for a community conversation about cancer in Marshall County, where experts will share local data and what it means for our community’s health.

📅 Wednesday, March 11, 2026
⏰ 5:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Marshalltown Public Library or online via Zoom

The event is free and open to the public! Register here https://bit.ly/4srOu0V via the QR code listed in the flier. Registration isn't required for attendance but is recommended.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Marshall County Public Health!

Today, we’re thankful for our community, our health, and the opportunity to serve you. As you gather with loved ones, remember to practice food safety, wash hands often, and check in on neighbors who may be alone today.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday! 🍂💛