Kossuth County Community Health

04/23/2026

💙 Thank You, Karla! 💙

We would like to give a special shout out to Karla Schutter, Secretary/Biller for Community Health and Hospice. Karla’s dedication, organization, and behind‑the‑scenes work play a vital role in supporting our patients, families, and care teams. Thank you, Karla, for all you do and for being such an important part of our team!

Today is National Administrative Professionals Day. Join us in celebrating these wonderful ladies and thanking them for all they do!

Karla Schutter, Secretary/Biller for Community Health and Hospice, Heather Brandt, Executive Assistant, and Mara Walstead, Clinic Office Coordinator, go above and beyond for not only their departments, but the organization!

Without them, KRHC would not run smoothly! They support the team by keeping us organized and efficient, all while being flexible and handling whatever is thrown their way with a smile on their face. 💖👏

04/23/2026

‼️THIS SATURDAY ‼️

💊 Medication Take Back Options in Kossuth County 💊

The Kossuth County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Medication Take Back Day:
🗓 Saturday, April 25
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Can’t make it that day? The KRHC Pharmacy accepts unused medications year‑round at their secure take‑back drop box during pharmacy hours:
📍 Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
📍 Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
🚫 Please note: No needles/sharps or illicit substances will be accepted.

Let’s work together to safely dispose of medications and protect our community!

04/18/2026

Come out to the Algona Family YMCA for Healthy Kids Day! Lynzie is doing handwashing checks and emergency preparedness skills.

04/10/2026

Vaccines protect more than just individuals—they protect communities.

✅Herd Immunity: When a large portion of a population is vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, including babies too young for certain shots or people with compromised immune systems.

✅Eradication of Disease: Continued vaccination has successfully eradicated smallpox and brought polio to the verge of eradication, meaning future generations will not have to suffer from these diseases.

✅Economic Strength: Immunizations are a cost-effective, high-return investment in public health, reducing healthcare costs and improving productivity across the lifespan.

04/09/2026

🔐 New Safety Option at the KRHC Pharmacy! 🔐

Did you know we’re now offering locking prescription vials at our pharmacy? These special medication bottles can be secured with a 4 digit code, helping keep medications safe from accidental use, misuse, or curious hands at home.

These vials may be especially helpful for:
• Families with children
• Households caring for loved ones
• Anyone looking for extra medication safety

If this sounds like something you or a family member could benefit from, ask our pharmacy team next time you stop in. This option is available to try—just ask!

💊 Safety starts at home. Stop by the KRHC Family Pharmacy to grab yours. Limited supply available.

04/08/2026

Healthy environments are essential for human health, as clean air, water, and safe spaces directly reduce disease and support well-being. A significant proportion of global diseases is linked to environmental pollution, making sustainable surroundings critical to reducing health inequities. Public Health works to support this in our community working behind the scenes to promote health in a multitude of ways.

04/07/2026

Kossuth County Public Health invites you to celebrate National Public Health Week, April 6–12, 2026.

This is a time to learn more about public health, thank those who serve our community, and highlight the work that supports healthier lives for everyone.

04/06/2026

April 6-12 National Public Health Week.

National Public Health Week 2026 invites all Americans to renew their commitment to strengthening the systems, science, and community partnerships that keep us healthy. Public health lives in our environments: the air we breathe, water we drink, sidewalks we walk and parks we enjoy.

03/17/2026

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️
As you celebrate by wearing green today, consider adding some greens to your plate as well! 🥬

Incorporating leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli into your daily routine provides important health benefits, including:
✅ Support heart health with fiber and essential nutrients
✅ Strengthen bones through calcium and vitamin K
✅ Improve energy levels with iron and B vitamins
✅ Protect the body with antioxidants that reduce inflammation

Make today a reminder to go green—for your health and well-being! 💚🍏

03/13/2026

Health Disparities within the United States

In the United States, a person’s health is influenced significantly by the community in which they live. In the Washington, D.C., metro area, for example, neighborhoods located only 12 miles apart experience a striking nine year difference in life expectancy.

Research consistently shows that similar disparities occur in communities across the nation. These inequities are not determined solely by geography; the United States faces alarming differences in life expectancy based on multiple social, economic, and demographic factors.

Such disparities are unacceptable. Health is a fundamental human right, and every individual—regardless of where they live or who they are—deserves the opportunity to achieve optimal well-being.

Join Generation Public Health today and learn about easy ways to support better health in your community.
https://www.apha.org/what-is-public-health/generation-public-health/join

03/11/2026

To improve service delivery and better meet the needs of Iowans, Governor Reynolds launched a government alignment initiative that reorganized and consolidated several state agencies. As part of this effort, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health merged to create the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The alignment aims to:
1. Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of statewide health and human service programs.
2. Create a coordinated, unified policy framework for health and human services.
3. Promote better health outcomes and enhanced quality of life for Iowans.

HHS is focusing on measurable outcomes to ensure they are delivering a well-coordinated system that improves health for Iowans.
Attached is Kossuth County’s Snapshot as of January 2026.

For more information visit:
https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives

03/09/2026

🌸 Spring Allergies? Start Prevention Early!! 🌸

Spring allergies are on the way, but a few simple steps can help keep symptoms under control. The key is to start before allergy season peaks!

🌿 Monitor Pollen Counts
Check daily levels through your local weather report or apps like Pollen.com. Try to limit outdoor activities during high‑pollen times—usually mid‑morning to early afternoon.

🏡 Keep Windows Closed
Use air conditioning with a HEPA filter to keep pollen outside where it belongs.

🚿 Shower After Being Outdoors
Rinse pollen off your skin and hair to reduce symptoms later in the day.

🧹 Clean Your Space Regularly
Vacuum carpets and upholstery, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and consider using an air purifier to reduce indoor allergens.

A little prevention now can make spring feel a whole lot better later!