Polk County Health Department

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.

11/19/2025

We are happy to share that DMARC's Mobile Food Pantry will once again be available every Thursday afternoon (4-6 p.m.) at DART Central Station, beginning this week.

Additionally, we're excited to welcome the Animal Rescue League of Iowa's Mobile Pet Food Pantry this week, as they team up with DMARC to ensure everyone in your family gets fed!

Please note that pets are not allowed at DART Central Station. Only registered service animals are permitted.

11/19/2025

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes affects thousands of individuals and families in Polk County—shaping health, finances, and daily routines.

Living with diabetes looks different for everyone, and it can be difficult to navigate. But small steps—like learning the signs, embracing a healthy lifestyle, and supporting one another—can make a big difference.

This , commit to learning about what diabetes looks like in our community and how we can work together to prevent and manage it!

11/18/2025

We go green for National Injury Prevention Day! 💚

Injury prevention interventions are proven to work. Seat belts, safe storage of fi****ms, fall-prevention programs, prescription monitoring, and community
violence interruption are all examples of ways we can prevent injuries and save lives.

On this , talk to your friends, family, colleagues and community about ways you can prevent injuries together.

11/18/2025

💛 Esta temporada, la prevención comienza con una decisión sencilla: vacunarte. Cada dosis ayuda a reducir contagios, hospitalizaciones y días perdidos por enfermedad. 💉

No esperes a que aparezcan los primeros síntomas; protegerte a tiempo significa garantizar el bienestar de quienes más amas. ¡Haz de la vacuna parte de tu rutina de cuidado! 🍂🩺

11/17/2025

Join us in congratulating Juan Carlos Cadenillas, Public Health Planner here at PCHD! Today, Juan Carlos was honored as the Childhood Injury Prevention Champion at the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines/Safe Kids Greater Des Moines Preventing Childhood Injury Conference for his work on our Talk It Up, Lock It Up gun safety campaign! 🔐

If you've run into Juan Carlos out in the community, you've probably seen him in his green t-shirt – tirelessly advocating for child safety in Polk County. Through his work on the Talk It Up, Lock It Up campaign, he’s helped ensure free gun locks are available at dozens of locations across Polk County.

He also works with healthcare providers to integrate gun safety into routine conversations with families and shares resources that make it easier for parents and caregivers to talk openly about fi****ms and safety at home. We are thankful for Juan Carlos and his commitment to protecting kids and empowering families in our community!

11/17/2025

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common cause of hospitalization for babies under 1 year old.

For many people, RSV can feel like a cold — but for infants and older adults, it can be serious. RSV vaccines can protect those at risk from serious illness.

We can all help prevent the spread of RSV, flu, COVID, and other respiratory illnesses by following common sense tips, like:
- Staying home when you are sick
- Washing your hands often
- Cleaning surfaces often
- Avoiding sharing cups, bottles or toys during sick season

Respiratory viruses spread quickly this time of year — we can all play a role in helping our community stay healthy and safe!

11/17/2025

New and expecting mothers, this group is for you!
Join a group of women who are experiencing the same struggles and asking the same questions that you are.
We'll learn together about child development milestones and gather and share parenting advice.
Register today: https://bit.ly/4r1tq1i

11/17/2025

We had an inspiring day of learning and connecting at the Mycitymyhealth conference last week! This year’s theme, “Community on a Mission,” truly came to life through conversations about how we can collaborate to build healthier communities.

We were grateful for the opportunity to share about our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) alongside our incredible partners at Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, Dallas County Health Department, and Warren County Health Services. It was a powerful reminder that we are stronger—and more impactful—when we work together.