Polk County Health Department

01/30/2026

We’re excited to launch our new podcast!🎙️Stories in Health centers the real experiences that shape health in our community.

Our first episode drops as we wrap up Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and features Zuli Garcia — a cervical cancer survivor and founder of KADI - Knock and Drop Iowa. We talk about Zuli's journey, the HPV vaccine, screenings, and why prevention and access aren’t always as simple as they should be.

🎧 Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lvQHvVs7Wdp4VoqtZmEAM?si=455e8a242ec747c2

01/28/2026

There's a lot to love about our Polk County Senior Centers! Be sure to follow Senior Services of Polk County for menus, information about upcoming events, resources, and more.

F E B R U A R Y M E N U 💋💐❤️ Tis the month of love. So why not check out all the things to fall in love with at one of the Polk County Senior Centers.
Meals are for adults 60+ or older. Call center of choice one day in advance, by noon, for a meal reservation. 💋💐❤️

01/27/2026

Join us for an open conversation exploring the realities of immigration and deportation in our communities. We’ll hear from those who’ve lived through these experiences and those advocating for change, reflecting on loss, resilience, and the vision for a more just future. Led by Rekha Basu, a long-time Iowa journalist, this dialogue is part of Shouts & Whispers with Rekha: A Series of Conversations with Rekha Basu.

𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: Thursday, January 29, 2026
𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: Grace Methodist Church
(3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA)

For more information, email contact@monsooniowa.org.

--

01/27/2026

Do you work at a bar, restaurant, or event venue that serves alcohol? Join us for a Safe Bars training to learn real strategies for keeping yourself, your staff, and your patrons safe—helping to foster a welcoming environment so everyone can enjoy a safe night out!

Safe Bars is an active bystander training that teaches participants how to recognize harmful situations and safely step in when it matters most.

Join us for our next training at Hoyt Sherman Place on Feb. 21! Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/g/5VCXw5DEFM

Thank you to Palm's DSM for participating in our last training and sharing their experience!

01/26/2026

Know the signs and symptoms: Measles may begin like the flu, but a spotty rash will soon follow. Measles is preventable with the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

If you think you may have measles, DO NOT enter a clinic or emergency room without calling first.

Questions about the MMR vaccine? Talk to your provider.

01/23/2026

Cancer in Polk County: What We Learned and Where We Go From Here 📝

We were incredibly thankful to join partners in bringing our community together for an important conversation about cancer in Polk County earlier this week — grounded in local data and community voices.

The discussion covered cancer trends, equity, prevention, and the role of policy and community action. There’s a lot to unpack.

📄 Read the full recap: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/news-and-press-releases/what-we-learned-about-cancer-in-polk-county-conversation-highlights/

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their perspectives. We have work to do.

📸: Betsy De Glopper, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

01/22/2026

Extreme cold weather is expected across central Iowa this weekend.

DART will be providing free rides to help keep people safe and out of the cold to approved locations while the Polk County's Extreme Temperature Plan is active.

You can find more information on exact locations by visiting the Polk County Emergency Management Agency's website: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/emergency-management/our-plans/extreme-temperature-and-sheltering-resources/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPfSZdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2c3pJUnhoREw0SVhua0RJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiBk1xcZIV8m-JvNjmJ6hvrfsrYpxMHm9g7h6aS_EfXOLUQPDVOHd5csvmMl_aem_jf6Y6EIsvEWvlUSCgbWwfQ

Dangerously cold weather is expected across central Iowa this weekend.

The National Weather Service warns of subzero wind chills, with frostbite possible on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Conditions may last through the weekend.

To help keep people safe, we'll continue providing free rides to approved daytime warming centers and overnight shelter services while Polk County’s Extreme Temperature Plan is active, which is expected through at least Monday.

Please check on neighbors and share this information with anyone who may need it.

01/22/2026

Keep your pets safe in the extreme cold! 🐾

Cold temps are rolling in, and it’s the perfect time to keep our furry friends safe and comfortable.

🐾 Keep Pets Safe in the Cold
Limit outdoor time: Even thick‑coated pets can get cold quickly.

Wipe paws after walks: Salt, ice melt, and snow can irritate paw pads.

Bundle up small or short‑haired pets: Sweaters and coats help them stay warm.

Provide a warm sleeping spot: Keep beds away from drafts and cold floors.

Check outdoor water bowls: They can freeze faster than you think.

Never leave pets in cars: Cars trap cold like a refrigerator.

🐶 Extra Tips
Senior pets may struggle more with joint stiffness in cold weather.

Outdoor cats often seek warmth under car hoods — tap before starting your engine.

Hydration is essential even in winter, as dry air can cause dehydration in pets.

01/21/2026

Road safety is a team effort! 🤝 It takes all of us working together to prevent tragedies.

🚘 Drivers: stay focused and yield.

🚶‍➡️ Pedestrians: stay visible and cross at designated areas.

01/20/2026

Joining us at Sheslow Auditorium tonight for the Cancer in Polk County event? Be sure to follow these parking and entrance instructions. If you haven't registered yet, there's still time!

Show up early - the doors open at 4:30 PM for a Cancer Action Showcase hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. This visual display will feature organizations working to address cancer across central Iowa.

We look forward to seeing you tonight!
Cancer in Polk County
🗓️ Tuesday, January 20
🕔 5–7 PM (doors open at 4:30 PM)
📍 In-person: Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University l Virtual: Zoom

Register: https://tinyurl.com/polkcoia

01/19/2026

Not all emergency kits are the same — and that’s okay.

Your car emergency kit should be built for the road, winter weather, and unexpected delays. Food, water, flashlights, and batteries are essentials — but winter car kits should also include warmth, traction, and visibility items.

Preparedness looks different for every household.

01/19/2026

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—a visionary leader whose fight for social justice and commitment to equity continue to inspire us. The work and efforts remain as we strive to create opportunities for all people to live healthy lives.

Our office is closed today in observance of the holiday. We will resume normal business hours (8 a.m.– 4:30p.m.) tomorrow and throughout the rest of the week.