Polk County Health Department

03/16/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 💙

Did you know colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men and women in Polk County? The good news: it’s one of the most preventable cancers with regular screening.

Screenings can:
• Detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective
• Prevent cancer by removing precancerous polyps
• Reduce deaths from colorectal cancer

Knowing the signs — and your family history — can make all the difference. Take charge of your health. Get informed. Get screened. 💙

03/15/2026

🚨 Blizzard conditions expected across Iowa today and tonight.

Strong winds up to 65 mph, blowing snow, and temperatures 20–25 degrees below normal could make travel extremely dangerous and roads impassable.

If you must travel, be prepared with emergency supplies. Stay safe!

03/13/2026

It appears that Jack Frost isn't giving up without a fight. The Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan will be activated Sunday, March 15th, at 10:00 PM through Tuesday, March 17th, at 10:00 AM based on forecast temperatures from the National Weather Service.

Activation of the plan includes:

activation of cooling/warming centers, and

free access to these locations on DART buses.

More detailed information and resources are available on the Polk County Emergency Management Agency’s website here: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/emergency-management/our-plans/extreme-temperature-and-sheltering-resources/

03/13/2026

New data from the 2026 Cancer in Iowa report is out today.

📊 An estimated 2,935 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Polk County residents this year.

Cancer affects nearly every family in our community. While the numbers can feel overwhelming, they also remind us why prevention, early detection, and community action matter.

Across Polk County—and Iowa—some of the most common cancers include breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and skin cancer.

Many cancers are preventable or more treatable when caught early.

Here are a few ways you can take action today:
✔ Stay up to date on recommended cancer screenings.
✔ Talk with your provider about your risk and family history.
✔ Reduce risk where you can — like avoiding to***co, staying active, testing your home for radon, and protecting your skin from the sun.

At the Polk County Health Department, we’re working with partners across the community to better understand cancer in Polk County and identify ways we can take action together.

We want to hear from you. If you care about cancer prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship, or supporting people affected by cancer, tell us how you’d like to be involved.

📝 Share your ideas:
https://forms.office.com/g/VteyL6UnrK

📊 Read the full report:
https://shri.public-health.uiowa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Cancer-in-Iowa.pdf

Because when it comes to cancer, data should lead to action—and action can save lives.

03/12/2026

Spring break countdown is on! Before you
pack your bags, make sure your vaccinations are current. Stay healthy, stay adventurous.

03/12/2026

It's time to refresh your emergency car kit! ⚠️

Swap out heavier coats for thinner layers, replenish your first aid kit and stock up on fresh batteries and water. ⤵️

03/09/2026

If these feel a little too relatable… it might be time.

Colorectal cancer screening starts at age 45 for most people, and earlier for some based on family history or other risk factors.

03/09/2026

The Global Neighbors Multicultural Food Pantry is open! Located in the former Polk County Northside Pantry building, this new space offers culturally familiar foods that help families feel at home while getting the support they need. Open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome—come visit and take what you need!

No barriers, just community.

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

We are honored that our Ribbons of Hope program has been named a 2026 Harkin on Wellness Designee! The team will be at next week's symposium to highlight our program and discuss how we can work together to overcome the barriers that many people face when it comes to cancer screening, prevention and treatment.

In fiscal year 2024–25 alone, Ribbons of Hope served 2,125 individuals—helping detect cancer earlier, reduce obstacles to care, and connect people to life saving treatment and support.

Join us in congratulating our Ribbons of Hope team—(left to right in photo) Elyssa Patino, Angelica Leguizamo, and Alejandra Del Rio—on receiving this award and celebrating the incredible work they do to support cancer prevention in our community every day!

Register to attend the Harkin on Wellness Symposium: https://drake.pulse.ly/vm1vunqtav

The Harkin Institute

03/05/2026

Reminder: the Urbandale Public Library has free gun locks as part of our partnership with Polk County Health Department.
🔒 Learn more about gun safety: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/gun-safety/

03/04/2026

Today is HPV Awareness Day — a reminder that some cancers are preventable.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that can lead to several types of cancer, including cervical cancer.

There is a safe and effective vaccine that helps protect against the types of HPV most likely to cause cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens starting at ages 11–12, but it can also be given earlier and through young adulthood.

Vaccinations and staying up to date on recommended screenings are important steps in protecting your health and the health of our community.