Polk County Health Department

02/23/2026

Measles isn’t just a rash—it’s a serious, highly contagious disease.

3 in 10 people with measles develop complications.
1 in 5 will need hospitalization.

The good news? Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles.

Protect yourself, your family, and your community. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

02/20/2026

Shovel safely! ❄️ Take it slow, lift small amounts of snow, and bend at your knees—not your back. Dress warmly, stay hydrated, and take breaks to avoid strain. If you feel pain or shortness of breath, stop immediately.

02/19/2026

The Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan will be activated on Friday, (2/20/26) based on forecast temperatures from the National Weather Service and expected expiration date of Tuesday, (2/24/26)
Activation of the plan includes:
● weather amnesty at area homeless shelters,
● activation of 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/.../extreme-temperature.../

02/19/2026

We’re excited to join Black Women 4 Healthy Living at Saturday’s Black Women’s Health Coalition meeting. Come out to this community event to learn about free cancer screenings offered through our Ribbons of Hope program!

🗓 Saturday, February 21, 2026
🕛 12:00–3:00 PM
📍 Corinthian Baptist Church, Lower Level
814 School Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
💲 Free and open to the public

02/19/2026

Preparar a tus hijos para la escuela también significa proteger su salud. Mantener las vacunas requeridas al día no solo cumple con un requisito escolar en Iowa, sino que evita enfermedades que pueden afectar su aprendizaje y bienestar. La vacunación crea entornos más seguros para todos los estudiantes y brinda tranquilidad a las familias. ¡Vacúnalos hoy! ❤️💉

02/17/2026

🚗 Ride United: Free Lyft Rides for Essential Needs

United Way of Central Iowa is offering free Lyft rides to help residents of Polk, Dallas & Warren Counties get to essential services like:
• Medical appointments
• Job interviews & work
• Food pantries
• Housing & legal services
• School, daycare, library access

How it works:
1. Call 211 and ask for Ride United Central Iowa
2. 211 checks eligibility
3. A Lyft ride is dispatched if no other transportation is available

Learn more: https://www.unitedwaydm.org/impact/initiatives/ride-united

02/16/2026

The Polk County Financial Empowerment Center with Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund we will be hosting a financial services Lunch & Learn next Thursday, February 19th.

The event will be located at Urban Dreams - Iowa from 11am-1pm.

Registration is Required. https://forms.gle/TKVHRkM4SV2dfjNP9

02/16/2026

The Polk County Health Department will be closed Monday, February 16 for the Presidents’ Day holiday. We will be back to regular business hours on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

02/13/2026

Don't go breaking our heart this Valentine's Day! 💖

02/12/2026

02/11/2026

Please note a change to our operating hours - we will now be opening at 9:00 AM on Thursdays instead of 8:00 AM. All other days of operation will remain the same 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

If you will be visiting us soon, we look forward to seeing you! If you need to schedule an appointment, give us a call during our business hours at 515-286-3798.

02/11/2026

🥖 Can’t figure out why your sourdough starter smells like a science experiment gone rogue.
👟 Still debating if those shoes actually match those pants.
🤷‍♀️ Life is full of mysteries… but your health doesn’t need to be one.

🎗️ Get your cancer screenings and skip the confusion.

💛 Ribbons of Hope offers free cancer screenings for people who are uninsured or underinsured. Early detection means better treatment options — and more peace of mind.

Take care of you.
Your health is one thing you shouldn’t have to guess about.