Polk County Health Department

12/18/2025

The Polk County Health Department, in coordination with Iowa Health and Human Services, has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated Polk County infant who was too young to be immunized.

The infant recently traveled to an area where measles is spreading. At this time, there are no known public exposure locations associated with this case, and no additional measles cases have been identified in Polk County.

Ensuring you and your family are up-to-date on MMR vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones — including those too young to be vaccinated and others who are at higher risk for serious illness.

For additional information, visit: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/news-and-press-releases/public-health-officials-confirm-measles-case-in-polk-county/

12/17/2025

New Date Announced: Cancer in Polk County rescheduled for Jan. 20

Our Cancer in Polk County community event has a new date:
🗓️ Tuesday, January 20
🕔 5–7 PM
📍 In-person: Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University | Virtual: Zoom

Register: https://canceriowa.news/polk

Join us for an important conversation about cancer in our community—what the data shows, what it means for Polk County, and how we can work together on prevention, screening, and support.

The Harkin Institute Iowa Cancer Consortium Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines Iowa Rural Health Association University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

12/16/2025

Stuck inside this winter? Clear some space and help your child burn off energy with these creative indoor games.

12/12/2025

Access to parks and trails isn’t just about recreation—it’s about health. 🌳🚶‍♀️

Polk County’s 16,000+ acres of parks and world-class trails help make it easier for our community to stay active, reduce stress, and support both physical and mental well-being, all year long.

Polk County paves the way for our community with over 16,000 acres of parks, world-class trails and more, providing residents and visitors numerous pathways to see the sites of our beautiful communities, season after season.

12/12/2025

Extreme Temperature Plan Activation
📅 Sunday, December 12 through Monday, December 15th.
⏰ 12:00 p.m.
Weather Amnesty at Central Iowa Shelter and Services
Extreme Weather Centers open for community use
Free DART transportation to all designated locations
For more details and resources, visit the Polk County Emergency Management website. https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/.../extreme-temperature.../

12/12/2025

We are excited to join Broadlawns Medical Center this Sunday, December 14th from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM for their Vaccine Clinic and Resource Fair, hosted at their Primary Care Clinic.

📍1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314

This event will bring together different organizations across our community and connect individuals and families to vital health services.

We hope to see you there!

12/11/2025

Keep condoms on hand. 😉 Free condoms are available 24/7 in our vending machine and in our bathroom dispensers!

📍Polk County Health Department, 1907 Carpenter Ave in Des Moines

12/10/2025

Don’t let an empty seat fill your spot at the holiday table.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Choose to drive sober this holiday season!

12/09/2025

Hepatitis B can be passed to a newborn during birth — even when the parent doesn’t know they’re infected. It can also spread through close contact while caring for an infant.

Administering a hepatitis B vaccine with 24 hours of birth, known as a birth dose, protects babies right away and is highly effective at preventing lifelong infection.

12/05/2025

It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week — a reminder that everyone 6 months and older should get their annual flu shot!

The flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications from influenza.

It’s not too late to protect yourself and those around you! 💉🩹

12/04/2025

On average, 2,601 people in Polk County are diagnosed with cancer each year and 827 people die from it. Iowa now has the 2nd-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the nation, and rates are rising.

Let's talk about cancer in Polk County.

Join us, along with experts from the Iowa Cancer Registry and other community partners, for a deep dive into local cancer trends, risk factors, what's being done and what we can do together to improve outcomes.

📅 January 13 | 🕔 5–7 PM
📍 Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University
💻 Attend in person or via livestream

Register: https://canceriowa.news/polk

12/04/2025

Starting January 1, 2026, certain types of foods will no longer be eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Stay informed of the changes to SNAP: https://hhs.iowa.gov/assistance-programs/food-assistance/snap

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, there are new changes to what can - and cannot - be purchased using Iowa SNAP benefits. It's important to stay informed to ensure you’re prepared for your next shopping trip. Check official resources and updates regularly to make the most of your benefits!

https://hhs.iowa.gov/assistance-programs/food-assistance/snap