Polk County Health Department

HEALTH NEWS

Summer Food Safety Jul 02, 2008

Polk County Health Department officials encourage people to take extra care when preparing food for a holiday summertime cookout.

Terri Henkels, Director of the Polk County Health Department said “There will be a lot of outdoor cookouts and picnics during the Fourth of July weekend. Precautionary measures that can reduce your risk of becoming ill, or spreading contagious diseases, to others should be taken seriously.”

Food can contain harmful bacteria that will not be noticed...More
Recovering from the Flood is as Important as Responding to the Flood Jun 25, 2008

Beginning June 17, 2008, the same day the Emergency Operations Center was demobilized, Polk County Emergency Management convened a team of “recovery responders” to coordinate efforts to return to normalcy. This committee has met daily since that day, facilitated by Polk County Emergency Management, to discuss community needs and how best to meet them.

"While public attention may have receded as the water levels dropped, our commitment to the recovery matches our efforts to respond...More
Flood Recovery Update #3 Jun 23, 2008

The Family and Business Assistance Centers in Union Park and unincorporated Polk County closed at 6pm 6/20/2008. Residents can call “211” for assistance.

The Polk County Health Department Call Center, for questions regarding health and medical needs (875-5791), also closed down at 6pm 6/20/2008. People can call the Polk County Health Department, 286-3798, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm with questions.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency...More
Flood Recovery Update #1 Jun 19, 2008

The Family and Business Assistance Center in Pleasant Hill will close at 6pm today. Residents can call “211” for assistance or 875-5791 for questions regarding health and medical needs.

The Family and Business Assistance Center at Union Park will remain open Thursday, June 19th and Friday, June 20th from 8am-6pm.

A Family and Business Assistance Center will open in Unincorporated Polk County

On Thursday, June 19th and...More
Flood Recovery Update #2 Jun 19, 2008

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will not open a Disaster Recovery Center at Harding Middle School, 203 E. Euclid Avenue, in Des Moines, tomorrow morning,as previously announced. As new information about the opening of the Disaster Recovery Center becomes available it will be distributed.

Wireless laptops will be available at the Family and Business Assistance Centers in Union Park and for unincorporated Polk County...More
Avoid Health Risks During Flood Clean-UP Jun 17, 2008

Polk County Health Department officials want people to take the proper precautions in returning to their homes after recent flooding. “People in the community who were affected by the flood have been through enough. We want to avoid further suffering by preventing injury or illness when trying to recover their homes,” said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided the Polk County Health Department with copies of two...More
Family and Business Assistance Center to Open in PLEASANT HILL Jun 17, 2008

On Tuesday, June 17 teams comprised of City of Pleasant Hill Building Inspectors and Polk County Environmental Health staff will begin inspecting the homes and businesses that were evacuated in the Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park. They will be examining building safety and public health factors to determine which families and business owners will be allowed to re-enter their premises safely. All homes and business in the evacuated area will be inspected.

A “Family and Business Assistance...More
Inspections of Birdland Homes and Businesses To Begin Jun 16, 2008
On the afternoon of Monday, June 16 teams comprised of City of Des Moines Building Inspectors and Polk County Environmental Health staff will begin inspecting the homes and businesses that were evacuated in the Birdland neighborhood. They will be examining building safety and public health factors to determine which families and business owners will be allowed to re-enter their premises safely. All homes and business in the evacuated area will be inspected.

A “Family and Business Assistance...More
Summer Brings Increased Health Risks Jun 09, 2008

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer. According Lori Parsons, RN, BSN, Polk County Health Department Clinical Manager, “When the temperature rises health risks increase as well. The risks that concern us the most, at this time of year, are heat-related illnesses, food safety and disease-carrying insects”.

The two most common causes of food borne illnesses are improper holding temperatures and poor personal hygiene. Clean hands, surfaces and raw products before preparing and eating...More
Staying Safe Through the Storms Jun 09, 2008

Severe weather, particularly excessive rain, can pose severe health hazards. Polk County Health Department has specific recommendations for people to keep themselves and their family safe.

Terri Henkels, Director of the Polk County Health Department said, “If you can’t remember when your last tetanus shot was and have been walking through floodwater, cleaning up flood debris, and have some scrapes and/or cuts then you should get a tetanus shot as soon as possible. Polk County Health...More
Health Department to Receive Additional Funds for Breast Cancer Early Detection May 23, 2008

Polk County Health Department was awarded two grants for the early detection of Breast Cancer. The Health Department will receive $171,950 from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and $25,000 from the Calendar Gals.

“With these additional funds, we will be able to provide our services to an increasing number of women at-risk for breast cancer, said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director.

The Iowa Department of Public health provides $120,855 to the Polk County Health Department...More
“Diabetes Day” at Polk County Health Department Apr 29, 2008

On Friday, May 9, 2008, from 8am-12 noon, Polk County Health Department will hold a “Diabetes Day” at its clinic at 1907 Carpenter Avenue in Des Moines. During their visit, someone with diabetes will be able to meet with, a dietician, a diabetic educator and a nurse practitioner. They will receive over $425 worth of services for free. Screenings will be available, free of charge, to any Polk County resident. Spanish interpreters will be available.

“It is important to know if you have...More
Healthy Polk Town Hall Meeting Access to Health Care for All Children in Polk County Apr 21, 2008

Who: Healthy Polk, Healthcare Coverage for Kids Coalition, Health Access Partnership

What: Healthy Polk will host a town hall meeting on Access to Health Care for all Children in Polk County. Carrie Fitzgerald, Child Health Policy Associate with the Child and Family Policy Center of Iowa will be the featured speaker.

When: Tuesday, April 29, 2008, 7:00pm-8:30pm. April 27th-May 3rd is Cover the Uninsured Week.

Where:...More
Healthy Polk to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Access to Health Care For All Children Apr 10, 2008

On Tuesday, April 29, 2008 Healthy Polk, in partnership with the Health Access Partnership and the Healthcare Coverage for Kids Coalition, will hold a town hall meeting, "Access to Health Care For All Children in Polk County". …more details
Polk County Health and Polk County Conservation Join Forces to Decrease “Nature Deficit Disorder” cases Apr 03, 2008

Polk County Health Department and Polk County Conservation Board officials are concerned spring will bring an increase in the number of children with “nature deficit disorder” in Polk County. The two agencies announced a number of activities that could be taken to reverse this trend.

“Nature Deficit Disorder is an emerging public health threat that can affect the children and the environment in Polk County. But the solution is just a few steps away,” said Terri Henkels, Polk County...More
Information about Histoplasmosis Jan 29, 2008

Click on the following Histoplasmosis link for more information.

Histoplasmosis