Polk County Health Department is concerned there is currently an unprecedented risk for syphilis, for at-risk populations, in our community.

“We are currently investigating six positive cases of syphilis in Polk County. We usually see this many positive cases over an entire year. No one can remember ever seeing this many cases at the same time,” said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director.

People can catch syphilis through sexual intercourse, oral sex or anal sex...More

The weather for today is expected to be very hot and humid, with a heat index over 105. Polk County Health Department officials remind people that this is a potentially dangerous combination. Make sure to check on friends and neighbors who have health conditions, especially those who stay at home.

Lori Parsons, RN, BSN, Polk County Health Department Clinical Manager said, “Extended heat and high humidity is not just uncomfortable, it is dangerous. A rapid increase in body temperature...More

Recognition Award

The Polk County Health Department received a "Live United" award for Advocacy from the United Way of Central Iowa. The award was in recognition of the Health Department's response to the H1N1 pandemic. The Polk County Health Department "Command Staff" (Tammy Keiter, Kari Lebeda Townsend, Scott Slater, Lori Parsons, Terri Henkels, Rick Kozin, Pat Sweeney, Laura Sands and Mary McCann-not pictured) received the...More

Hepatitis C Support Group
A support group is forming at the Polk County Public Health Department.

The purpose of this support group is to provide a safe place for individuals diagnosed with Hepatitis C to express their challenges, successes and experience living with Hepatitis C. Group members will be provided an opportunity to explore their emotional response to living with Hepatitis. How they perceive Hepatitis impacts their concept of self and the human need for nurturance...More

Polk County Health Department will close the H1N1 clinic at Moore Elementary School on Friday, April 2nd. Free H1N1 vaccinations will still be available at Polk County Health Department, 1907 Carpenter, without appointments, Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm.

“We are very appreciative to Des Moines Public Schools for making this site available. This allowed us to make the vaccine available to more people, at more times, without long lines,” said Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department...More