Health and educational organizations in Polk County, along with the University of Iowa, have been selected to participate in the National Children`s Study, a long-range comprehensive National Institutes of Health investigation of the interaction of genes and the environment on children`s health. The participation includes an $11.9 million grant for the first five years.

The study will follow a representative national sample of 100,000 children from before birth to age 21, including...More

The Polk County Health Department in partnership with Aging Resources of Central Iowa, and Polk County Senior Services is implementing an evidence-based fall/injury prevention program, "A Matter of Balance" in the community.

A Matter of Balance can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falling. Classes are taught by lay led coaches twice a week for four weeks for two hours.

Please visit the following...More

The Polk County Health Department’s annual Drive-thru Flu Clinic will be held October 4th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. This clinic will be for flu shots only (pneumonia shots will not be given). People attending this clinic (9 years of age and older) will receive their shots without leaving their vehicle. Use the main entrance on Grand Avenue or the East 33rd Street entrance off University Avenue to access the clinic. A $15 donation is recommended.

“The Drive-thru...More

Polk County Health Department will be holding community flu and Pneumonia clinics beginning October 1, 2008. Fifty-three clinics will be held at various locations throughout the county through November 7, 2008. The full schedule is available at www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health

Terri Henkels, Polk County Health Department Director said, “Unless everyone you know gets a flu shot, you won’t have any contact with sick children, or you have...More

Polk County Health Department will receive a grant in the amount of $124,823 to establish wellness initiatives in two Des Moines neighborhoods: Gray's Lake and South Park. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Harkin Wellness Grant program, and the Iowa State Legislature's support of local health initiatives. The Health Department submitted a competitive grant application earlier this summer to the Iowa Department of Public Health to help them implement...More