News and Press Releases
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Announces Community Health Priorities
The Polk County Health Department has announced the key health priorities that will shape Polk County’s Community Health Improvement Plan.
Health Department News
Vending machine offering free health and safety tools launched at Polk County Health Department
The vending machine is available 24/7 to ensure simple access to life-saving tools and preventive health supplies.
Health Department News
Illnesses Surge in Polk County Schools
The Polk County Health Department (PCHD) is informing the community of a significant increase in the circulation of illnesses in schools.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Releases Annual Report
The Polk County Health Department has released its Annual Report for the 2024 fiscal year, highlighting stories and data from their work throughout the year.
Health Department News
Findings from Latest Community Health Needs Assessment Released
The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is the result of a collaborative effort among leading health organizations and community partners to better understand and address the health needs of residents in Dallas, Polk, and Warren counties.
Health Department News
Polk County Appoints Juliann Van Liew as Next Health Department Director
The Polk County Board of Supervisors has named Juliann Van Liew as the next Director of the Polk County Health Department (PCHD).
Health Department News
Polk County Illuminated in Green to Promote National Injury Prevention Week
On Monday, Nov. 18, the Polk County Courthouse and Wells Fargo Arena will be illuminated in green light in recognition of National Injury Prevention Week.
Health Department News
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Available at Polk County Health Department
PCHD is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Director Helen Eddy Announces Retirement
After seven years of dedicated service, Helen Eddy, Director of the Polk County Health Department (PCHD), will be retiring on January 17, 2025.
Health Department News
Pilot project launched to provide early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Latino community
Through the pilot, Community Health Workers have been trained to provide educational sessions and early detection screenings at community-based organizations.
Health Department News
National Safety Month: Promoting Health and Safety in June
In recognition of National Safety Month, the Polk County Health Department is promoting ways to prevent injuries, reduce risks and stay safe throughout the month of June.
Health Department News
Local Health Organizations and Partners Launch Community Health Needs Assessment in Central Iowa
Multiple health organizations and community partners have joined forces to launch the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) aimed at gathering valuable insights into the health needs and priorities of residents in Central Iowa.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Urges Vaccination Ahead of the Holidays
Polk County, Iowa and the U.S. have low vaccination rates for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Shares Annual Report
PCHD's Annual Report showcases how their programs and services were utilized in the past fiscal year.
Health Department News
Historic County Courthouse Illuminated in Green to Promote National Injury Prevention Day
Polk County is participating in this year’s National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD). On Friday, November 17, Polk County Courthouse will be illuminated in green light to raise awareness about gun injuries and other preventable child injuries in the community.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Partners with Des Moines Public Library on Gun Safety
Polk County Health Department (PCHD) is excited to announce its partnership with Des Moines Public Library on promoting gun safety in our community. Gun trigger locks are available and FREE to pick up at all Des Moines Public Library locations.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department and Partners Come Together to Address Gun Violence
PCHD unveils Gun Safety Campaign, 'Talk it Up, Lock it Up'.
Health Department News
Polk County Medical Coor. Center Urges Community to Use Emergency Departments Appropriately
Polk County emergency departments (ED) remain busy. As we head into summer months and summer traumas, we urge the community to use our health care resources appropriately, so those with life-threatening conditions can be seen right away.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Care Systems Are Seeing High Community Transmission of COVID-19
Polk County clinics, hospitals, urgent cares, and emergency departments are seeing high community transmission of COVID-19 cases.
Health Department News
Health Department Urges Everyone to Get a Flu Shot: Australia sees their worst flu season, Iowa could see the same
Each year, flu season is unpredictable and severe. The past several years we have seen mild flu seasons. Other flu seasons, such as when the H1N1 and H2N3 strains appeared, we saw healthy individuals, those with underlying health conditions, the young and old become sick, hospitalized and even die. This year, we could possibly be in for a rough flu season.
Health Department News
Vaccine Schedule for September 12 - 16, 2022
Vaccine Schedule for September 12 - 16, 2022
Health Department News
Vaccine Schedule for September 5 - 9, 2022
Vaccine Schedule for September 5 - 9, 2022
Health Department News
Vaccine Schedule for August 29 – September 2, 2022
Vaccine Schedule for August 29 – September 2, 2022
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Sees Increase of COVID-19 Omicron BA.5 Subvariant Cases
Polk County is seeing an increase of COVID-19 Omicron BA.5 Subvariant cases. The BA.5 subvariant is highly contagious and quickly becoming the predominant strain in Iowa and the United States. COVID-19 hospitalizations are also on the rise.
Health Department News
Polk County Health Department Confirms First Case of Monkeypox
The Polk County Health Department has confirmed the first case of monkeypox in Polk County.
Health Department News
Polk County Medical Coordination Center Media Release: Polk County Hospitals STILL Operating at Limited Capacity
Polk County hospitals are STILL currently operating at limited capacity. Emergency departments are seeing incredibly long waits for individuals to receive care and then be placed in an appropriate inpatient bed if needed. Hospital and healthcare staff ask Polk County residents to use emergency departments appropriately.
Health Department News
Polk County Medical Coordination Center Media Release: Polk County Hospitals Operating at Limited Capacity
Polk County hospitals are currently operating at limited capacity. The demand for patient beds is greater than the number of beds available, coupled with a reduced number of staff to care for patients. In addition to COVID-19 cases rising, hospitals across the county and the state are dealing with summer traumas, caring for individuals who are very sick and staffing shortages.