Polk County Health Department Announces Community Health Priorities
Published 6/9/2025 12:19:09 PM
The Polk County Health Department (PCHD) is proud to announce the key health priorities that will shape Polk County’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP):
- Access to Care
- Economic Stability & Empowerment
- Mental Health.
These three areas were identified as pressing health challenges in Polk County through a recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), regional collaboration, and community input.
The CHIP is a strategic roadmap to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and ensure every Polk County resident has the opportunity to live a healthy life. It is informed by the CHNA, which was completed last year in partnership with local organizations and stakeholders. The CHNA provides vital insight into where health gaps exist and what issues matter most to the community.
“These priorities reflect what we heard from our community, and they give us a shared direction for making meaningful improvements in Polk County,” said Juliann Van Liew, Director of the Polk County Health Department. “The CHIP will serve as a blueprint to address root causes of poor health outcomes and build a more supportive environment for all.”
Next Steps
With priorities of the CHIP in place, the next phase will focus on convening local stakeholders around each priority area, including those already working to address these issues in the community. Stakeholder groups will collaboratively develop clear goals and strategies to guide the work of the CHIP over the next five years. This collaborative process will ensure that solutions are community-driven, sustainable, and impactful.
PCHD invites community members, organizations, and partners to join in shaping the future of health in Polk County. To learn more about the CHIP and how to get involved, visit: polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/about-us/community-health-improvement-plan/
About PCHD
The Polk County Health Department strives to create the conditions for all people to live healthy lives by engaging residents, reducing health disparities and attending to the needs of our most vulnerable families.
Follow us on X, Meta and Instagram. For more information about the Polk County Health Department, please visit https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/.
Media Contact
Addie Olson, Public Health Communications Officer
515.286.3848 (office) × 515.782.7236 (cell)