Polk County Health Department Director Helen Eddy Announces Retirement

Published 9/10/2024 8:11:27 AM

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Addie Olson, Public Health Communications Officer

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Polk County Health Department Director Helen Eddy Announces Retirement

(Des Moines, IA) — After seven years of dedicated service, Helen Eddy, Director of the Polk County Health Department (PCHD), has announced her retirement, effective January 17, 2025. Under her leadership, PCHD has made significant strides in creating conditions for all people to live healthy lives in Polk County.

Eddy led PCHD through the implementation of several crucial initiatives, including PCHD’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the successful “Talk It Up, Lock It Up” gun safety campaign, and providing community access to free resources like harm reduction kits, emergency contraceptives, gun locks, and more.

“I want to thank the Polk County Board of Supervisors for the opportunity to serve the residents of Polk County for the last seven years. I am proud of the Health Department’s accomplishments during my time here, and I’m grateful to the many community partners who make our work possible,” shared Eddy.

"I am also grateful for the dedicated team at the Polk County Health Department. They work tirelessly every day to reduce health disparities and make progress toward ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to live a healthy life.”

The Polk County Board of Supervisors thanked Eddy for her service, and have begun the search for her successor to ensure continued public health leadership in Polk County.

“The Board of Supervisors would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Helen for her years of exemplary leadership and commitment to the health and wellness of Polk County,” said Angela Connolly, chair of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. “We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement and remain confident in the department’s continued success as it transitions to new leadership.”

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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.

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