Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Being physically active is one of the most important steps that people of all ages and abilities can take to improve their health. Walking is an easy and affordable way to improve your physical, social, and mental health.

Join Iowa state park and forest staff on Saturday, Sept. 28 for Statewide Volunteer Day, when Iowans are invited to lend a hand and help care for Iowa’s natural areas, freshen up campgrounds and facilities, and spend time outdoors.

Iowa HHS participated in Iowa State University’s Business, Industry and Technology career fair today. We enjoyed the opportunity to make connections with prospective HHS employees. (Left to Right: Robyn Renz, Stacey Parrish)

https://lnkd.in/eQNtS9Sp

New data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System shows that 23 states have adult obesity rates of 35% or higher, including Iowa. Iowa’s rate is the 7th highest nationally. Iowa HHS is working closely with our partners to make it easier for everyone in Iowa to eat well and stay active. These efforts are part of Iowa’s 2023-2027 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP). To lower Iowa’s obesity rate, we need help from everyone in the state. You can get involved by starting conversations, sharing data, and bringing evidence-based programs to your community. View the data: https://lnkd.in/e-DxfdWq Learn more about BRFSS: https://lnkd.in/eHqfyMd2 Learn more about Iowa’s 2023-2027 SHIP: https://lnkd.in/e5hVB9hd 

On September 17, HHS had our annual visit from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Our Regional Administrator (RA) received updates on child welfare and child care programming, including visits to facilities. Thank you to all those who provided direct or indirect support to make this visit a success!

Iowa has been awarded a grant that looks at environmental hazards and health equity for underserved communities. On August 28 and 29, the five grantee organizations and our Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representative came together for an initial meeting that included the creation of organization plans.

We are looking for individuals to join our Early Childhood Iowa team! These individuals will be dedicated to technical and family support with a systems thinking lens. This position will be responsible for developing, managing, and continuously improving all major components of ECI systems work including strategic plan implementation, capacity building, and program sustainability strategies. https://lnkd.in/esVeDKaF This role will provide technical assistance to ensure home visiting services are provided with fidelity and infused with quality. Candidates with direct experience in implementing family support home visitation services should apply. https://lnkd.in/eSiW2USs

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is looking to hire multiple candidates for numerous positions, including: Medicaid Dental Policy Program Manager (Job Number 25-00445) Program Planner 3 – Development Coordinator (Job Number 25-00467) Environmental Epidemiologist (Job Number 25-00467) Disability Services Case Manager (Social Worker 2) (Job Number 25-00470) Data Scientist (Epidemiologist) (Job Number 25-00475) Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist (Job Number 25-00476) See the full list of positions here: https://lnkd.in/e3ibyYD.

Governor Reynolds held a press conference this morning to announce the launch of the new Iowa Child Care Connect website. This website has a search function that uses Google mapping tools to help families find child care along their work routes. It will also help HHS gather data on child care needs throughout the state and predict future needs. Visit https://lnkd.in/eA6igrWf to learn more!