Polk County Health Department

Public Health Investigators, often called Disease Intervention Specialists, are the backbone of STI prevention. Our Public Health Investigators work every day to identify, treat, and prevent the transmission of HIV and STIs to improve sexual health outcomes in our community. They also provide vital education and support to those they serve. Help us thank our Public Health Investigators for all they do! #DISDay2024

It was a great day to get outside for the annual Iowa Healthiest State Initiative walk! Being physically active is a key component to maintaining or improving your overall health. Walking—whether for a few minutes or a few miles—is an easy way to support your physical, social, and mental wellbeing. #WhyIWalk

Applications for the Director of Public Health are being accepted through October 7. This role directs a countywide public health program, including the enforcement of health laws and regulations, community leadership responsibilities, disease control and prevention, emergency preparedness planning, health planning and education, and clinical and laboratory services. #publichealth #PolkCounty https://lnkd.in/gAEn7256

¿Buscas información de salud en español? Visita la página en español de nuestro sitio web para ver artículos recientes. https://lnkd.in/gikY38XM

One in three people reported knowing someone who died of an overdose per a recent report from the Journal of the American Medical Association, and 18 percent of people say the person they lost was a family member or close friend. In this episode of By the Numbers, Gabbie Ruggiero with Polk County Behavioral Health and Disability Services joins us to talk about opioids, the overdose epidemic, and harm reduction strategies that can save lives. 🔊Listen - Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gXTGvWhU - Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gDirRBXg 📺Watch - YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gETEryXp #NationalRecoveryMonth #HarmReduction

After seven years of dedicated service, Helen Eddy, Director of the Polk County Health Department (PCHD), will retire January 17, 2025. We are thankful for Helen's leadership 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. Thank you, Helen! We wish you all the best in retirement. https://lnkd.in/gBkEicZ5

Join us in wishing a very happy 65th birthday to our incredible Director, Helen Eddy! 🎂 Helen's leadership, energy, and passion for public health are unmatched. Thank you for all you do for our community! 💖

Thanks so much for hosting this great event!

In the first year of our Talk It Up, Lock It Up gun safety campaign, more than 1,700 free gun locks have been distributed across Polk County! Thank you to our many partners who have helped us hand out free gun locks. In the latest episode of our podcast, By the Numbers, we're joined by Helen Eddy and Dr. Amy Shriver to talk about firearm safety and this collaborative effort to prevent gun injuries and deaths in Polk County: https://lnkd.in/gJMPeVrx You can also find By the Numbers: A Public Health Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other listening platforms.

We're proud to partner with Polk County Health Department to offer free emergency contraception! Levonorgestrel tablets, also known as the morning-after pill or by brand name Plan B, are used to prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. They are freely available in PCHD's clinic bathrooms, along with condoms, lube, and a resource guide to help with reproductive health decisions.