Des Moines County Public Health

09/18/2026

Des Moines County Cancer Presentation and Discussion – September 30, 2026 3:00-4:00 at Burlington Public Library

Presenter information:

Mary Charlton, PhD

Professor, University of Iowa Department of Epidemiology

Director, Iowa Cancer Registry

About the Project: Iowa has the second highest rate of new cancer in the U.S. The Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project is a public health initiative aimed at enhancing cancer education and community engagement across all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Representatives from the 99 Counties Project will share the latest cancer data related to Des Moines County and provide residents with an opportunity to voice concerns or suggestions.

Cancer in Des Moines County:

In looking at the cancer rates for Des Moines County, we noted the top 5 cancers are:

#1 Prostate cancer. Age-adjusted prostate cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (138.9 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state rate (133.4 per 100,000), but statistically higher than national rate (119.9 per 100,000).

#2 Female breast cancer. Age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (118.8 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state (139.2 per 100,000) and national (133.0 per 100,000) rates.

# 3 Lung cancer. Age-adjusted lung cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (70.6 per 100,000) is statistically higher than the state (59.6 per 100,000) rate, but statistically similar to the national rate (51.8 per 100,000).

#4 Colorectal cancer. Age-adjusted colorectal cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (50.4 per 100,000) is statistically higher than the state (40.3 per 100,000) and national rate (36.9 per 100,000).

#5 Uterine (Endometrial). Age-adjusted uterine cancer incidence rate for Des Moines County (41.3 per 100,000) is statistically similar to the state rate (30.8 per 100,000) but statistically higher than the national rate (28.2 per 100,000).

09/02/2026

Des Moines County Public Health
Now Hiring: Home Health Coordinator
Due to upcoming retirement, Des Moines County Public Health is seeking an experienced and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) to serve as our Home Health Coordinator. This leadership position is responsible for overseeing clinical operations, supervising patient care staff, ensuring quality patient outcomes, and maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, Medicare/Medicaid, and accrediting requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Provide clinical leadership and oversight of home health services and patient care staff.
• Ensure patient plans of care are developed, implemented, updated, and followed in accordance with physician orders.
• Supervise, guide, support, and evaluate clinical personnel; participate in recruitment, hiring, orientation, and performance management.
• Conduct care conferences, staff meetings, in-services, and continuing education activities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain clinical policies and procedures in compliance with regulatory and agency requirements.
• Oversee the Agency’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program, including data collection, analysis, corrective actions, and reporting.
Qualifications:
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Iowa.
3–5 years of healthcare/home health experience preferred.
2 years of supervisory experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of community health principles and home health practices.
Ability to supervise, develop, and evaluate clinical staff.
Excellent communication, organization, leadership, and independent decision-making skills.

Apply in person, by email or send resume to:
Des Moines County Public Health
505 Curran Street
Burlington, IA 52601
[email protected]
Equal Opportunity Employer

08/26/2026

Des Moines County, in conjunction with the Marion County Public Health Department, is offering free radon test kits. The kits are available to anyone in Des Moines County who owns a home. Mobile Homes are also encouraged to test, especially if your home has skirting. Test Kits can be picked up at our office at 505 Curran St., Burlington, Iowa. For more information, call our office at 319-753-8290

08/21/2026

Des Moines County Public Health is currently seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join our team full-time. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community through public health services and outreach.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (on-call and weekdays as needed)
Location: Des Moines County, Iowa

About the Role:
As a Public Health Nurse, you will provide client-focused care using the nursing process—assessment, planning, implementation, intervention, and evaluation. In coordination with other healthcare professionals, you will deliver services through a variety of public health programs, promote wellness through education and outreach, and support disease investigation efforts in partnership with the Iowa Health and Human Services.

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide nursing services across public health programs
• Educate individuals and communities on preventive health and wellness
• Assist with disease surveillance and investigations
• Collaborate with clients and healthcare providers

Qualifications:
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current license as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the State of Iowa
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

A chance to serve and make a difference in your community

Apply in person, by email or send resume to:
Des Moines County Public Health
505 Curran Street
Burlington, IA 52601
[email protected]
Equal Opportunity Employer

08/18/2026

Iowa Health Officials Confirm Measles Cases in Southern Iowa, Release Locations of Potential Measles Exposures

Iowa Health Officials Confirm Measles Cases in Southern Iowa, Release Locations of Potential Measles Exposures

08/06/2026

Des Moines County Public Health Department is now hiring:
Full-Time Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Des Moines County Public Health is currently seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join our team full-time. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community through public health services and outreach.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (on-call and weekdays as needed)
Location: Des Moines County, Iowa

About the Role:
As a Public Health Nurse, you will provide client-focused care using the nursing process—assessment, planning, implementation, intervention, and evaluation. In coordination with other healthcare professionals, you will deliver services through a variety of public health programs, promote wellness through education and outreach, and support disease investigation efforts in partnership with the Iowa Health and Human Services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide nursing services across public health programs
• Educate individuals and communities on preventive health and wellness
• Assist with disease surveillance and investigations
• Collaborate with clients and healthcare providers

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current license as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the State of Iowa
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

A chance to serve and make a difference in your community

Apply in person, by email, or send resume to:
Des Moines County Public Health
505 Curran Street
Burlington, IA 52601
[email protected]
Equal Opportunity Employer

07/16/2026

Warren James Recalls the Copper Cup Found in Flashgitz Relic Lunch Boxes Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Lead Poisoning

Consumers should stop using the recalled cups immediately and contact the firm for instructions on how to receive a replacement cup. Consumers who purchased the lunch boxes directly from Warren James will be sent a free replacement cup to the address previously provided in the original purchase orde...

07/08/2026

Iowa Health Officials Confirm First Measles Case in 2026 in Iowa Resident, Release Locations of Potential Measles Exposures

Iowa Health Officials Confirm First Measles Case in 2026 in Iowa Resident, Release Locations of Potential Measles Exposures

06/17/2026

CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using Darice “Timeless Minis” Miniature Red Wagons, Chairs and Watering Cans Immediately Due to Risk of Injury from Lead Poisoning; Violate Federal Ban for Lead in Paint.
For more information, visit: CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using Darice “Timeless Minis” Miniature Red Wagons, Chairs and Watering Cans Immediately Due to Risk of Injury from Lead Poisoning; Violate Federal Ban for Lead in Paint | CPSC.gov

03/16/2026

Iowa health officials release eastern Iowa locations linked to potential measles exposures
DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) was notified by the Illinois Department of Public Health that an Illinois resident with confirmed measles traveled to Iowa during their infectious period.

Iowa health officials release eastern Iowa locations linked to potential measles exposures View as a webpage / Share Iowa Department of Health and Human Services March 13, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2026 CONTACT Danielle Sample [email protected] PRESS RELEASE Iowa health officia...