Polk County Health Department

10/14/2026

Iowa Community Health Workers (CHWs), join us on October 28 for 🏠Helping Clients Stay Housed: Understanding Tenant and Landlord Rights and Responsibilities 🏠

Housing stability plays an important role in health and well-being. CHWs are often among the first to recognize when clients are facing housing challenges and can play a key role in connecting them with support and resources. Led by Carrie Woerdeman, Executive Director of HOME, Inc., this session will focus on Iowa tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, common housing concerns, effective communication strategies, and practical resources CHWs can use to help clients maintain stable housing.

This session is presented by HOME, Inc., in partnership with Polk County Health Department and HealthTeamWorks.

The CHW Learning and Network Collaborative is made possible through partnership funding from MolinaCares, providing no-cost learning and networking opportunities for Iowa CHWs.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
2:30–4:00 PM Central
Virtual via Zoom - register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GpqWAh6gQCSYIgKJLrczwA #/registration

10/14/2026

Your participation can help shape the future of e-mobility! Our partners at the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center need participants for a statewide survey to better understand how kids and teens use e-bikes, e-scooters, and other devices.
👇
To be eligible,
Children must:
· Be between the ages of 10 - 17 years
· Own and use an electronic mobility device (e.g., e-bike, e-scooter, e-skateboard, etc.)

Parents must:
· Be between the ages of 18 - 99 years
· Be a legal guardian of the participating teen

Parents and children who complete the brief online survey will each be mailed a check for their participation.

Ready to share your experiences? Click the link to learn more! https://trips.lab.uiowa.edu/iowa-electronic-mobility-devices

10/13/2026

As daylight hours get shorter, visibility decreases for everyone on the road. Drivers should watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists, while walkers and riders should make themselves as visible as possible.

Slow down, stay alert, and help everyone navigate safely after dark.

Learn more about traffic safety at https://polkcountyiowa.pulse.ly/vd7lk6bpgp

10/13/2026

Look familiar??? 😂 A little nostalgia, a big reminder: Mammograms start at 40 for most. Higher-risk individuals should be screened earlier.

10/12/2026

Flu can spread quickly, especially in schools, workplaces, and gatherings. Protect the people you love most with a flu shot.

Flu vaccines are available at most pharmacies and clinics. Schedule yours today!

The Polk County Health Department provides vaccines free of charge to eligible individuals who are uninsured or underinsured through the Vaccines for Adults and Vaccines for Children programs. Call us to learn more: 515-286-3798

10/12/2026

10/07/2026

We took a few minutes to get outside for the 2026 Healthiest State Annual Walk - small steps toward a healthier Iowa!

10/06/2026

As fall arrives, deer and other wildlife become more active near roadways, especially around dawn and dusk.

Stay alert in areas marked with wildlife crossing signs, reduce your speed when visibility is limited, and scan both sides of the road for animals. If you see one deer, be prepared for others to follow.

Staying attentive can help protect both people and wildlife.

Learn more about traffic safety and the We All Arrive campaign at https://polkcountyiowa.pulse.ly/q3vgmeeukf

10/06/2026

What do you want to know about your water?

Join us for Tapped In: Understanding Water in Central Iowa, a community conversation about the water we depend on every day — where it comes from, how it’s treated and monitored, the challenges facing our source waters, and what all of us can do to help protect them.

Hear directly from experts representing Des Moines Water Works, the City of Des Moines, Drake University, The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and the Iowa Environmental Council. Then, bring your questions for a community discussion about water quality in central Iowa.

📅 Tuesday, October 6
🕕 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 Des Moines Central Library, 1000 Grand Ave.

At Des Moines Water Works, protecting public health starts with delivering clean, reliable drinking water every day. It also means helping our community understand the water we depend on and the work happening today to protect it for the future.

Come learn. Ask questions. Get tapped in.

10/03/2026

Medicaid changes took effect on October 1st. If you’re affected or unsure what this means for you, join us at our upcoming event.

This event is designed to help you understand what to watch for, where to find support, and what local resources are available if these changes impact you or someone you care about. You’ll be able to ask questions, hear from community partners, and connect with people who can help guide you through the process.

October 13, 2026
6:00–7:30 PM
Polk County Central Senior Center
2008 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

Food will be provided.

Hosted in partnership with My City My Health, United Way of Central Iowa, Polk County Health Department, and the Des Moines NAACP.

Please share this with anyone who may benefit from this information.