Benton County Iowa Public Health Department

10/31/2026

Make sure your house isn't being haunted by carbon monoxide! Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector and check the batteries regularly. Keep all generators or gasoline powered engines at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent. CDC's Tracking Network provides data about health effects due to unintentional CO poisoning.

Learn how to protect your family from CO poisoning https://www.cdc.gov/carbon-monoxide/about/index.html

10/28/2026

🚑🚒🚓 Happy National First Responders Day! 🚨⚕🚁

In a small community like Benton County, first responders are more than the people who answer the call for help—they’re our neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members.

Today, we recognize and thank all those who serve our communities, including our firefighters, EMS providers, law enforcement officers, 911 dispatchers, and other emergency responders.

We especially want to recognize our volunteer first responders, who dedicate their time, training, and energy to helping others while balancing their own jobs, families, and everyday responsibilities. When an emergency happens, these neighbors drop what they’re doing to show up for someone in need. That kind of commitment is at the heart of what makes a community strong.

At Benton County Public Health, we are grateful for the partnerships we share with our local first responders. Their dedication, often behind the scenes and without recognition, plays an essential role in protecting the health and safety of our communities.

To every first responder who serves Benton County, whether career or volunteer, thank you for being there for your neighbors, for answering the call, and for making our communities safer places to live. We appreciate you today and every day! ❤️

10/27/2026

Heading to the courthouse to vote? 🗳️

Take a moment to make another important choice for your health! Stop by the courthouse basement and pick up a FREE radon test kit from Benton County Environmental Health.

Radon testing is easy, and free kits are available while supplies last. Protect your home and your family by knowing your radon level.

Vote. Test. Protect.

10/23/2026

Spooky season wouldn’t be the same without bats! Just remember to enjoy real bats from a distance. These important members of our ecosystem are wild animals who want to be left alone—for their safety and yours!

10/21/2026

It's Flu season 🤧
Most people who get the flu have mild illness. However, severe cases, particularly among young children and people with underlying chronic disease, can be fatal. Getting the yearly flu vaccine is the best protection against a potentially life-threatening flu infection for everyone ages six months and older.

Did you know that in addition to your local primary care provider, there are multiple pharmacies in Benton County that offer flu shots? (See the flyer below for locations and hours.)

If you have questions, please consult your health care provider.
Thank you for doing your part to keep Benton County healthy this flu season!

10/19/2026

Squishy toys are fun — but do you know what to do if one gets bitten, punctured, breaks open, or is accidentally heated? 🧸⚠️
The Iowa Poison Control Center has important safety info every parent should know.
👉 Read their article to learn how to keep kids safe!

Squishy sensory toys and stress balls can be fun, but what happens when they’re bitten, punctured, broken open or heated?

The Iowa Poison Control Center has seen an increase in squishy toy exposures in 2026, with many cases involving children who bit into or ruptured the toy and were exposed to the filling inside.

Read the full blog at https://www.iowapoison.org/news-and-recalls/blogs/squishy-sensory-toy-safety-what-parents-and-caregivers-should-know

If someone is exposed to the contents of a squishy toy, call the Iowa Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential guidance 24/7.

10/15/2026

Handwashing is one of the simplest — and most powerful — ways to stay healthy! Many germs that make us sick spread when we don’t wash our hands with soap and clean, running water.

Make handwashing a habit at key times: after using the bathroom, before eating, when preparing food, and after coughing or sneezing.

Why does it matter? Handwashing can:
🏥 Reduce diarrheal illnesses by about 23-40%
🎒 Cut missed school days from stomach bugs by about 29-57%
😷 Reduce respiratory illnesses (like colds) by about 16- 21%

Scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds can protect you, your family, and your community. Let’s keep those hands clean! Be a

10/13/2026

October is Health Literacy Month!

So, what is health literacy?

Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use health information and services to make informed decisions for yourself and your family. When people have strong health literacy skills, they feel more confident navigating their health and getting the care they need.

Want reliable, easy‑to‑understand health information? Check out MyHealthfinder, a trusted resource with expert-backed tips on 100+ topics in English and Spanish: https://odphp.health.gov/myhealthfinder

10/09/2026

Did you know radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked? And Iowa has the highest percentage of homes testing at or above the EPA action level of 4 pCi/L — a staggering 71.6%.

Good news: Benton County Public Health and Benton County Environmental Health are offering FREE radon test kits! Call us or stop by to pick one up.

If your first test comes back over 4 pCi/L, we’ll provide a second kit at no cost. And if both tests are elevated, you may even qualify for financial assistance for radon mitigation.
Protect your home. Protect your health.
Get your free test kit today!

10/07/2026

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a powerful reminder to think about the women in your life, the people you love, and yourself.

Breast cancer affects 2.4 million women worldwide, and early detection saves lives. 💗 Mammograms and other screenings take only minutes, but they can make all the difference.

Below are breast cancer screening opportunities:

The Iowa HHS Care for Yourself program offers free or low‑cost breast and cervical cancer screenings for qualifying women ages 21–64. Learn more: https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/cancer/cfy

📅 This month, Virginia Gay Hospital is hosting Ladies Night Out — a special mammogram screening event on Oct. 5, 7, 20, 22, & 29 from 3:30–7 p.m.
Call 319‑472‑6300 to schedule, or self‑schedule on MyChart.

VGH can also help cover screening costs through the Gifts of Hope program. Learn more: https://myvgh.org/vgh-foundation/gifts-of-hope/

Take a moment today to check in with your loved ones and encourage them to get screened. Breast cancer doesn't wait. 🌸