Polk County Health Department

The Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan will be activated 8 a.m. Sunday (6/16) through 8 a.m. Wednesday (6/19) based on the current forecast for our area.

This means:
🔺DART will provide free rides to Cooling Centers
🔺Emergency shelters will offer weather amnesty
🔺It is extremely important to stay cool and hydrated

Find a list of Cooling Centers and additional resources: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/emergency-management/our-plans/extreme-temperature-and-sheltering-resources/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1VBoONe0YUqaKMZWlYjPhOuIsS0-1ZvHKsmGmvBZTifscm2Tx3TZPd-BA_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

The Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan will be activated at 8 AM, Sunday, June 16 through 8 AM, Wednesday, June 19 based on forecast temperatures from the National Weather Service.

Stay cool and hydrated over the weekend and into next week, and follow the links below for more information on the plan and available resources. https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/emergency-management/our-plans/extreme-temperature-and-sheltering-resources/

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services needs your input! Take the Family Health Survey to share your experiences in getting health care and social support services. Your feedback will help HHS improve the health of women and children in Iowa.

No personal information will be taken during the survey. The survey will close on July 14, 2024.

English survey: https://go.iowa.gov/Waxh
Spanish survey: https://go.iowa.gov/y5pD

In hot temperatures, your body may be unable to properly cool itself, which can lead to serious health problems. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and follow these tips on hot days:
🚰 Drink plenty of water
🏡 Check on friends and neighbors at high risk for heat-related illness
🏬 Find air conditioned places to cool off (malls, libraries, community centers and other public spaces)
🚗 NEVER leave kids or pets in the car

If you go outside, remember:
🧢 A hat
☀️ Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
💧 A water bottle
👕 Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
⌚ Limit time outdoors and take breaks often

Learn more about heat-related illness and how to protect yourself on hot days: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html

Two of our Public Health Investigators, Melissa Brown and Allison Elder, attended the STI Engage 2024 conference in Washington D.C. last week! Our team of Public Health Investigators are experts in providing non-judgmental and inclusive sexual health education, swiftly connecting people to screening and treatment services, and making referrals to supportive community resources.

We are thankful for all they do to help keep our community healthy!

It's , and checking your home for lead-based paint should be part of your home safety checklist. ✅

Lead-based paint is the primary source of lead poisoning for children in Iowa, and two-thirds of our community’s housing stock was built before lead-based paint was banned in 1978. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause lasting health problems for kids, including attention deficits, behavior problems, and learning difficulties.

If you're worried about lead poisoning in your home, we can help! PCHD offers a program that pays for FREE inspection and repairs of lead hazards for eligible homeowners. Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements here: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/lead-hazard-home-repair-and-lead-poisoning-information/

What a weekend! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see us in the Health and Wellness Zone during Pride Fest or gave us a shout during the parade. We'll see you again next year!🧡💛💚💙💜

Don’t forget to come see us at Pride Fest this weekend for free testing, condoms, and more! Find the Mobile Health Unit on E 5th St: Saturday 12-7PM, & Sunday 10AM-4PM 🌈

This , help prevent firearm-related injuries and deaths. Commit to having conversations about gun safety and storage. Here's how to start the conversation with family and friends: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/gun-safety/gun-safety-resources-for-parents-and-community-members/

Reminder to drink plenty of water during hot weather. Take breaks indoors or at cooling centers, and wear light colored and loose fitting clothes.

Stay safe, cool, and hydrated everyone! 😎

Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ We're partnering with The Project of Primary Health Care to provide free condoms, dental dams, l**e, and HIV/STI testing at Capital City Pride's PrideFest this weekend! Come see us in the Health & Wellness Zone - find a map of the event and more: https://capitalcitypride.org/pridefest/

In recognition of , we'll be sharing ways to prevent injuries, reduce risks and stay safe throughout the month of June. Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death, and National Safety Month is a vital reminder of the importance of safety in our everyday lives.

PCHD has a number of resources and services available to help keep individuals and families and safe. Learn more:
https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/news-and-press-releases/national-safety-month-promoting-health-and-safety-in-june/

An update to yesterday's 9-1-1 communications outage:

There has been some improvement, notably 9-1-1 calls are being completed from landlines that are back in service.

However, some main lines or administrative lines remain out, including for some businesses, dispatch centers, and hospitals.

Alternate methods for non-emergency communications with hospitals are available on official social media pages and websites, as well as patient mobile apps.

Additionally, automated security or medical alarm systems may still be affected, and a 9-1-1 call should be placed in an emergency.

UnityPoint Health - Des Moines MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center Blank Children's Hospital Broadlawns Medical Center

Due to an issue with a service provider, many Polk County and Central Iowa residents, services, businesses, and emergency services providers are experiencing phone and/or internet issues.

Importantly, 9-1-1 calls from wireless phones are being received at this time. However, landline phones have been impacted and may not be able to complete calls, including to 9-1-1. Automatic alarm systems may also be unable to complete calls to emergency services.

Due to the nature of the malfunction, services impacted vary between locations.

At this time, recommended actions include:
• If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1 from a mobile phone.
• If you have an automated alarm system, dial 9-1-1 from a mobile phone to report the alarm.
• Follow local media, and official social media pages for updates on impacted or restored services.

Due to widespread phone outages in central Iowa, landline 911 calls are not being received. Calls from wireless devices ARE still being received. If you need emergency services, please call 911 from a mobile device.

***UPDATE - 05/31***

Non- emergency Dispatch and administrative phone lines are operational again.

***UPDATE***

Landline 911 calls are not being received due to the malfunction at the service provider.

WIRELESS 911 CALLS ARE BEING RECEIVED.

If you need emergency police, fire, or mental health services, please call 911 from your mobile device.

Repair efforts are ongoing.

Mosquitoes and ticks can spread germs that cause diseases like West Nile and Lyme disease. Fight the bite this summer by following these tips to protect yourself and your family:

🦟 Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, these repellents are proven safe and effective, even for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

🦟 Wear loose-fitting, long clothing to protect yourself from mosquito and tick bites.
Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin.

🦟 Check your body for ticks after being outdoors, and remove an attached tick as soon as possible.

🦟 Take a shower within 2 hours of coming indoors to help wash off unattached ticks and tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing.

If you've been bitten by a tick, use the CDC's Tick Bite Bot to assess the bite and determine if and when medical care is needed: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/communication-resources/tick-bite-bot-1.html

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we took part in spreading joy and inspirational messages through The Kindness Rocks Project! The purpose of the project is to cultivate connections within communities and lift others up through simple acts of kindness. Never underestimate the power of the right message at the right time!

In honor of Memorial Day, the Health Department will be closed today, Monday, May 27. We will reopen with our regular hours tomorrow at 8 a.m.

Visit our website for more information about our hours and services: polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/

A flood warning is in effect through this evening for the following rivers:
- West Fork Des Moines River at Humboldt affecting Humboldt County
- Raccoon River at Fleur Drive in Des Moines affecting Polk County Iowa

Never drive in flooded areas — turn around, don't drown! And stay out of floodwater as it can contain many things that can hurt you or make you sick. Learn what to do if you've come in contact with floodwater: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/extreme-weather/floods-standingwater.html

Be safe while cleaning up after this week’s storms and tornadoes. Any wounds sustained during disaster cleanup should be taken seriously. If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with f***s, soil, or saliva, have a doctor or health department determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary based on your individual records.

Learn more about wound care after a natural disaster: https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/communication-resources/emergency-wound-care-after-a-natural-disaster-factsheet.html

For those in UNINCORPORATED Polk County, the Board of Supervisors have approved a debris removal plan for those impacted by recent storms starting next TUESDAY 5/28. This will allow property owners time to take necessary steps for removal and pick-up.

Stay weather aware. Sign up for Polk County/Alert Iowa notifications here: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/emergency-management/be-prepared/polk-county-alert-iowa/

Cervical cancer screenings save lives. Our Nurse Case Manager, Elyssa Patino, joined cervical cancer survivor and KADI - Knock and Drop Iowa CEO Zuli Garcia, and April May of Primary Health Care, Inc. on 98.3 The Vibe earlier this month. Zuli shares about her journey as a cancer survivor, and the women talk about the critical importance of getting screened and how to find resources in the community. Listen here: https://www.983vibe.com/2024/05/04/inside-iowa-surviving-cervical-cancer/

Early detection is key! Don't wait to schedule an exam with your provider. If you're uninsured or underinsured, check to see if you're eligible for our program offering free cancer screenings: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/services-and-programs/healthy-women-program-free-cancer-screenings

Pictured, L to R: Zuli, Kim Chase (98.3 The Vibe), April, Elyssa

We had a great time celebrating Senior Fest at the Iowa State Fairgrounds yesterday! Thank you to all who stopped by to pick up free gun locks and learn about the many services and resources available at the Health Department.

Together, we can build a healthier community! Share your insights in our Community Health Needs Assessment. The survey is open through May 24 and takes around 10 minutes to complete: prcsurvey.com/begin/CentralIowaCHNA2024

The first annual Black Mental Health Conference takes place this Saturday. This event is free and open to the public! Be sure to join to hear from Black mental health professionals, teen panelists, and specialists hosting workshops about a variety of adult and youth mental health topics.

Send a message to learn more

Our nurses and health navigators go above and beyond every single day. We can't thank them enough for their dedication, compassion and hard work. Thank you to all of our health heroes!

It's National School Nurse Day, and we're thankful for our school nurses today and every day! They play an integral role in creating healthy communities and helping our youth grow and thrive. Thank you for all you do!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health matters, and everyone deserves mental health support when they need it. Learn about Polk County's Behavioral Health and Disability Services: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/behavioral-health-disability-services/services/

And find additional resources at FindSupport.gov.