π October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Monthπ
π October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Monthπ
Domestic violence is more than a private matterβit is a public health issue that can have lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities.
Abuse can take many forms, including physical violence, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial control, threats, and intimidation. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported.
π Public Health Reminder:
βοΈ Learn the warning signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships.
βοΈ Support friends, family members, and coworkers who may be experiencing abuse.
βοΈ Listen without judgment and respect each personβs choices and safety needs.
βοΈ Know where local resources and confidential support are available.
βοΈ If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
π You are not alone. Help is available. Reaching out for support can be an important step toward safety and healing.
This month, letβs work together to promote safe relationships, healthy...
Read more
Read more
π β’οΈ FREE RADON TEST KITS FOR RURAL HOMEOWNERSπ β’οΈ
π β’οΈ FREE RADON TEST KITS FOR RURAL HOMEOWNERSπ β’οΈ
Did you know that radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up in homes?Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase your risk of lung cancer.
The Washington County Public Health and Environmental Health Departments are offering FREE radon test kits to help rural Washington County homeowners test their homes.
π What happens if your test is high?
1οΈβ£ Your home will be tested again to confirm the results.
2οΈβ£ Homeowners with confirmed high radon levels may qualify for radon mitigation assistance, based on program eligibility requirements.
β
TEST KITS MUST BE PICKED UP IN PERSON (per qualifications list below) at:
π Washington County Public Health Department
πHours Monday-Friday 8:00-12:00/1:00-4:30
π2175 Lexington Blvd., Building #2
πWashington, IA 52353
π Questions? Call 319-653-7782
π Testing your home is an important step in protecting your familyβs health. Radon testing is simple, and knowing...
Read more
Read more
π£ Looking for Health Insurance for Your Child?
π£ Looking for Health Insurance for Your Child? π©Ί
Visit InsureKidsNow.gov to learn about free or low-cost health coverage options available through Medicaid and CHIP, including Iowaβs HAWKI program.
β
Coverage includes doctor visits, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health services & more
β
Many families qualify based on income, even if they work or have other insurance
β
Apply online or by calling 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)
#InsureKidsNow #Medicaid #CHIP #ChildHealthCoverage #IowaHAWKI
Read more
Read more
The October schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here!
The October schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here! These programs help ensure that everyone has access to important vaccines, regardless of insurance status.
π€Who Qualifies? π€·
β
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program (Ages 18 & under)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Enrolled in Medicaid
3. American Indian or Alaska Native
4. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
β
Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program (Ages 19+)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
3. Medicare Part B only
π Call us today at 319-653-7758 to schedule an appointment - secure your spot
now!
Help us spread the wordβshare this post so we can reach community members who might benefit from these programs! ππ
Read more
Read more
π Happy World Smile Day!π
π Happy World Smile Day!π
Today is a great reminder that something as simple as a smile can brighten someoneβs day and help create positive connections in our community. π
π Public Health Notes:
βοΈ Connect with others: Positive social connections can support emotional well-being and help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
βοΈ Spread kindness: A kind word, a smile, or a helping hand can make a meaningful difference.
βοΈ Take care of yourself: Make time for activities that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
βοΈ Build a healthy community: Small acts of kindness can contribute to a more supportive and connected community.
Today, share a smile, check in on someone, and remember that kindness is good for our communities! ππ
#WorldSmileDay #Smile #Kindness #MentalWellness #PublicHealth #CommunityHealth #HealthyCommunities
Read more
Read more
π October is Breast Cancer Awareness Monthπ
π October is Breast Cancer Awareness Monthπ
Breast cancer can affect anyone, and early detection can make an important difference. This month, letβs raise awareness, encourage healthy habits, and remind our loved ones to prioritize their health. π
π©Ί Take charge of your breast health:
βοΈ Know your personal and family health history.
βοΈ Be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel.
βοΈ Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and recommended screening schedule.
βοΈ Follow recommended mammogram screening guidelines.
βοΈ Report any new or unusual breast changes to your healthcare provider.
π Public Health Reminder: Prevention, education, and early detection are important tools for protecting community health. Regular healthcare visits and recommended screenings can help identify health concerns early.
π This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encourage the women in your life to make their health a priority. A conversation, a screening, or a reminder...
Read more
Read more
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ National Family Day π
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ National Family Day π
Today is National Family Dayβa wonderful opportunity to slow down, put away the distractions, and make time for the people who matter most. Whether your family is big or small, related by blood or built through love, strong family connections can have a positive impact on everyoneβs health and well-being.
π©Ί Public Health Notes: Healthy Families
βοΈ Make time to talk, listen, and connect with one another.
βοΈ Share a meal together when possibleβfamily mealtimes can support healthy eating habits and social connection.
βοΈ Be active togetherβtake a walk, play outside, or enjoy a favorite family activity.
βοΈ Encourage open conversations about mental and emotional health.
βοΈ Support one another in making healthy choices and attending regular checkups and preventive care.
βοΈ Stay connected. Strong social connections can support better mental and physical health and overall well-being.
π Healthy families help build healthy communities. Today, take a...
Read more
Read more
The October schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here!
The October schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here! These programs help ensure that everyone has access to important vaccines, regardless of insurance status.
π€Who Qualifies? π€·
β
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program (Ages 18 & under)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Enrolled in Medicaid
3. American Indian or Alaska Native
4. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
β
Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program (Ages 19+)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
3. Medicare Part B only
π Call us today at 319-653-7758 to schedule an appointment - secure your spot
now!
Help us spread the wordβshare this post so we can reach community members who might benefit from these programs! ππ
Read more
Read more
As the leaves change and temperatures begin to drop, fall is a great time to focus on your health and prepare for the season ahe...
As the leaves change and temperatures begin to drop, fall is a great time to focus on your health and prepare for the season ahead!
π§₯ Dress in layers and stay warm as temperatures change.
π Enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet.
πΆ Take advantage of cooler weather to stay active outdoors.
π Talk with your healthcare provider about recommended seasonal vaccinations.
π§Ό Continue practicing good hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of illness.
π Prepare your home for cooler weather by checking heating systems and making sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Seasonal changes can affect our physical and mental well-being. Taking simple steps to stay active, eat well, prevent illness, and prepare for colder weather can help keep individuals, families, and our community healthy.
π Embrace the season and make your health a priority this fall!
#HelloFall #FallHealth #HealthyHabits #PublicHealth #StayHealthy #FallSafety
Read more
Read more
The September schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here!
The September schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here! These programs help ensure that everyone has access to important vaccines, regardless of insurance status.
π€Who Qualifies? π€·
β
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program (Ages 18 & under)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Enrolled in Medicaid
3. American Indian or Alaska Native
4. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
β
Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program (Ages 19+)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
3. Medicare Part B only
π Call us today at 319-653-7758 to schedule an appointment - secure your spot
now!
Help us spread the wordβshare this post so we can reach community members who might benefit from these programs! ππ
Read more
Read more
π National Grandparents Day π΅π΄
π National Grandparents Day π΅π΄
This National Grandparents Day, we celebrate the grandparents who fill our lives with love, wisdom, stories, traditions, and unforgettable memories. Whether they are near or far, grandparents play an important role in strengthening families and connecting generations.
Spending time together isnβt just meaningfulβit can also support health and well-being. Social connection can help reduce loneliness, support emotional health, and contribute to a better quality of life as we age.
π©Ί Public Health Notes: Healthy Aging
βοΈ Stay physically active and safely move every day.
βοΈ Keep up with regular checkups, vaccines, and recommended screenings.
βοΈ Take steps to prevent falls and other injuries.
βοΈ Stay socially connected with family, friends, and the community.
βοΈ Support mental and emotional well-being by staying engaged and connected.
Today is a wonderful reminder to call, visit, hug, or spend a little extra time with a grandparent or older loved...
Read more
Read more
πWorld Suicide Prevention Day π
πWorld Suicide Prevention Day π
Today we remind our community that every life matters, and help is available.
Suicide prevention starts with connection. Take a moment to check in with a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor. A simple conversation can make a difference. Listen without judgment, take concerns seriously, and encourage those who are struggling to reach out for support.
π©Ί Suicide is a serious public health issue, but it is preventable. Promoting mental wellness, reducing stigma, strengthening social connections, and increasing access to support can help save lives.
π **You are not alone. Your life matters.**
#WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #PublicHealth #YouAreNotAlone
Read more
Read more
π£ Looking for Health Insurance for Your Child?
π£ Looking for Health Insurance for Your Child? π©Ί
Visit InsureKidsNow.gov to learn about free or low-cost health coverage options available through Medicaid and CHIP, including Iowaβs HAWKI program.
β
Coverage includes doctor visits, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health services & more
β
Many families qualify based on income, even if they work or have other insurance
β
Apply online or by calling 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)
#InsureKidsNow #Medicaid #CHIP #ChildHealthCoverage #IowaHAWKI
Read more
Read more
π¨ September is National Preparedness Month!
π¨ September is National Preparedness Month! π π©Ί
Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time. National Preparedness Month is a reminder that taking a few simple steps today can help protect you, your family, and your community when an emergency occurs. Public health preparedness plays an important role in helping communities respond to and recover from emergencies.
π©Ί Public Health Preparedness Tips:
βοΈ Make a plan β Know how you will communicate, where you will go, and how you will reconnect with family members.
βοΈ Build an emergency kit β Include water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, medications, important documents, and other essential personal items.
βοΈ Prepare for your health needs β Keep an updated list of medications, medical conditions, allergies, and important health information.
βοΈ Don't forget special needs β Plan for infants, older adults, people with disabilities, pets, and anyone who may need additional assistance.
βοΈ Stay...
Read more
Read more