🎉🎂 Happy Birthday to Jen! 🎂🎉

Wishing you a fantastic day filled with joy, laughter, and all the things you love most. Thank you for all the amazing work you do – we’re so lucky to have you on the team.

If you see Jen today, be sure to wish her a very happy birthday!
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.

⚽🏀⚾ Being part of the team is what counts — and health insurance helps make it possible! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Medicaid and CHIP offer free or low-cost health coverage for children and teens up to age 19. That means access to check-ups, immunizations, dental care, mental health services, prescriptions, and more — helping kids stay healthy and ready to play!

📅 Enrollment is open year-round, and families earning up to $80,000/year* may qualify. Even if you've applied before, you may still be eligible.

👉 Visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (543-7669) to learn more about affordable health coverage for your family.

Let’s get every child in the game — healthy, covered, and ready to succeed! 💪🏽

#InsureKidsNow #HealthyKids #CHIP #Medicaid #YouthSports #FamilyHealth #Teamwork

Enjoy a meal, socialization and entertainment at Encore Express during June!
Adults 60+ (and spouses) can make reservations by calling 319-653-3950.
**Must make reservations before 1PM the Tuesday PRIOR to the meal!**

🌍 Happy World Environment Day! 🌿

Today, we join the global community in recognizing the importance of protecting our planet and promoting a healthier, cleaner environment for all. From safe water and clean air to proper waste disposal and food safety, our everyday lives are shaped by the work done behind the scenes to keep our environment safe.

A huge thank you to our Environmental Health team (Jason & Aimie) for their dedication and hard work year-round! 💚 Your efforts in ensuring safe drinking water, inspecting food establishments, managing septic systems, and responding to public health concerns are vital to the well-being of our community.

👏 We appreciate all you do to protect both people and the planet—today and every day!

#WorldEnvironmentDay #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #ThankYou #HealthyEnvironment #HealthyCommunity

HPV can impact both boys and girls, but there’s a way to help protect against it. The HPV vaccine can prevent up to 90% of HPV-related cancers and can be given as early as age 9 and through age 26. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about whether the HPV vaccine may be right for your family.

Learn more: https://hhs.iowa.gov/immunization/hpv
Source: CDC

El VPH puede afectar tanto a niños como a niñas, pero hay una forma de ayudar a protegerse contra él. La vacuna contra el VPH puede prevenir hasta el 90 % de los tipos de cáncer relacionados con el VPH y puede administrarse a partir de los 9 años y hasta los 26 años. Hable con el profesional de la salud de su hijo sobre si la vacuna contra el VPH puede ser adecuada para su familia.

Obtenga más información: https://hhs.iowa.gov/immunization/hpv
Fuente: Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC)

Enjoy a meal, socialization and entertainment at Encore Express during June!
Adults 60+ (and spouses) can make reservations by calling 319-653-3950.
**Must make reservations before 1PM the Tuesday PRIOR to the meal!**

📣 CNA Spotlight: Irene

Meet Irene, one of our incredible CNAs! Known for her gentleness and listening ear, she goes above and beyond to make sure our clients feel safe and cared for every day.

Thank you, Irene, for all you do! 💙

💙Not all heroes wear capes… some wear scrubs and carry care in their hands and hearts. 💙

#CNASpotlight #ThankYou

📣 CNA Spotlight: Bonnie

Meet Bonnie, one of our incredible CNAs! Known for her compassion and caring heart, she goes above and beyond to make sure our clients feel safe and cared for every day.

Thank you, Bonnie, for all you do! 💙

💙To the CNAs who make every moment matter—thank you for your strength, your care, and your heart 💙

#CNASpotlight #ThankYou

📣 CNA Spotlight: Jackie

Meet Jackie, one of our incredible CNAs! Known for her kindness and compassion, she goes above and beyond to make sure our clients feel safe and cared for every day.

Thank you, Jackie, for all you do! 💙

💙CNAs are the heart of healthcare—providing comfort, dignity, and strength when it’s needed most.💙

#CNASpotlight #ThankYou

The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls as young as age 9 and for everyone through age 26 who hasn’t been fully vaccinated. Help protect you and your loved ones — talk with your healthcare provider about whether the HPV vaccine may be right for your family.

Learn more: https://hhs.iowa.gov/immunization/hpv
Source: CDC

La vacuna contra el VPH está recomendada para niños y niñas desde los 9 años y para todas las personas hasta los 26 años que no estén completamente vacunadas. Ayude a protegerse a sí mismo y a sus seres queridos: hable con su profesional de la salud sobre si la vacuna contra el VPH puede ser adecuada para su familia.

Obtenga más información: https://hhs.iowa.gov/immunization/hpv
Fuente: Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC)

🕷️ Tick Season is Here—Stay Safe Outdoors! 🌳☀️

As you enjoy the warmer weather, don’t forget to protect yourself and your family from ticks. These tiny pests can carry illnesses like Lyme disease, so prevention is key!

✅ Tick Safety Tips:
✔️ Wear long sleeves and pants when walking in tall grass or wooded areas
✔️ Use EPA-registered insect repellents (like DEET or picaridin)
✔️ Stick to the center of trails
✔️ Do a full-body tick check after being outdoors—especially behind ears, knees, and underarms
✔️ Shower within two hours of coming indoors
✔️ Put clothes in the dryer on high heat to kill ticks

🐾 Don’t forget to check pets, too!

If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible with fine-tipped tweezers. Watch for any signs of illness and contact your healthcare provider with any concerns.

Stay safe and enjoy the great outdoors! 🌿

#TickSafety #LymeDiseaseAwareness #PublicHealth #OutdoorSafety

☀️ Happy First Day of Summer! ☀️
As you dive into summer fun, don’t forget to take care of your health! 🌻💉

Check out our May/June schedule for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our NEW Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program—designed to make sure everyone has access to important vaccines, no matter their insurance status.

🤔 Who Qualifies? 🤷‍♀️

✅ VFC Program (Ages 18 & under):
1️⃣ Uninsured (no health insurance)
2️⃣ Enrolled in Medicaid
3️⃣ American Indian or Alaska Native
4️⃣ Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)

✅ VFA Program (Ages 19+):
1️⃣ Uninsured (no health insurance)
2️⃣ Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
3️⃣ Medicare Part B only

📞 Call us at 319-653-7758 to schedule your appointment—don’t wait, spots fill fast!

Help us spread the word—tag a friend or loved one who might benefit from these programs! 💉🌞

🎉🎊 Happy 13-Year Workaversary, Diane! 🎊🎉

Today, we’re celebrating 13 amazing years of dedication, hard work, and compassion from Diane! 💙 From making a difference in the lives of our community members to being an incredible part of our team, she truly embodies what public health and home care is all about. 🏡❤️

We’re so grateful for everything Diane brings to Washington County Public Health—here’s to many more years of making an impact! 👏🎉

Drop a comment to help us celebrate Diane! 🎈🎊

#13YearWorkaversary #PublicHealthHero #DedicatedAndCompassionate #WeAppreciateYou

☀️🔥 Stay Safe in the Heat! 🔥☀️

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses. Whether you're working, playing, or relaxing outdoors—take steps to stay cool and safe this summer!

✅ Heat Safety Tips:
✔️ Drink plenty of water—don’t wait until you’re thirsty!
✔️ Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
✔️ Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning
✔️ Never leave children or pets in parked cars
✔️ Check on neighbors, especially older adults or those with health conditions
✔️ Know the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, headache, nausea, and heavy sweating

🌡️ If someone shows signs of heat stroke (confusion, fainting, no sweating, high body temp), call 911 immediately.

Let’s enjoy summer safely—stay cool, stay hydrated, and look out for one another! 🌞💧

#HeatSafety #SummerHealth #StayCool #PublicHealthTips #BeatTheHeat

Enjoy a meal, socialization and entertainment at Encore Express during June!
Adults 60+ (and spouses) can make reservations by calling 319-653-3950.
**Must make reservations before 1PM the Tuesday PRIOR to the meal!**

🏊‍♀️💦 Swimwear Safety Matters! 💦🏊‍♂️

Did you know that the color of your child’s swimsuit can impact how easily they’re seen in the water? Visibility can be critical in preventing water emergencies.

👀 Choose bright, contrasting swimwear colors like:
✅ Neon orange
✅ Bright pink
✅ Lime green
✅ Yellow

❌ Avoid swimsuits that are blue, white, or muted colors, as they can blend into the water and make it harder to spot a child in distress—especially in pools, lakes, or rivers.

💡 Extra Water Safety Tips:
✔️ Always supervise children near water—stay within arm’s reach
✔️ Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets in open water
✔️ Enroll kids in swim lessons
✔️ Know CPR in case of emergencies

A little planning goes a long way in keeping water time safe and fun! 💙

#WaterSafety #SwimwearSafety #SummerSafety #DrowningPrevention #PublicHealth

🦟💦 Did you know? Mosquitoes only need a tiny bit of water—like the size of a bottle cap—to lay their eggs! Yuck! 😱

But here’s the good news: YOU can be a mosquito-busting hero! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ Just empty, clean, or refill any water sources around your home every week to stop those pesky biters from multiplying. Think old tires, bird baths, gutters, pools, and any sneaky spots holding water!

Let’s team up to #FightTheBite and keep summer buzzing with fun — not mosquitoes! 🦟✋😎

☀️🌞 Summer Safety Tip: Protect Yourself from UV Rays! 🌞☀️

Summer’s here, and so is the sunshine! To keep your skin safe and healthy while enjoying the outdoors, remember these UV protection tips:

✅ Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
✅ Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
✅ Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every 2 hours
✅ Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing when possible
✅ Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade

Your skin will thank you! Have a safe and fun summer! 😎🌴