Spotlight Friday!! 🙋‍♀️Meet LORI HOBSCHEIDT!🙋‍♀️

Lori has been with Washington County Public Health for 28 years! 🤯 During her time at WCPH, She has had the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of programs with the goal of making a positive impact. Over the last several years, she has worked with the Dental Program, which oversees Washington and Henry Counties. In this role, they conduct dental screenings and provide education, fluoride varnish, and care coordination for preschool children. They also off the same services for 2nd and 3 graders and apply sealants.

🤷‍♀️What is your favorite thing about WCPH?
📣"I take pleasure in working with parents and children and witnessing the positive impact we have on their health. It's fulfilling to contribute to our community and work towards making it a better place. I have also enjoyed collaborating with various community partners and brainstorming ways to make Washington County more welcoming and healthier for its residents."

🤷‍♀️What are you looking forward to at WCPH?
📣"Continuing to work closely with members of the community to develop and implement engaging projects and initiatives that foster happiness and well-being in our county."

⏰This is your friendly reminder...before you go to bed tonight...turn your clocks back 1 hour!⏰

We can't believe it's already holiday time! Here are the clinic schedules for November & December!

➡️📌NOTICE: Due to the holiday's there are a few clinic/date changes for the Kalona clinics! They will be November 21st from 3PM-6PM and December 19th from 3PM-6PM, both at the Kalona YMCA.

Please give us a call to schedule for your immunization needs: 319-653-7758

🗳️#Voting is more than a civic action. It’s a way to build support for policies that advance community well-being,

If you haven’t yet finalized your plan to #vote, now’s the time. Take action using this resource, and spread the word to ensure your loved ones are prepared at the polls, too: https://www.washingtoncounty.iowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2743/General-Election---Polling-Locations?bidId=

There is a study from the CDC that shows seniors and young children have the highest rate of hospitalization from flu. 🤢

People with underlying medical conditions, like asthma, heart disease, or chronic lung disease, are more likely to have severe flu cases. Black Americans, Native Americans, and Alaska Natives are also more likely to be hospitalized for flu. 🤒

💉Though these groups are more at risk, severe flu can happen to anyone, especially for people who aren’t vaccinated. In the words of Dr. William Schaffner, one of the study’s co-authors, “The influenza virus, in all of its guises, is a formidable virus that can take a healthy person and put them in the hospital within 48 hours."

Call us to get your flu shot today! It not only helps you, but your family, friends, and community as well! 💪

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/.../seasonal-flu.../75923427007/...
#NotJustFlu #VaxYourFam #VaccinesSaveLives

We had the opportunity to have Breanna, a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) student from Missouri State University, with us for a few days!

For her Community Health project, she made these wonderful Safe Sleep posters about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). SIDS is the term used to describe the sudden death of a baby younger than 1 year of age. Unfortunately, this isn't anything new, but still continues to be a risk factor in infant death statistics. Every year, in the US, approximately 3,500 infant deaths are from SIDS. It is also the leading cause of death in those 28 days - 1 year of age, more specifically <6 months of age. Infants born <37 weeks gestation are at a higher risk for SIDS.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuvimos la oportunidad de contar con Breanna, una estudiante de BSN (Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Enfermería) de Missouri State University, con nosotros durante unos días.

Para su proyecto comunitario, creó estos maravillosos carteles sobre el Sueño Seguro y el SMSL (Síndrome de Muerte Súbita del Lactante). El SMSL es el término utilizado para describir la muerte repentina de un bebé menor de 1 año de edad. Desafortunadamente, esto no es algo nuevo, pero sigue siendo un factor de riesgo en las estadísticas de mortalidad infantil. Cada año, en los EE. UU., aproximadamente 3,500 muertes infantiles son a causa del SMSL. También es la principal causa de muerte en bebés de entre 28 días y 1 año de edad, específicamente en aquellos menores de 6 meses. Los bebés nacidos con menos de 37 semanas de gestación tienen un mayor riesgo de SMSL

Spotlight Friday! 🙋‍♀️Meet BONNIE LINS!🙋‍♀️

Bonnie has been with Washington County Public Health for 11 years! She is a home health aide and homemaker. This includes giving baths and personal cares along with doing laundry, light housekeeping, grocery shopping and meal prep! She also spreads sunshine to her patients!

🤷‍♀️What is your favorite thing about WCPH?
📣"A lot of patients have very little company so knowing that you can help brighten their day is a good feeling."

🤷‍♀️What are you looking forward to at WCPH?
📣"Continue to spread sunshine and brighten peoples day!"

We want to take the opportunity to thank our Veteran staff member, Jackie Brown, for her service to your country and to our community!

We also want to thank all Veterans, including those we are honored to care for, thank you for your service and your sacrifice!

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week starts soon! ‘Go Purple’ anytime during November 18-24 to show how we all play a role in fighting #AntimicrobialResistance. Learn how you can ‘Go Purple’ and encourage others to do the same for #USAAW24


Share important information about appropriate antibiotic and antifungal prescribing and use and comb

To fight #AntimicrobialResistance (AR) we have to recognize that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Everyone plays a role in fighting AR. Learn more bit.ly/3XI9aWy #USAAW24

#AntimicrobialResistance has been identified in all regions of the world & can spread rapidly from one part of the globe to another. Learn why we must collectively fight this global public health threat bit.ly/4cgawfx #USAAW24

DYK that animals, including our pets and livestock, can carry germs that can spread and contribute to #AntimicrobialResistance (AR)? Discover the simple actions you can take to protect yourself & your pet & fight AR. bit.ly/3RMbZlA #USAAW24

Antibiotics and antifungals used as pesticides in agriculture can lead to contamination of the environment (e.g., water and soil). This can speed up the development and spread of #AntimicrobialResistance. Learn more: bit.ly/3xyxT4U #USAAW24

CDC takes a One Health approach to fighting #AntimicrobialResistance (AR), which requires that everyone across human, animal, and environmental health collaborate to slow its spread. Learn how we all can fight AR together. bit.ly/3L8mSu1 #USAAW24

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) is coming to an end but CDC’s commitment to combating the emergence and spread of #AntimicrobialResistance (AR) continues. Fighting AR takes all of us and everyone can play a role. bit.ly/4cDoRCn #USAAW24

🎉We are beyond excited to be rolling out a NEW program that will help give more individuals the opportunity to get vaccinated!

Introducing the Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program!
This program is to help get those with no insurance, who are underinsured, or has Medicare Part B only to get vaccines at NO COST!

💉We have the following vaccines available:
*Hepatitis B *Hepatitis A
*Varicella (chickenpox) *HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
*MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) *Meningococcal
*Pneumococcal *Polio
*RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) *Tetanus (Tdap)
*Flu (next year) *COVID-19 (Moderna & Pfizer)

📞If you have any question, please feel free to call us at 319-653-7758
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🎉 ¡Estamos más que emocionados de lanzar un NUEVO programa que brindará a más personas la oportunidad de vacunarse!

Presentamos el Programa de Vacunas para Adultos (VFA, por sus siglas en inglés).
Este programa está diseñado para ayudar a quienes no tienen seguro, tienen seguro insuficiente o solo cuentan con Medicare Parte B a recibir vacunas SIN COSTO alguno.

💉 Las siguientes vacunas están disponibles:
*Hepatitis B *Hepatitis A
*Varicela (chickenpox) *VPH (Virus del Papiloma Humano)
*MMR (Sarampión, Paperas, Rubéola) *Meningocócica
*Neumocócica *Polio
*VSR (Virus Sincitial Respiratorio) *Tétanos (Tdap)
*Influenza (el próximo año) *COVID-19 (Moderna y Pfizer)

📞 Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en llamarnos al 319-653-7758.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, let's ensure a safe and healthy holiday meal for everyone! Practicing proper food safety can help prevent communicable diseases like Salmonella and Campylobacter (often called "Campy").

Here are some essential tips:

🧼Clean: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often.
🐓🦃Separate: Keep raw meat and poultry separate from ready-to-eat foods.
🧑‍🍳Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
🧊Chill: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to prevent bacteria growth.

Stay safe, and enjoy a happy Thanksgiving! 🦃✨


Store, thaw, handle, and cook raw turkey to prevent foodborne illness.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Washington County Public Health!

Stay Safe While Scoring Deals This Black Friday!

Black Friday can be exciting, but a little preparation goes a long way in keeping you safe. Whether you're shopping online or in stores, here are some quick tips:

💻Online Safety: Shop only on secure websites (look for "https://") and avoid public Wi-Fi when entering personal information.
💲Protect Your Wallet: Set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending. Keep your payment methods secure.
🛒In-Store Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, keep personal items close, and avoid rushing in crowded areas.
⏱Plan Ahead: Know store hours and deal details to avoid unnecessary stress or confusion.

Happy shopping, and stay safe this holiday season! 🛍️


Steps you can take to improve safety and protect personal information and purchases while holiday shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Support Local on this Small Business Saturday!

Celebrate and support the heart of our community—local small businesses! Shopping small helps strengthen our local economy, creates jobs, and fosters a sense of community pride.

Here’s how you can participate:

❤️Explore local shops and discover unique gifts.
❤️Dine at a locally-owned restaurant or coffee shop.
❤️Share your experience on social media to encourage others to shop small.
❤️Every purchase makes a big impact.

Thank you for supporting the businesses that make our community special!