Black Hawk County Public Health

Black Hawk County Public Health announces the release of the FY23-25 Community Health Improvement Plan.

January is Radon Action Month. Black Hawk County Public Health will provide radon education and sell short-term radon test kits for $10 at five locations this month. Kits are also available at Black Hawk County Public Health, 1407 Independence Avenue, 5th Floor, Waterloo, during normal business hours.

Black Hawk County and the state of Iowa are experiencing high levels of respiratory illness. This release outlines ways to slow the spread of viruses in the community.

The director of Black Hawk County Public Health, Dr. Nafissa Cisse Egbuonye, is stepping down from her role as the head of the department effective October 21. She will be moving into a leadership position with Molina Healthcare of Iowa. Deputy Director Kaitlin Emrich will oversee the department in the transition.

Black Hawk County is currently experiencing increased levels of West Nile Virus within the adult mosquito population, raising the potential for human cases.

Local public health departments in Iowa have been coordinating with the state health department to investigate cases and contacts of monkeypox, as well as coordinating vaccination of eligible individuals. Read full release for complete information.

Black Hawk County Public Health is recognizing National STD Awareness Week, April 10-16 with a campaign to encourage testing, treatment, and conversations with your partners. The Public Health Center clinic is located on the 5th floor of the Pinecrest Building at 1407 Independence Avenue, Waterloo. Clinic hours are Monday- Thursday from8:30 -11:30 am and 1-4 pm. Call 319-291-2413 for an appointment. Satellite testing is also available, and locations are listed on the Health Department website.

Black Hawk County Public Health announced today it has been awarded national accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Accreditation through PHAB demonstrates the Health Department’s capacity to carry out the essential public health services, manage an effective health department, maintain consistent communications with the governing entity, and have a strong commitment to serving the community.

Black Hawk County Public Health's sexual health services are now available at the ACE-SAP Free Clinic.

Black Hawk County Public Health's sexual health services have been expanded to Bremer County.

Black Hawk County is currently experiencing increased levels of West Nile Virus within the adult mosquito population to levels where human transmission is likely.

On July 27, the CDC updated their mask guidance to recommend masking in public indoor settings for fully vaccinated people who live in areas of substantial or high transmission. Black Hawk County is currently experiencing high COVID-19 transmission. For the safety of our community, and to slow the spread of COVID-19, Black Hawk County Health Department is encouraging residents to mask when indoors for the protection of themselves and their community.

The first four winners of the Black Hawk County Vaccine Incentive program were drawn on Friday, July 2, and four more winners will be drawn tomorrow. Winners receive a $500 gift card bundle To be eligible to win, recipients must be 18+, live in Black Hawk County, and get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine between June 11- July 29. See press release for full details.

June is National Healthy Homes Month. This year's theme is The Power of Partnerships. The Black Hawk County Health Department is pleased to partner with Waterloo Community Development on the Healthy Homes Program. This Waterloo-based program consists of a series of in-home assessments, focusing on 29-health hazards, as well as a lead assessment.

Out of an abundance of caution, the CDC is recommending a pause in administering the J&J vaccine until further notice.