The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is saddened to confirm the first death of a child due to complications from COVID-19. The child was under the age of five, and had significant underlying health conditions. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health announces additional assistance for WIC families following the destruction of the August 10 derecho. Families living in the 16 counties designated under the federal disaster declaration are eligible.

The Iowa Department of Public Health, along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, is asking the public to #StepUpMaskUpIA. This new outreach campaign encourages Iowans to follow important public health mitigation measures such as wearing a cloth face covering when in public. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced expanded funding of 5-2-1-0 – Healthy Choices Count!, which began in 2017 in Iowa. Five new communities will receive grants, while eleven communities currently funded for the initiative will receive additional grants. The funded communities will work to create environments that support healthy choices. Bringing evidence-based strategies for healthy living into communities, schools, childcare and out-of-school programs, health care practices and workplaces, 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! reaches children and adults where they live, learn, work, and play.

In an effort to further reduce the number of opioid-involved deaths in Iowa, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), in partnership with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, is sponsoring a new initiative that makes NARCAN® 4mg nasal spray (naloxone) available for free at local pharmacies. Any individual 18 years of age or older can request to be screened by a pharmacist for eligibility to receive NARCAN®. If approved, the pharmacy may dispense up to two NARCAN® 4mg nasal spray kits at no charge to the recipient.