Story County Public Health

06/03/2026

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06/02/2026

❤️ It’s CPR & AED Awareness Week | June 1–7 ❤️

There is a belief that only medically trained professionals should perform CPR. The truth is, that misconception costs lives.

This CPR & AED Awareness Week, the American Heart Association is reminding everyone that the power to save a life is in your hands.

CPR isn't just a medical skill, it's a shared human responsibility. You need awareness, confidence, and the willingness to act when every second counts.

🏠 About 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital happen at home, meaning the life you save could be a spouse, parent, child, neighbor, coworker, or friend.
💪 For adults and teens, Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.

Whether you're at home, at work, in the gym, or cheering from the sidelines at your child's soccer game, cardiac arrest can happen anywhere.
That's why parents, caregivers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends are often the “first responders” before the first responders arrive.

This week, take a step toward being prepared:
✔ Find a CPR class near you at http://spr.ly/6189B8Yg3F
✔ Refresh your skills
✔ Share CPR resources with others
✔ Help build a community ready to act

Because heroism isn't reserved for uniforms, it's everyday people stepping up when someone needs them most.

06/02/2026

Sexual orientation and gender identity can have a significant impact on the well-being of those with cancer.
Discrimination and systemic barriers to care for LGBTQ individuals adds a layer of stress for those coping with a cancer diagnosis.

Here is a resource on how to advocate for yourself: https://www.cancercare.org/publications/209-coping_with_cancer_as_an_lgbtq_person

06/02/2026

June is National Pet Preparedness Month!

When emergencies strike, our pets rely entirely on us to keep them safe.

Here is your mission for the month:
✅Follow Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management page: They will be sharing essential safety tips all month long, from building pet "go-bags" to evacuating livestock.

✅Get started now: Don't wait for a storm!
Visit https://go.iowa.gov/tx8w for guides and checklists to build your pet's emergency plan today.

If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them

06/01/2026

Check out the schedule for FREE eye exams this summer for kids K-12 held by Vision to Learn at the Ames Public Library. Appointments ARE required-walk-ins will NOT be accepted and spaces will fill early. Click here to schedule today https://us.list-manage.com/e4OWSj5pYAo?e=05a27a19d6&c2id=beedd388af5d0bb638f6ea1f95550755

06/01/2026

Cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere.
Until help arrives, the first responder is YOU.

Know the two steps of Hands-Only CPR to save a life.

If you see a teen or adult collapse, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Today kicks off National Gun Storage Safety check week, June 1st-June 7th.

Secure firearm storage is the most effective way to help prevent firearm accidents, suicides and theft. Storage options are available at every budget level, including cable locks, lock boxes and full-size safes, to ensure fi****ms are securely stored when not in use.

We give out FREE cable locks in our lobby Monday - Friday 8-4:30.

05/31/2026

While Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, the message remains clear: caring for others starts with caring for ourselves.

At 26, Jessica Guthrie became her mom’s caregiver. Along the way, she learned how essential it is to support her own well-being, too.

🔗 Explore five self-care tips from Jessica's own experience, tap the link in the comments.

05/30/2026

Anyone can drown, no one should.
Equip yourself & others with safety tips:

🏊‍♂️ Learn to swim
👀 Supervise children
🚫 No alcohol near water
🌧️ Be aware of surroundings
🦺 Use safety equipment