Linn County Public Health

08/31/2026

LCPH helped organize an Adaptive Sports and Recreation and Inclusive Wellness Clinic this past weekend. KCRG-TV9 came out to see the many kinds of adaptive sports available to Linn County residents!

Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a reality!

People were able to see what different adaptive programs could offer

08/31/2026

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day.

In 2024, the most recent year for which numbers are available, 28 people died because of an overdose in Linn County. Our community is not immune to the struggles of substance misuse. However, we can work together to make Linn County a safer and healthier place for all.

The Substance Misuse Committee of Linn County (of which LCPH is a member) operates seven vending machines that distribute free Naloxone. This medication saves lives by reversing opioid overdoses.

You can access the vending machines at the following locations:

📍Linn County Mental Health Access Center, Cedar Rapids
📍CRUSH Recovery Community Center, Cedar Rapids
📍Hiawatha Public Library, Hiawatha
📍Marion Public Library, Marion
📍Gary’s Foods, Mount Vernon
📍Ryan White/Linn County Community Services Building, Cedar Rapids
📍Cedar Rapids Comprehensive Treatment Center, Cedar Rapids

Want to learn more about efforts in Linn County to address overdoses? Check out the Substance Misuse Committee of Linn County: https://smclinn.org/

*Data source: Linn County Medical Examiner

08/27/2026

HAPPENING THIS SATURDAY: Every Iowan deserves the opportunity to be active, so Linn County Public Health is once again helping to put on an Adaptive Sports and Inclusive Wellness Clinic!

This event offers something for everyone. We welcome people with all kinds of disabilities, their friends and families, and those aging into disability. Come try a variety of adaptive sports and learn about resources in Linn County!

🗓August 29, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–noon
📍NW Rec Center
1340 11th St. NW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405

08/26/2026

Linn County Public Health will be CLOSED Wednesday, Sept. 2 for a staff meeting.

The WIC clinic inside the building will remain open during this time.

Linn County Public Health will resume normal business hours on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 8:00 a.m.

If you have a Public Health Emergency, contact our Officer on Call at 319-892-6050.

08/25/2026

An update from Iowa HHS about measles, released August 24 at 6:13 p.m.:

Iowa HHS Issues Latest Measles Outbreak Information and Additional Exposure Location

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and local public health agencies are continuing to respond to an outbreak of measles in southern Iowa. As of August 24, 17 confirmed cases of measles have been identified in 2026, with evidence of person-to-person spread. Iowa HHS and local public health agencies are working closely with affected families and community leaders to identify illnesses, share information, and ensure access to vaccination.

Iowa HHS and local health officials have identified locations visited by individuals while contagious, where others might have been exposed to measles. Anyone present at the following locations during the listed date and time should monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. If you think you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms, call your healthcare provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them before arrival that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms. Measles is highly contagious and can spread to anyone who is not immune and is exposed.

New Potential Exposure Location, Date, and Time

Sunnyside Grocery
22422 County Road 63
Bloomfield, IA 52537
Saturday, August 15, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Read the full press release on the Iowa HHS website:

Iowa HHS Issues Latest Measles Outbreak Information and Additional Exposure Location

08/24/2026

An update from Iowa HHS about measles, released August 21 at 5:00 p.m.:

Iowa Health Officials Provide Update on Measles Outbreak, Release Additional Locations of Potential Measles Exposures

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and local public health agencies are continuing to respond to an outbreak of measles in southern Iowa. As of August 21, sixteen confirmed cases of measles have been identified in 2026, with evidence of person-to-person spread. Iowa HHS and local public health agencies are working closely with affected families and community leaders to identify illnesses, share information, and ensure access to vaccination.

Iowa HHS and local health officials have identified locations visited by individuals while contagious, where others might have been exposed to measles. Anyone present at the following locations during the listed date and time should monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. If you think you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms, call your healthcare provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them before arrival that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms. Measles is highly contagious and can spread to anyone who is not immune and is exposed.

New Potential Exposure Location

Pizza Ranch
1791 Venture Dr.
Ottumwa, IA 52501

Date/time
Friday, August 14, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.


Previously Announced Exposure Locations, Dates, and Times

Natural Grocer’s Clive
8650 Hickman Rd.
Clive, IA 50325
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
2:30–5:00 p.m.

Vero Health Center
630 S 50th St.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
3:30–6:30 p.m.

Office Depot
3910 University Ave.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
5:00– 7:30 p.m.

Menards
12000 Hickman Rd.
Clive, IA 50325
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
6:00– 8:30 p.m.

Menards
6000 SE 14th St.
Des Moines, IA 50320
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
7:00– 9:30 p.m.

Wells Hometown Drug
208 E. Franklin St.
Bloomfield, IA 52537
Thursday, July 30, 2026
4:30– 7:00 p.m.

JR Feed and Supply
17599 200th St.
Bloomfield, IA 52537
Sunday, August 9, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Read the full release on the Iowa HHS website:

Iowa Health Officials Provide Update on Measles Outbreak, Release Additional Locations of Potential Measles Exposures

08/20/2026

"The leaden gray skies of autumn are beginning to appear as harbingers of nastier things to come." No, that's not the first line of a moody novel. It's from a 1982 press release from the Iowa State Department of Health!

We did some housecleaning today over at Linn County Public Health and uncovered some absolute gems. Not only 40-year-old press releases that occasionally quote Milton, but also props for long bygone wellness classes and a real artifact—a pager!

If we had to sum up our reaction to our find? Perhaps one D.S. from the Iowa State Department of Health put it best: "Whammo!"

Hope you enjoy this blast from the past as much as we did!

08/17/2026

IOWA HHS: Iowa Health Officials Confirm Measles Cases in Southern Iowa, Release Locations of Potential Measles Exposures

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and local public health agencies are responding to an outbreak of measles in southern Iowa. As of August 16th, twelve confirmed cases of measles have been identified, with evidence of person-to-person spread.

Iowa HHS and local public health agencies are working closely with affected families and community leaders to identify illnesses, share information, and ensure access to vaccination. Measles can spread to anyone who is not immune and is exposed.

Iowa HHS and local health officials have identified locations visited by individuals while contagious. These are places where others might have been exposed to measles. Anyone present at the listed locations during the listed date and time should monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red/watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash. If you think you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms, call your medical provider or nearest emergency room ahead of time and tell them BEFORE arrival that you have been exposed to measles and have symptoms.

Read the full press release for the list of locations where individuals may have been exposed: https://hhs.iowa.gov/news-release/2026-08-17/iowa-health-officials-confirm-measles-cases-southern-iowa-release-locations-potential-measles

08/17/2026

Every Iowan deserves the opportunity to be active, so Linn County Public Health is once again helping to put on an Adaptive Sports and Inclusive Wellness Clinic!

This event offers something for everyone. We welcome people with all kinds of disabilities, their friends and families, and those aging into disability. Come try a variety of adaptive sports and learn about resources in Linn County!

🗓August 29, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–noon
📍NW Rec Center
1340 11th St. NW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405