Humboldt County Public Health

09/04/2026

⚠️Health Advisory: Kratom and 7 Hydroxymitragynine in Iowa

The Humboldt County Public Health Department is warning the community about rising illnesses and deaths linked to kratom and newer, stronger kratom products being sold in Iowa.

Kratom is a plant product that can act like an opioid. Some newer products contain a concentrated ingredient called 7 hydroxymitragynine (7 OH), which can be much stronger and more dangerous. These items may be sold as powders, pills, gummies, drinks, or extracts - often online, at gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops.

Why we’re concerned:
• Iowa has already seen 16 deaths this year connected to kratom or 7 OH.
• Some of these deaths involved only kratom/7 OH, with no other drugs.
• Poison centers nationwide are seeing big increases in kratom related calls.

🚨Possible symptoms:
• Early signs may include anxiety, nausea, sweating, or fast heart rate.
• Severe cases can cause slowed breathing, unconsciousness, seizures, or cardiac arrest.

✅What you should know:
• These products can be dangerous, especially concentrated versions.
• If you use kratom or 7 OH, keep naloxone on hand and make sure friends or family know how to use it and call 911 in an emergency.
• If anyone shows signs of slowed breathing or is hard to wake, call 911 immediately.

👉Need help or support?
• Iowa Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
• Your Life Iowa (confidential support for substance use or mental health):
– Call 855-581-8111
– Text 855-895-8398
– Visit https://YourLifeIowa.pulse.ly/ddjdthkjke

09/04/2026

🏠 FREE Radon Test Kits Available in Humboldt County!

Humboldt County Public Health has FREE short-term radon test kits available to eligible Humboldt County residents.

Radon testing is available for:

✔️ Residential properties
✔️ Homes with or without a basement
✔️ Mobile homes
✔️ All income levels — no income guidelines!

Please note, test kits are not available for individuals living in rental properties, businesses, organizations, or other non-residential properties.

📞 Call Humboldt County Public Health today to request your FREE kit:
515-332-2492

💰 Financial assistance may also be available for radon mitigation support.

Take the first step toward a healthier home — test your home for radon!

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

988 Day is coming up on Tuesday, September 8th. Help share the importance of raising awareness about the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and emphasize the importance of mental health and su***de prevention.

08/28/2026

Getting back into a school-year sleep routine doesn't have to be complicated.
Kids ages 6–12 need 9–12 hours of sleep a night. Teens ages 13–18 need 8–10 hours. Kids who stick to a regular bedtime are less likely to feel tired during the day.
If school's already back in session, it's not too late to reset. Start shifting bedtime a little earlier each night until it sticks.

08/19/2026

🚨 Free MMR Vaccines Now Available! 🚨

The Humboldt County Public Health Department is now offering FREE MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccines to all residents!

🦠 Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world — one infected person can spread it to 12–18 others.
💉 The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles and is your best defense.

Protect yourself and your community.
📞 Call 515-332-2492 today to schedule your FREE MMR vaccine!

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08/10/2026

💙 FREE System Navigation Services Now Available in Humboldt County!

Humboldt County Public Health is now offering free, in-person System Navigation services to help connect you with the support and resources you need.

Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or someone you care about, you can stop by for free assistance with:

🧠 Mental health concerns
🍷 Alcohol use
💙 Suicidal thoughts
🏠 Housing needs
🥫 Food assistance
🎰 Gambling
❤️ Addiction
🌿 Depression
💊 Drug use

You don’t have to figure it out alone. System Navigators can help you identify available resources, understand your options, and connect you with the right support.

📍 Humboldt County Public Health
📅 Wednesdays & Thursdays
⏰ 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

System Navigation services are available FREE of charge to all Iowans.

If you or someone you know could use a little help finding the right resources, stop by and let us help you take the next step. 💙

07/27/2026

☀️ Know the Difference: Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke ☀️
As temperatures rise, it's important to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses. Knowing the difference could help save a life.

🥵 Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats and loses too much water and salt.

Signs include:
💧 Heavy sweating
😓 Cool, pale, clammy skin
🤢 Nausea or vomiting
💪 Muscle cramps
😵 Dizziness or feeling faint
🤕 Headache
❤️ Fast, weak pulse

What to do:
✅ Move to a cool place
✅ Drink water or a sports drink
✅ Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths
✅ Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or don't improve within an hour

🚨 Heat Stroke – A Medical Emergency
Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer cool itself, causing body temperature to rise rapidly.

Signs include:
🌡️ Body temperature of 103°F or higher
🔥 Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
🧠 Confusion or slurred speech
😵 Seizures
❌ Loss of consciousness
❤️ Strong, rapid pulse

What to do:
📞 Call 911 immediately
🧊 Move the person to a cooler area while waiting for help
❄️ Cool them with ice packs, cool water, or wet towels
🚫 Do not give them anything to drink if they are confused or unconscious

💙 Prevention is the best medicine!
• Stay hydrated
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day
• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of heat-related illness, don't ignore them. Early action can make all the difference.

07/09/2026

🚲⚡ Ride Smart. Ride Safe.

E-bikes and e-scooters are a fun, convenient way to get around—but they can reach speeds much faster than a traditional bicycle. Whether you're riding to work, around town, or just enjoying the outdoors, taking a few simple precautions can help prevent serious injuries.

Before you ride, remember to:
🪖 Wear a properly fitted helmet every time.
👀 Stay alert and avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones.
🚦 Follow all traffic signs and signals.
💡 Use lights and reflective gear if riding at dawn, dusk, or after dark.
🚶 Slow down around pedestrians and always yield when appropriate.
🤝 Make sure children understand the rules of the road before riding.

Parents: Take a few minutes to talk with your kids about safe riding habits. Many injuries can be prevented with the right equipment and good decision-making.

Let's all do our part to keep our roads, sidewalks, and trails safe for everyone.

❤️ Your health and safety are always our priority.

06/01/2026

📚💉 Attention Parents 💉📚

Humboldt County Public Health is hosting immunization clinics for Tdap and Meningitis vaccines for students entering 7th and 12th grade.

Not sure if your child is up to date? Give us a call! Our staff can verify your child's immunization status and schedule an appointment if needed.

📞 Call to Schedule: 515-332-2492

⚠️ Appointments are required to ensure we have adequate vaccine supply available.

📍 Humboldt County Public Health
1000 15th St. N.
Humboldt, IA

Don't wait until the last minute—schedule your child's appointment today and get ready for the upcoming school year!