Fremont County Public Health

Fremont County Public Health Dedicated to enhancing community health through resources, education, and support.

From immunizations to wellness initiatives, weโ€™re here for you!

๐Ÿ’ง Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
๐Ÿ’š Advocating for Community Wellness
๐Ÿ“ Serving Fremont County, Iowa

๐ŸŽฌ๐ŸฟTHEN & NOW: From the Silver Screen to Public Health!๐ŸฉตRecognize this spot on the Sidney Square?๐Ÿ“ธ **THEN:** Before **414...
08/25/2026

๐ŸŽฌ๐ŸฟTHEN & NOW: From the Silver Screen to Public Health!๐Ÿฉต

Recognize this spot on the Sidney Square?

๐Ÿ“ธ **THEN:** Before **414 Clay Street** became home to Fremont County Public Health, this downtown Sidney building was the **Sidney Theatre**, where generations of local residents could head to the movies right here in their hometown. ๐ŸŽž๏ธ

And we found a few fun pieces of its history!

๐ŸŽฅ Historical movie-industry records show that **Earl Cowden operated the Sidney Theatre for many years**.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ In **early 1958, Quentin Chapman took over operation of the theater from Earl Cowden**.

โœจ The Sidney Theatre was also listed in the April 7, 1958 issue of *Boxoffice* magazine among theaters that had **reopened during the first quarter of 1958**. At the time, reopened theaters were often described as being "relit," bringing the big screen back to their communities.

Sidney's movie history actually stretches back even further. Records from the 1920s indicate that Sidney's old **Opera House was also used to show motion pictures** before it was scheduled for demolition in 1927. We haven't found evidence connecting that earlier Opera House to the building at 414 Clay Street, but it shows that going to the movies was part of Sidney's life long before televisions were in every living room! ๐Ÿ“ฝ๏ธ

๐Ÿฉบ **NOW:** The marquee, movie tickets, and popcorn may be gone, but **414 Clay Street is still serving Fremont County.**Today, it's home to Fremont County Public Health, where we provide public health services, education, prevention programs, resources, and support for our community. ๐Ÿ’™

**From movie nights to community health, this building has certainly played more than one role in Sidney's story.** ๐ŸŽฌโžก๏ธ๐Ÿฉบ

Now we need YOUR help filling in the rest of its history!

๐Ÿฟ Do you remember going to the Sidney Theatre?
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ How much did a movie ticket cost?
๐ŸŽฌ What movies do you remember seeing here?
๐Ÿ‘‹ Did you or someone in your family ever work at the theater?
๐Ÿ“ธ Have an old photo, movie advertisement, ticket, or story?

**Share your memories in the comments!** We'd love to preserve more of the story of the Sidney Theatre and **414 Clay Street** for future generations. ๐Ÿฉต

๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿšจ Measles: Know the Signs. Protect Your Family๐Ÿ’™Measles is **one of the most contagious viruses** and is currently part ...
08/24/2026

๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿšจ Measles: Know the Signs. Protect Your Family๐Ÿ’™

Measles is **one of the most contagious viruses** and is currently part of an outbreak affecting multiple counties in Iowa. The good news? **The MMR vaccine provides strong protection** and remains the best way to prevent measles.

Watch for these symptoms:
๐Ÿค’ Fever (often over 101ยฐF)
๐Ÿ˜ท Cough
๐Ÿ‘ƒ Runny nose
๐Ÿ‘๏ธ Red, watery eyes
๐Ÿ”ด A red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

If you think you or your child has been exposed to measles or develops symptoms:

๐Ÿ“ž **Call your healthcare provider before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room.** This helps protect other patients and healthcare workers from possible exposure.

๐Ÿ’‰ **Check your family's vaccination records.** Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about **97% effective** at preventing measles.

๐Ÿ”— **Learn more, view current Iowa exposure locations, and stay up to date here:**
https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/disease-information/measles

๐Ÿ’™ Staying informed and keeping vaccinations up to date helps protect not only your family but our entire community.

๐Ÿšจ๐Ÿ‘ถ Your Child Care Provider Can Be One of Your Biggest Breastfeeding Cheerleaders! ๐Ÿ’™๐ŸผChoosing child care isn't just abou...
08/22/2026

๐Ÿšจ๐Ÿ‘ถ Your Child Care Provider Can Be One of Your Biggest Breastfeeding Cheerleaders! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿผ

Choosing child care isn't just about finding a safe place for your little one. It's also about finding a team that supports your family's feeding goals. ๐Ÿ’•

When you're looking for a child care provider, don't be afraid to ask questions like:

๐Ÿผ Do you support breastfed babies?
๐Ÿฅฐ Do you practice paced bottle feeding?
๐Ÿคฑ Can I nurse my baby at drop-off or pick-up?
๐Ÿ’™ How do you help make the transition between home and child care easier?

A breastfeeding-friendly child care provider can help make those first days back to work or school a little less stressful and a lot more successful.

๐Ÿ’™ Fremont County families have local support, too! Through Fremont County's FREE Healthy Pregnancy Program, expecting and postpartum families can receive prenatal breastfeeding education, one-on-one nursing support, home visits, mental health support, dental care coordination, and help connecting with community resources. Our nurses are here to support you every step of your breastfeeding journey, before and after baby arrives.

๐Ÿ“– Child care providers: Want to make your program even more breastfeeding-friendly? Check out this helpful CDC resource:
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/strategies/early-care-education/pdf/Breastfeed-ECE-082022-508.pdf

๐Ÿ’— Know a parent looking for child care or a child care provider who wants to support breastfeeding families? Share this post! If you live in Fremont County, talk with Megan or Katelyn at Mills & Fremont County Public Health to learn more about the Healthy Pregnancy Program and the breastfeeding support available in our community.

๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿผ Back to Work? Your Pump Deserves an Office, Too! ๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ’ผReturning to work can feel like packing for a tiny expedition: pum...
08/18/2026

๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿผ Back to Work? Your Pump Deserves an Office, Too! ๐Ÿผ๐Ÿ’ผ
Returning to work can feel like packing for a tiny expedition: pump, bottles, cooler, extra parts, snacks... and somehow your actual work stuff, too. ๐Ÿ˜… The good news? Federal law helps protect many nursing employees when it's time to pump at work.

Under the PUMP Act, most nursing employees have the right to:
โฐ Reasonable break time to pump
๐Ÿšช A private space that is shielded from view and free from interruptions
๐Ÿšซ A space that is not a bathroom
๐Ÿ“… These protections generally last for up to one year after your baby's birth.

A little planning can also make the return-to-work transition smoother. The CDC recommends practicing with your pump before returning to work and pumping about as often as your baby normally feeds while you're away.

๐Ÿ’™ Fremont County families have local support, too!

Through Fremont County's FREE Healthy Pregnancy Program, expecting and postpartum families can receive one-on-one support from our public health nurses, including breastfeeding education, home visits, help connecting with community resources, mental health support, dental care coordination, and even free at-home blood pressure monitors for eligible patients. We're here to help you feel confident before, during, and after your return to work.

๐Ÿ“– Learn more about breastfeeding and returning to work:
https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/returning-to-your-workplace.html

๐Ÿ’— Know a parent who's getting ready to head back to work? Share this post to help them learn about their workplace rights and the local support available right here in Fremont County.

If you have questions about breastfeeding, pumping, or the Healthy Pregnancy Program, talk with Megan or Katelyn at Mills & Fremont County Public Health. We'd love to help!

๐Ÿคฑ๐Ÿ’™ Breastfeeding Is Better Together! ๐Ÿ’™๐ŸคฑNo one should have to navigate their breastfeeding journey alone. Whether it's a ...
08/15/2026

๐Ÿคฑ๐Ÿ’™ Breastfeeding Is Better Together! ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿคฑ

No one should have to navigate their breastfeeding journey alone. Whether it's a local class, a support group, or simply connecting with other parents who understand, a strong community can make all the difference. ๐Ÿ’•

Having people to celebrate the wins, answer questions, and offer encouragement can help families feel more confident every step of the way.

๐Ÿ’™ Fremont County families have local support, too! Through Fremont County's FREE Healthy Pregnancy Program, expecting and postpartum families can receive prenatal breastfeeding education, one-on-one nursing support, home visits, mental health support, dental care coordination, help connecting with community resources, and more. Our nurses are here to support you before and after baby arrives.

๐ŸŒŸ Thinking about starting a breastfeeding support group in your community or looking for ideas to grow one? This free Iowa toolkit is a great place to start:
https://coffective.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IA-Toolkit-BreastfeedingClassesandSupportGroups-1.pdf

๐Ÿ’— Know someone who is expecting or has a new baby? Share this post to help connect them with encouragement and local resources. If you live in Fremont County, talk with Megan or Katelyn at Mills & Fremont County Public Health to learn more about the Healthy Pregnancy Program and breastfeeding support available in our community.

๐ŸŽ’โœจ **Ready... Set... SCHOOL!** ๐ŸŽ๐ŸšŒBack-to-school season is here, and that means fresh notebooks, new teachers, packed lun...
08/13/2026

๐ŸŽ’โœจ **Ready... Set... SCHOOL!** ๐ŸŽ๐ŸšŒ

Back-to-school season is here, and that means fresh notebooks, new teachers, packed lunches... and a great time to brush up on school safety! ๐Ÿ’™

A safe school year starts with all of us. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, student, teacher, or neighbor, we each play an important role in helping kids have a fun, healthy, and successful year. ๐ŸŒŸ

Here are a few easy ways to help:

๐ŸšŒ **Slow down!** Watch for school buses, crossing guards, and children walking or biking to school.

๐Ÿ’ฌ **Keep the conversation going.** Ask your kids about their day, their friends, and how they're feeling. A few minutes of talking each day can make a big difference.

๐Ÿ“ฑ **Practice smart online habits.** Be kind, think before you post, and remind kids to speak up if something online doesn't seem right.

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿซ **Stay connected.** Get involved with your child's school and know who to reach out to if you have questions or concerns.

โค๏ธ **See something? Say something.** Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if they're worried about their own safety or someone else's.

When schools, families, and communities work together, amazing things happen. Let's make this school year one filled with learning, laughter, friendships, and safety! ๐Ÿ“šโœจ

๐ŸŒ **Want more back-to-school safety tips and resources?** Visit the SchoolSafety.gov Back-to-School Campaign:
https://www.schoolsafety.gov/back-to-school-campaign?utm_source=GovDelivery&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=BacktoSchool1

๐Ÿ‘‡ **What's your family's favorite back-to-school tradition?** New shoes? First-day photos? A special breakfast? Tell us in the comments! ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ“ธ

๐ŸฆŸโ˜€๏ธ **Mosquito Season Is Here... and So Is West Nile Virus** โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸฆŸThe **Iowa Department of Health and Human Services** has...
08/13/2026

๐ŸฆŸโ˜€๏ธ **Mosquito Season Is Here... and So Is West Nile Virus** โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸฆŸ

The **Iowa Department of Health and Human Services** has confirmed **Iowa's first human case of West Nile virus for 2026.** While most mosquito bites are just an itchy annoyance, some mosquitoes can carry viruses that make people seriously ill.

The good news? A few simple steps can help protect you and your family! ๐Ÿ’™

# # # Protect Yourself:
๐Ÿงด Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing:
โœ”๏ธ DEET
โœ”๏ธ Picaridin
โœ”๏ธ Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
โœ”๏ธ Para-menthane-diol
โœ”๏ธ IR3535
โœ”๏ธ 2-Undecanone

๐Ÿ‘• Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and shoes when spending time outdoors, especially around dawn and dusk.

๐Ÿ’ง Dump standing water from:
๐Ÿชฃ Buckets
๐Ÿถ Pet water bowls
๐Ÿ›ž Old tires
๐ŸŠ Pool covers
๐ŸŒผ Flower pots..and anywhere mosquitoes can breed!

๐ŸชŸ Check window and door screens for holes to help keep mosquitoes outside where they belong.

# # # Know the Symptoms:
Many people **never develop symptoms**, but others may experience:
๐Ÿค’ Fever
๐Ÿค• Headache
๐Ÿ˜ด Fatigue

โš ๏ธ Seek medical care right away if you or a loved one develops:
๐Ÿšจ A severe headache
๐Ÿšจ Confusion or disorientation
๐Ÿšจ Sudden muscle weakness
๐Ÿšจ High fever

In **2025, Iowa reported 57 cases of West Nile virus, including 3 deaths.** Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk.

๐ŸŒฟ Enjoy everything summer has to offer... just don't forget the bug spray!

๐Ÿ”— **Learn more about West Nile Virus and how to protect yourself:**
https://hhs.iowa.gov/health-prevention/providers-professionals/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/west-nile-virus?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

๐Ÿ’ฌ **What are your favorite ways to keep mosquitoes away? Share your tips in the comments and help others stay bite-free this summer! ๐ŸฆŸ๐Ÿ’™

๐ŸŽ’๐Ÿ’‰ Back-to-School Immunization Check!School will be here before we know it! While youโ€™re checking backpacks, school supp...
08/13/2026

๐ŸŽ’๐Ÿ’‰ Back-to-School Immunization Check!

School will be here before we know it! While youโ€™re checking backpacks, school supplies, and schedules off the list, donโ€™t forget to **check immunization records too.** ๐Ÿ“‹

Getting vaccines taken care of **before school starts** can help avoid the last-minute rush and make sure students are ready for the new school year.

Parents and caregivers, now is a great time to review your childโ€™s immunization record, check for any vaccines that may be due, and make sure you have the documentation your school requires.

๐Ÿ’™ **A little planning now can make the first day of school a whole lot easier!**

๐Ÿ’‰ Need immunizations? **Contact us or your primary care provider (P*P).**

**No insurance? No problem!** Mills & Fremont County Public Health may be able to provide the immunizations your child needs. Give us a call to learn more and see if your child qualifies.

๐Ÿ“ž **Mills & Fremont County Public Health: 712-527-9699**

๐Ÿ‘‰ **Check those immunization records today and get ready for a healthy start to the school year!**

โค๏ธ LEARN CPR TOMORROW! ๐ŸšจCardiac arrest can happen **anywhere, anytime**, and knowing CPR can help you be ready to step i...
08/13/2026

โค๏ธ LEARN CPR TOMORROW! ๐Ÿšจ

Cardiac arrest can happen **anywhere, anytime**, and knowing CPR can help you be ready to step in when someone needs you most.

Join us TOMORROW for our Heartsaverยฎ CPR AED Class!

๐Ÿ“… **Friday, August 14, 2026**
โฐ **1:00 PM**
๐Ÿ“ **Mills County Public Health**
403 Railroad Avenue, Glenwood, IA

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš•๏ธ **Megan Smith, BSN-RN, Public Health Nurse, will be teaching the class** and guiding you through hands-on practice so you can feel more confident responding in an emergency.

You'll learn:
โค๏ธ Adult, Child & Infant CPR
โšก How to use an AED
๐Ÿซ Choking relief
๐Ÿ™Œ Hands-on CPR practice

๐Ÿ’ณ **Optional American Heart Association Heartsaverยฎ CPR AED Course Completion Card: $20**

๐Ÿšถ **WALK-INS ARE WELCOME!**
No registration? No problem! Come join us tomorrow and learn a skill that could help save a life. โค๏ธ

๐Ÿ“ **Want to save your spot? Register here:**
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=5DJQQ4CPvUqbcrwj4yoD1MU4VYzsyFJLi0M3j-fnPj1UNEZWS1o1NThDWjAxUDM1V0k3UkpYVEtaSyQlQCN0PWcu&utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**Be ready. Be confident. Be the help until help arrives. โค๏ธ**

๐Ÿฉท๐Ÿคฑ Who Helps Breastfeeding Families? More People Than You Might Think! ๐Ÿคฑ๐ŸฉทBreastfeeding is a learning experience for both...
08/11/2026

๐Ÿฉท๐Ÿคฑ Who Helps Breastfeeding Families? More People Than You Might Think! ๐Ÿคฑ๐Ÿฉท

Breastfeeding is a learning experience for both baby and parent, and having the right support can make all the difference. ๐Ÿ’•

Did you know there are different types of lactation professionals?

While each plays an important role in helping families, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) hold the highest level of breastfeeding certification.

โœจ To become an IBCLC, they must:

๐Ÿผ Complete 95 hours of breastfeeding education
๐Ÿคฑ Gain at least 300 hours of hands-on clinical experience
๐Ÿ“š Pass a comprehensive international board exam

Every lactation professional brings valuable knowledge and support, and understanding the different credentials can help families find the care that best fits their needs.

๐Ÿ“– Learn more about lactation consultant credentials here:
https://hhs.iowa.gov/media/16766/download?inline

๐Ÿ’™ Fremont County families have local support, too! Through Fremont County's FREE Healthy Pregnancy Program, expecting and new parents can receive one-on-one support from our public health nurses, including prenatal breastfeeding education, nursing home visits, help connecting with community resources, mental health support, dental care coordination, and more. Our goal is to help families feel informed, confident, and supported throughout pregnancy and after the baby arrives.

๐Ÿ“ž Know someone who is expecting or has a new baby? Share this post to help them discover these resources! If you live in Fremont County, talk with Megan or Katelyn at Mills & Fremont County Public Health to learn more about the Healthy Pregnancy Program and the breastfeeding support available in our community.

Address

414 Clay Street
Sidney, IA
51652

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(712)5279699

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