Photos from Washington County Public Health's post
🌎💚 Earth Day 💚🌎
Today we celebrate Earth Day—a reminder that a healthy planet supports healthy people. The environment around us impacts the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Taking care of our planet is an important part of protecting public health.
🌿 Small Actions, Big Impact:
♻️ Reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible
🚰 Use reusable water bottles and bags
🚶♀️ Walk or bike when you can
🌳 Plant trees or start a garden
💡 Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use
🌎 Public Health Connection:
Cleaner air helps reduce respiratory illnesses
Safe water protects against disease
Green spaces support mental health and physical activity
Every small step adds up to a healthier environment and a healthier community. Let’s work together to care for the place we all call home. 🌱💚
Happy Earth Day!
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Photos from Washington County Public Health's post
💚 Stress Awareness Month 💚
April is Stress Awareness Month—a time to recognize how stress can impact our mental and physical health, and to explore ways to manage it in healthy ways.
Stress is a normal part of life, but ongoing or unmanaged stress can increase the risk of health concerns like anxiety, depression, heart disease, and trouble sleeping. Taking small steps each day can make a big difference.
💚 Tips for Managing Stress:
🧠 Take breaks and give yourself time to recharge
🚶♀️ Stay active—even a short walk can help clear your mind
😴 Prioritize sleep and aim for a consistent routine
🥗 Eat balanced meals to support your overall health
📞 Talk to someone you trust or reach out for support
Public Health Reminder:
It’s okay to ask for help. If stress becomes overwhelming, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. If you are in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support 24/7.
Taking care of...
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💙 Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month 💙
💙 Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month 💙
April is a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and work together to prevent sexual violence in our communities. Sexual assault can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background—and prevention starts with education, respect, and speaking up.
💙 What Public Health Wants You to Know:
✔️ Consent must be clear, informed, and freely given—every time
✔️ Most assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows
✔️ Creating safe, supportive environments helps prevent violence
✔️ Supporting survivors with compassion and without judgment is critical
💙 How You Can Help:
🤝 Believe and support survivors
🗣️ Speak up when you see concerning behaviors
📚 Educate yourself and others about consent and healthy relationships
🏡 Help create safe spaces at home, work, and in the community
If you or someone you know needs support, confidential help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE or online at...
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The May schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here!
The May schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here!
These programs help ensure that everyone has access to important vaccines, regardless of insurance status.
🤔Who Qualifies? 🤷
✅ Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program (Ages 18 & under)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Enrolled in Medicaid
3. American Indian or Alaska Native
4. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
✅Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program (Ages 19+)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
3. Medicare Part B only
📞 Call us today at 319-653-7758 to schedule an appointment - secure your spot
now!
Help us spread the word—share this post so we can reach community members who might benefit from these programs! 💉😊
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🎈🎉 It’s a birthday celebration!
🎈🎉 It’s a birthday celebration! 🎉🎈
Join us in wishing Susie a very happy birthday today!
We hope her day is filled with smiles, good moments, and a little extra celebrating. We’re so grateful for everything she brings to our team and the care she shows every day.
If you see Susie, don’t forget to help her celebrate and wish her a happy birthday! 🎂💐
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Photos from Washington County Public Health's post
🦇💚 International Bat Appreciation Day 💚🦇
Bats might be a little misunderstood, but they play a BIG role in keeping our environment healthy! From helping control insect populations to supporting pollination, bats are an important part of a balanced ecosystem.
🌙 Did You Know?
🦟 A single bat can eat thousands of insects in one night—helping reduce pests like mosquitoes
🌼 Some bats help pollinate plants and spread seeds
🌎 Healthy bat populations support healthy ecosystems
Public Health Tips:
✔️ Avoid direct contact with bats or any wild animals
✔️ Never handle a bat with bare hands—even if it appears injured
✔️ If you find a bat in your home, contact local environmental health or animal control for guidance
✔️ Make sure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations
While bats are beneficial, they can sometimes carry diseases like rabies, so it’s important to admire them from a safe distance.
Let’s appreciate these incredible nighttime helpers and do our part to keep both...
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💚World Semicolon Day💚
💚World Semicolon Day💚
On World Semicolon Day, we recognize a powerful symbol of hope and resilience. A semicolon (;) is used when an author could have chosen to end a sentence—but didn’t. It represents the choice to keep going.
Today is a reminder that your story isn’t over. 💚
Public Health Reminder:
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Many individuals face challenges such as depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns—but support is available, and help makes a difference.
🧠 Ways to support your mental well-being:
✔️ Talk to someone you trust
✔️ Take time for self-care and rest
✔️ Stay connected with friends, family, or your community
✔️ Reach out for professional support when needed
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available 24/7—just call or text 988.
Let today be a reminder: your story matters, and it’s okay to keep going. 💚
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Enjoy a meal, socialization and entertainment at Encore Express during April!
Enjoy a meal, socialization and entertainment at Encore Express during April!
Adults 60+ (and spouses) can make reservations by calling 319-653-3950.
**Must make reservations before 1PM the Tuesday PRIOR to the meal!**
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The April schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here!
The April schedule for our Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and our Vaccines for Adults (VFA) program is here!
These programs help ensure that everyone has access to important vaccines, regardless of insurance status.
🤔Who Qualifies? 🤷
✅ Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program (Ages 18 & under)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Enrolled in Medicaid
3. American Indian or Alaska Native
4. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
✅Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program (Ages 19+)
1. Uninsured (no health insurance)
2. Underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccines)
3. Medicare Part B only
📞 Call us today at 319-653-7758 to schedule an appointment - secure your spot
now!
Help us spread the word—share this post so we can reach community members who might benefit from these programs! 💉😊
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🌼🌱National Gardening Day🌱🌼
🌼🌱National Gardening Day🌱🌼
Ready to get your hands dirty? National Gardening Day is the perfect time to start planning or planting your garden! Whether it’s a backyard plot, raised bed, or a few pots on your porch, gardening has benefits for all ages.
🌿 Health Benefits of Gardening:
☀️ Encourages physical activity
🥕 Promotes healthier eating habits
🧠 Reduces stress and supports mental well-being
🌸 Provides opportunities for family learning and connection
Gardening Safety Tips:
✔️ Wear gloves to protect your hands
✔️ Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade
✔️ Use sunscreen and bug spray when needed
✔️ Wash produce thoroughly before eating
Let’s celebrate by planting something that will grow not just in our gardens—but in our health too! 🌷💚
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📜🌿Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday 🌿📜
📜🌿Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday 🌿📜
Today we recognize the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, one of our nation’s Founding Fathers and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Beyond his role in history, Jefferson was also passionate about agriculture, gardening, and healthy living—believing that access to fresh food was important for overall well-being.
🌱 Public Health Connection:
Access to fresh, nutritious foods continues to play a vital role in community health today. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Supporting local agriculture and growing your own food are great ways to invest in your health and your community!
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🐄🌾 National Farm Animals Day 🌾🐖
🐄🌾 National Farm Animals Day 🌾🐖
Today we celebrate the farm animals that play such an important role in our lives and communities. From providing food and supporting local agriculture to teaching children about responsibility and care, farm animals are an important part of rural life.
Public Health Tips Around Farm Animals:
🐓 Wash your hands after touching animals, their feed, or their living areas to help prevent the spread of germs.
🐄 Keep food and drinks away from animal areas to reduce the risk of contamination.
🐑 Supervise children when they are around animals and remind them not to touch their faces until their hands are clean.
🐖 Wear proper footwear in barns or pens and avoid bringing muddy boots into your home.
Farm animals are wonderful to learn from and care for, but it’s important to remember that animals can sometimes carry germs that make people sick. A few simple precautions help keep both people and animals healthy!
Happy National Farm Animals Day! 🚜💚
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Thank You Public Health Workers
Thank You Public Health Workers
During National Public Health Week, we also want to recognize the dedicated professionals who work every day to protect and improve community health.
Thank you to the nurses, social worker, dental hygienist, dental assistant, environmental health staff, support staff, and partners who make this work possible. Your efforts help create healthier futures for all.
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