public health

The Polk County Board of Supervisors has approved a lottery to incentivize residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine, as vaccination numbers lag.

An annual report that ranks states on public health factors for people ages 65 and older found Iowa's seniors are at low risk of social isolation, but have less access to geriatric health care professionals and high speed internet.

The Iowa Department of Public Health is beginning a statewide survey to gather input for its maternal health strategic plan. Its focus is to reduce health disparities.

A federally-funded clinic in rural Mississippi embodies the history of community health centers in the U.S., and shows how these safety-net clinics can help minority patients during the pandemic.

An annual report through the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute that measures local county health used broadband as a measure for the first time.

Iowa state officials say they only accepted 12 percent of their federal allocation this week, as demand for the COVID-19 shots continues to decline.

An Iowa State University psychology professor says it's normal if Iowans feel anxious about easing COVID-19 restrictions following a drastic change in CDC guidance last week.

Early estimates suggest there may be thousands of so-called COVID-19 "long-haulers" in Iowa, dealing with persistent symptoms that for some are debilitating. But health care providers are stepping up to offer resources and therapies for patients suffering from the condition.

A new Harvard poll shows that only half of Americans trust the CDC — other health agencies were rated even lower. During a pandemic, trust is critical to the success of a public health response.

State health officials say they're changing COVID-19 vaccine guidance to providers as demand for shots continues to decrease.