Marshall County Iowa Public Health Department

09/16/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month — a time to remind ourselves that behind every statistic is a person. A parent. A child. A friend. A coworker. A neighbor.

In 2024, 48,824 people in the United States died by su***de. That same year, an estimated 14.3 million adults seriously thought about su***de, 4.6 million made a su***de plan, and 2.2 million attempted su***de. (CDC)

Those numbers are hard to read. But they also remind us why connection matters.

Sometimes people don’t need us to have the right answers.
They need someone to notice.
Someone to ask.
Someone to listen.
Someone to stay.

Don’t be afraid to ask someone, “Are you okay?”

Talking about su***de does not put the idea in someone’s head. An honest, caring conversation can help someone feel less alone and open the door to support. NAMI encourages us this month to break the silence and start those conversations. (NAMI)

💚 Check on your people.
💚 Listen without judgment.
💚 Take changes in behavior seriously.
💚 Remind someone they don’t have to face a difficult time alone.

And if you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.

📞 Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7.

You never know what someone is carrying behind a smile, a “I’m fine,” or a normal day at work.

Start the conversation. Be the difference. You could be the reason someone chooses to stay. 💚

***dePreventionMonth

09/09/2026

Head lice can happen to anyone—and having lice does not mean your child is dirty or unhealthy. Lice are also not known to spread disease.

Here are a few things every parent should know:

🔎 Know what to look for:
• Itching or feeling like something is moving in the hair
• Small live bugs close to the scalp
• Nits (eggs) attached to the hair shaft, especially near the scalp

👧 Check your child's hair regularly.
The best way to find lice is to carefully check the hair and scalp, especially around the ears and the back of the neck. A fine-toothed nit comb can help.

Different lice treatments have different instructions, including when to repeat treatment. Always follow the product directions or talk with your healthcare provider.

Most importantly: Don't panic! Head lice are common, treatable, and not a reflection of your child's cleanliness.

09/08/2026

09/07/2026

Our office is closed in observance of Labor Day. We will be open again tomorrow regular business hours. Have a safe holiday!

09/02/2026

There has been a recent increase in measles cases in Iowa. Now is a great time to check your MMR vaccination status.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is your best protection against measles. A vaccine that has been around for decades and has a strong safety record.

Marshall County Public Health is offering FREE MMR vaccines to anyone regardless of insurance status.

Check your vaccination records, and those of your family, to make sure you’re all up to date. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status or whether you need an MMR vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.

If you are not up to date and would like to schedule an appointment, call our office 641-844-2799.

09/01/2026

🚨Learn all you need to keep your home safe from radon💨!
Pre-register 📲 at https://go.iastate.edu/BCXWFH

08/27/2026

Marshall County Public Health is now offering FREE radon test kits to Marshall and Tama County residents. At this time tests are only available to those that own their home.

-Fill out the form below and someone from our office will contact you to schedule a pickup. https://bit.ly/4wPlX7d

-Stop by our office Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

📞 Please call ahead before stopping by. Back to school season is a busy time for our office, and staff may be out of the office when you arrive.

08/22/2026

Lead based paint is often hidden in older homes, especially around windows, doors, trim, and painted surfaces where paint chips, peels, rubs, or wears down. Marshalltown’s Lead Hazard Reduction Grant helps eligible families address those hazards and make their homes safer. The program focuses on reducing children’s exposure to lead, which is especially important for children under age 6 because their bodies and brains are still developing. If your home was built before 1978, taking a few minutes to complete the interest form is an easy first step toward finding out whether your home qualifies for assistance.

08/17/2026