Mills County Public Health provides public health services to individuals and families across Mills and Fremont Counties. Below is an overview of the programs currently offered:
Nursing Services
• Immunization Services: Free childhood and adult vaccinations for eligible individuals. Includes immunization audits for schools and childcare centers.
• Reportable Disease Follow-Up: Monitoring and investigation of communicable diseases, including follow-up on reportable illnesses and animal bites, to prevent the spread of disease.
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention: Promotion of routine lead screening, public education, and case management for children with confirmed lead poisoning.
• Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP): Planning and response activities for disease outbreaks, disasters, and other emergencies. Mills County Public Health administers the regional PHEP grant supporting readiness across southwest Iowa.
Health Promotion Programs
• A Matter of Balance: Evidence-based fall prevention classes designed to help older adults build confidence, improve strength and balance, and reduce the risk of falls. Classes are taught by trained public health nurses and offered periodically throughout the year based on community interest.
• Memory Mates Program: Alzheimer’s prevention classes held at local libraries. Education focuses on brain health and early intervention strategies.
• Blood Pressure Clinics: Free screenings at senior centers to promote heart health and early detection of hypertension.
• CPR & First Aid Training (Heartsaver & BLS): Certification courses for community members, childcare providers, businesses, and healthcare professionals. Courses include Heartsaver CPR/AED and Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers and are taught by certified instructors.
Environmental Health Services
• Septic Permits & Inspections: Review and approval of onsite wastewater systems to ensure safe and sanitary installation.
• Well Permits & Inspections: Oversight of private drinking water wells to protect groundwater and ensure safe water supplies.
• Private Well Grant Program: Provides funding assistance for private well testing, rehabilitation, and plugging of abandoned wells to protect drinking water quality.
• Nuisance Complaints & Investigations: Response to reports of environmental hazards such as trash, vermin, or unsafe living conditions to protect public health.
• Swimming Pool & Tanning Facility Inspections: Routine inspections of public pools and tattoo facilities to ensure compliance with state health and safety regulations.
• Mosquito Surveillance Program: Seasonal trapping and testing in partnership with Iowa State University to detect West Nile virus and identify invasive species. Supports local prevention efforts.
• Safe Sharps Disposal: A free drop-off location for the safe disposal of used needles, lancets, and other sharps to prevent injury and environmental harm.
Family & Community Support Programs
(Currently Available in Mills County Only)
• Home Health Aide Services: Assistance with personal care needs such as bathing, grooming, and hygiene, provided by trained aides. Helps clients remain healthy and safe in their homes.
• Homemaking Services: Assistance for seniors and individuals with disabilities to maintain a safe, clean home environment. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale.
• Community Health Worker (CHW) Program: In partnership with Jennie Edmundson Hospital, CHWs help individuals navigate healthcare systems, connect with resources, and overcome barriers related to social determinants of health.
• Parents as Teachers: A free home-visiting program supporting parents as their child’s first teacher. Includes developmental screenings, resources, and personalized visits.
• Car Seat Safety Program: Free car seat checks and installations by certified technicians. Car seats are available at no cost to eligible families (donated by Farm Bureau).
• SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program): Free, confidential Medicare and insurance counseling for seniors through a partnership with the statewide SHIIP program.
Community Engagement & Coalitions
• County Opioid Coalitions (Mills & Fremont): Local coalitions that bring together healthcare providers, law enforcement, schools, community partners, and residents to reduce opioid misuse, expand access to naloxone, support recovery efforts, and implement evidence-based prevention strategies.
• Community Outreach: MCPH participates in events such as the Festival of the Young Child, Cultivate Community, SquareCrow Days, Homecoming Parades, and local farmers markets to provide health education and promote public health services.
• Healthy Mills Coalition: A community partnership focused on promoting mental health, preventing substance misuse, and supporting overall community wellness.
• Mills County Prevent Child Abuse Coalition: Works collaboratively to strengthen families, provide education, and prevent child abuse and neglect.
• SWI Public Health Pulse Blog: Online resource featuring monthly educational posts and updates to inform the community about public health topics and available services.
SW Iowa Public Health Pulse 