SW Iowa Public Health Pulse

Tag: Preventative Health

  • Free Immunizations Available

    Free Immunizations Available

    Keeping your family protected against preventable diseases is one of the most important things you can do for their health — and cost should never be a barrier.

    Why Immunizations Matter

    Vaccines protect against serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, meningitis, and influenza. Staying up to date helps protect:

    • Infants and young children
    • Pregnant women
    • Older adults
    • Individuals with weakened immune systems

    Immunizations don’t just protect the person receiving them — they help prevent outbreaks and protect our entire community.

    Free Vaccines Through Iowa Programs

    Mills County Public Health offers free immunizations through Iowa’s:

    Vaccines for Children (VFC)

    Children qualify if they are:

    • Enrolled in Iowa Medicaid
    • Uninsured
    • Underinsured

    Vaccines for Adults (VFA)

    Adults qualify if they are:

    • Uninsured
    • Underinsured

    If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we’re happy to help determine eligibility.

    Convenient & Flexible Appointments

    Vaccines are available at both of our office locations:

    • 403 Railroad Ave, Glenwood, IA
    • 414 Clay Street, Sidney, IA

    We understand families have busy schedules, so we offer flexible appointment times whenever possible.

    📞 How to Schedule

    To schedule an appointment, please call the office at 712-527-9699 or email:

    • Megan Smith, RN: megans@mcph.us (Fremont)
    • Katelyn Murtfeld, RN: katelynm@mcph.us (Mills)

    We’re here to make the process simple and accessible. Reach out today to get up to date and stay protected!

  • Free Private Well Water Testing

    Free Private Well Water Testing

    Serving Mills & Fremont Counties

    Why Healthy Drinking Water Matters

    Safe drinking water protects:

    • Infants and young children
    • Pregnant women
    • Older adults
    • Individuals with weakened immune systems
    • Everyone who drinks water!

    Contaminated well water can lead to gastrointestinal illness and long-term health risks. Regular testing and proper well maintenance are simple steps that protect your family’s health.

    Did you know Iowa has nearly 100,000 active private wells, and about 7% of Iowans rely on well water for their drinking supply? Unlike public water systems, private wells are not routinely monitored — which means testing is the only way to know your water is safe.

    The Iowa DNR recommends testing your well:

    • ✔ At least once per year for bacteria and nitrate
    • ✔ After flooding, heavy rain, or well repairs
    • ✔ At least once for contaminants like arsenic

    Many contaminants have no taste, smell, or color, so even clear water can contain harmful bacteria or elevated nitrate levels.

    How It Works

    Scheduling a test is simple:

    📞 Call 712-527-9699 Select option 4 for Environmental Health

    A Mills County Environmental Health Specialist will schedule a time to collect your water sample. The sample is sent to the State Hygienic Laboratory, and a routine testing panel is completely free through the Private Well Grant.

    Additional testing can be added for a fee — just ask your specialist.

    Grant Funding for Well Work

    Through the Iowa DNR Private Well Grant, Mills County residents may also qualify for reimbursement for:

    • Up to $700 for well closures
    • Up to $400 for cistern closures or shock chlorination
    • Up to $600 for a well assessment
    • Up to $2,000 for well rehabilitation

    Funding covers work done directly on the well (casing, pit, and surrounding area). Work must meet eligibility guidelines and be supervised or completed by a certified professional. Please talk to a MCPH Environmental Health Specialist to ensure the work meets eligibility.

    📞 Call 712-527-9699 with questions or to schedule your FREE well water test.