Benton County Iowa Public Health Department

06/05/2026

Do you know how to best use your sunscreen? Check out these tips from the American Cancer Society!

To learn more, visit: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv.html

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

☀️ Summer is here, and so is Summer Parent Café! ☀️

Join Young Parents Network (YPN) for fun, family-friendly events focused on keeping kids safe this summer. Parents and caregivers can connect with local resources, while enjoying a free meal and taking advantage of valuable safety opportunities.

🚗 Free car seat installations
🏊 Free pool passes
🦺 Free safety items
🍽️ Free meal
✨ And more!

📍 Marengo Parent Café
🗓 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📌 Marengo City Park, Marengo
➡️ To register: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=d8e9oCRw-k-lTn3m3GTed3CYR7no1qxGko0jpiIXATBUOU1WUVU1WllSV0NIWVNMNU84RlZZSTlURC4u

📍 Vinton Parent Café
🗓 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📌 Celebration Park, Vinton, IA
➡️ To register: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=d8e9oCRw-k-lTn3m3GTed3CYR7no1qxGko0jpiIXATBUOUtNU1g0RTg0SEYyOE5YVzdLV09QWUw5Uy4u

These events are a great opportunity to learn practical summer safety tips, connect with community partners, and pick up resources to help your family have a safe and healthy summer!

06/03/2026

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can lead to serious health problems, including liver cancer. Many people with hepatitis B do not feel sick or show symptoms, which is why testing is so important.

A simple blood test can detect hepatitis B, and help you get the care you need while reducing the risk of spreading the virus to others. If diagnosed, your doctor may also check for liver damage using an ultrasound.

Talk to your healthcare provider about hepatitis B testing and learn more here: https://hhs.iowa.gov/public-health/sexually-transmitted-infections/hepatitis-program

06/02/2026

📢 Job Opportunity: Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist (Remote within Iowa)

Are you passionate about public health, community engagement, and reducing the burden of cancer in Iowa's rural communities? The University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a dedicated professional to join its Community Outreach & Engagement team as part of the Rural Health Transformation Grant.

In this role, you'll help strengthen partnerships with rural communities across Iowa, support evidence-based cancer prevention and screening initiatives, connect organizations with valuable resources, and work alongside community leaders to address local cancer-related needs.

🖥️ Remote work available within Iowa
📄 Full-time position with excellent benefits
🎗️ Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on cancer prevention, screening, and survivorship efforts across rural Iowa
👥 Ideal for candidates with experience in public health, community engagement, healthcare coordination, or program management

Position requirements include:

✅ Bachelor’s degree in public health or related field and a minimum of 1 year of professional experience in administration is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
✅ Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
✅ Previous experience building and maintaining partnerships.
✅ Ability to travel within the State of Iowa is required.
✅ Ability to meet the University of Iowa Fleet Safety Program driving standard is required.
✅ Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, Zoom.

Interested in learning more or applying? Visit the University of Iowa Careers website and search for this opportunity through the College of Public Health, or visit: https://phxc3c.rfer.us/UIOWALNqW09

Key responsibilities include building and strengthening relationships and connections between Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and rural...

06/02/2026

Lead-based paint hazards can pose serious health risks to young children—but help may be available through the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program.

This program provides funding to help eligible low-to-moderate income homeowners address lead hazards and create safer living environments for children in Benton, Iowa, Jones, Johnson, Linn, and Washington Counties.

✅ Homes built before 1978 may qualify
✅ Rental properties are eligible (owner match required)
✅ Assistance available for income-qualified households
✅ Homes with children age 5 and younger who live in or frequently visit the home may be eligible

The application process includes a home inspection, lead/radon testing, and environmental review.

📞 Questions? Contact Nicole Beuc at (319) 289-0074 or [email protected]

🔗 Learn more and review full eligibility requirements at ECICOG.org

06/01/2026

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer is a disease that starts in the bladder, the small pouch in your lower belly that holds urine before it leaves your body. In bladder cancer, tumors usually begin in the lining of the bladder, the inner surface that comes into contact with urine. Some tumors stay in this lining, while others can grow deeper into the muscle and wall of the bladder. The deeper the tumor grows, the harder it is to treat.

It’s important to talk with your provider about any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have abdominal, lower back, or pelvic pain, or are urinating more frequently than usual, please don’t ignore the signs — schedule an appointment today!

To learn more about bladder cancer symptoms: https://worldbladdercancer.org/bladder-cancer/

05/31/2026

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.

🔹 More than 9,500 people are diagnosed every day
🔹 At least 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70
🔹 Annual treatment costs in the U.S. are estimated at $8.1 billion

Protect your skin, know the warning signs, and stay informed! ☀️

To learn more, please visit: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/

05/30/2026

UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. No matter your race, age, or gender, you can help reduce your risk by protecting your skin from harmful UV rays ☀️🧴

Simple steps like wearing sunscreen, using sun-protective clothing, and avoiding indoor tanning beds can make a big difference!

To learn more, please visit: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection