Black Hawk County Public Health

06/01/2026

Your child should see a dentist when their first tooth appears, but no later than age one. Regular dental checkups prevent pain and support healthy development.

If you don’t have a dentist, our Child Health Clinic offers no-cost preventive care for children and adolescents ages 0–20 without a dental provider every Monday during clinic hours.

Available services:
• Oral screenings
• Fluoride varnish

Location: 1407 Independence Avenue, 5th Floor, Waterloo, IA
Schedule your appointment: (319) 291-2413
Mondays: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., 1-4 p.m.

Walk-ins welcome, but appointments are recommended.

I-Smile Dental Home Initiative

05/29/2026

We all know that eating healthy foods and staying active make us feel better. It's good to also remember that even small steps, like taking a short walk with your coworker on a break, can support both your body and mind. Any physical activity can help promote better health and bring you joy.

05/28/2026

Come see us a the Cedar Valley SportsPlex for Friends of the Family’s Food with Friends event from 5-7 p.m. today, May 28. Enjoy a free meal, kids’ activities, community resources, and more!

05/28/2026

Take charge of your health with free, fast, and confidential testing for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis C!

Date: Thursday, June 11
Location: Waverly Public Library
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Complete a test and receive a $20 gift card or Cedar Valley Pridefest ticket.

Can’t make it to the event? No problem!
You can still get tested by calling (319) 291-2413 to schedule an appointment at our Waverly satellite clinic. If you call to schedule before June 11, you may still receive a gift card or Cedar Valley Pridefest ticket.

Gift cards and Cedar Valley Pridefest tickets are available while supplies last.

For more information on our testing services, including Hepatitis C testing eligibility, visit our website:

Black Hawk County Public Health Center offers confidential HIV and STD testing, treatment, and education.

05/28/2026

Black Hawk County Public Health will be closed today, May 28, from 1:45 - 4:30 p.m. for an All-Staff Meeting.

For emergent public health issues, call (319) 291-2515.

05/27/2026

Thanks to vaccines and strong community immunity, diseases like tetanus, rubella, meningitis, and polio are now rare, however “rare” doesn’t mean “gone.” These diseases still spread, and we can’t predict who may have a mild case and who could become very sick.

Vaccines do much more than prevent a fever or rash. They protect against serious illnesses that can damage the brain, lungs, heart, or nervous system, and, in some cases, even cause death. Getting recommended vaccines on-time gives our children the strongest and safest protection as they grow up and keeps dangerous diseases from coming back, which benefits us all.

05/26/2026

Leftovers don't last forever. If you have holiday leftovers, like cooked meats, in the fridge, be sure to enjoy them within four days. After that, they should be frozen to prevent them from becoming unsafe to eat. If you don't plan to use your leftovers soon, many items can be frozen.

For more specifics on food storage, visit: https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts

05/26/2026

Taking mindful breaks, pausing for a few deep breaths, or stepping away from screens helps reset your mind.

When life gets busy, or your thoughts are racing, stop. Press “pause” and take five minutes to slow down and just be in the moment.

05/25/2026

Our office is closed today, Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

05/23/2026

Fruits and vegetables are a delicious option for a backyard barbecue. Keep food safety in mind when you’re preparing these items for your grill.

Wash before you grill: Rinse produce under clean, running water. Scrub firm items like melons or zucchini with a veggie brush, then dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Keep them separate: Always keep fruits and veggies away from raw meat, poultry, and seafood to avoid cross-contamination.

Marinate smart: Marinating adds flavor and moisture, but never reuse marinade that’s touched raw meat!