The Iowa Department Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the first case of West Nile virus infection reported in 2022, in a middle age adult (aged 41-60 years) from Buena Vista County. The case was confirmed through a test at the State Hygienic Lab.

Today the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), formerly the Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS), announce their new mission, vision, guiding principles and agency brand.

After formally becoming a new state agency on July 1, 2022, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces two key leadership positions today. Dr. Robert Kruse will join the agency as the State Medical Director and Sarah Reisetter, J.D. will serve as a Deputy Director and Chief of the newly formed Division of Compliance for HHS.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the launch of 988, The National Suicide Prevention Line (NSPL) three-digit number to call for individuals in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Iowans who contact 988 will be directly connected to trained crisis counselors who provide crisis de-escalation and connect individuals to the services and supports they need, when they need it. 

Effective immediately, the beach at Lake of Three Fires in Taylor County will be closed temporarily for swimming. The closure is a precautionary response to a confirmed infection of Naegleria fowleri in a Missouri resident with recent potential exposure while swimming at the beach at Lake of Three Fires State Park.