Buchanan, IA

Today the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is sharing the following guidelines for COVID-19 vaccine priority populations for Phase 1B, based on the recommendations put forward by the Iowa Disease Advisory Council (IDAC) and accepted by Kelly Garcia, IDPH interim Director.

“I am grateful for the incredible work of the Infectious Disease Advisory Council. The work of this group is critical to ensuring Iowa’s most vulnerable are protected and have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. In a situation where there is not a playbook to follow, the thoughtful dialog and recommendations reflect their deep commitment to equity and making the right decisions in the best interest of all Iowans,” said Garcia.

(Des Moines, IA) Today the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is sharing data on statewide COVID-19 vaccine administration. These updates will be published each week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Reports will initially be static visualizations, including high-level information on vaccine administration totals, as well as county-level information. The current update and future dashboard will be housed on the existing https://coronavirus.iowa.gov/ website.  

Read the full press release here.  

Buchanan County Public Health (BCPH) has received an allocation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for persons in Phase 1-A. This phase includes individuals working in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. Qualifying individuals in this phase and future phases are determined by Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) at the federal level and Iowa Disease Advisory Council (IDAC) at the state level. 

To Read Full Press Release  

COVID-19 vaccines will be administered per guidelines set forth by the CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health. Phase 1-A persons eligible will include: “Paid & unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. Long Term Care Facility (LTCF) residents and staff.”

Doses of the vaccine will slowly be allocated to each county in the state and Public Health departments will be working with groups who meet this definition to make sure vaccine is prioritized appropriately to LTC residents & healthcare staff who are most vulnerable. As the state moves to additional phases of vaccine priority groups we will be providing more information on our Facebook page, website:  https://www.buchanancounty.iowa.gov/services/public_health/COVID19.php & with our media partners.   

As we get closer to receiving a COVID-19 Vaccine in our county, the Buchanan County Health Department reminds all residents the initial doses of vaccine will be limited and will be available to priority populations prioritized according to guidance received from our state and federal partners.

“The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has preemptively suggested the initial doses of vaccine go to health care providers and those in long term care facilities,” said Tai Burkhart, Director of Buchanan County Health Department. “As more vaccine becomes available, we will be able to offer the vaccine to more people.”

To read the whole press release: Buchanan County Continues to Plan for COVID-19 Vaccine Coming Later This Year

Sports that require close interaction, are played indoors, and share equipment may pose a greater risk for COVID-19 infection or transmission. The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person among other ways. The closer the physical interaction, the more sharing of equipment there is by multiple players, and the longer the interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. 

For more information: Play Responsibly Youth Winter Sports COVID-19 Guidance

Buchanan County Public Health (BCPH) has acquired 400 doses of the influenza vaccine through a program with Iowa Department of Public Health.  BCPH is working collaboratively with Buchanan County Health Center to distribute this vaccine through its primary care clinics in Independence, Jesup, and Oelwein.  

To read the full press release  https://www.buchanancountyiowa.org/Public_Health/Press%20release%20Free%20Flu%20Vaccine.pdf 

As Iowans prepares to celebrate Halloween, IDPH & BCPH wants to remind all that COVID-19 is still circulating in Iowa and encourage all Iowans to continue to take precautions to protect the health of themselves and their families. Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. For 2020 Halloween festivities, IDPH strongly encourage Iowans to follow CDC’s guidance when deciding what is appropriate for their families.

Halloween 2020 COVID-19 Guidance

For non-healthcare, non-residential settings, quaratine is no longer recommended if a potential exposure occurs while both the infectious individual and the close contacts are wearing face coverings consistently and correctly. 

Please see the IDPH flyer for further guidance. 

Buchanan County Public Health Reminds Residents
to Gather Responsibly Over Labor Day Weekend

 As Iowans prepare to celebrate the accomplishments of American workers and mark the unofficial end of summer vacation this Labor Day weekend, Buchanan County Public Health urges residents to be informed about how COVID-19 spreads and steps they can take to reduce the spread of the virus.

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Parents and guardians are encouraged to schedule their children’s well visits, back-to-school and sports physicals now. Many children are required to have vaccines before entering school and without the proper medical documentation of vaccines; this can hinder students from starting school on time.  

Full story:  Parents Urged to Schedule Well Child and Immunization Appointments Now

Buchanan County is seeing a rise in COVID cases
The Buchanan County Public Health Department reminds residents that they need to continue to take precautions to protect themselves and others against COVID during the upcoming holiday weekend. Buchanan County has seen a rise the number of cases over the past two weeks. “We had no new cases during the first two weeks in June,” reports Buchanan County Public Health Director Tai Burkhart, “Since June 17th we have had 11 new cases.” Ninety-one percent of these new cases are among individuals 45 years and younger.

For the full press release:  Buchanan County is seeing a rise in COVID-19 Cases

We are seeing an increase in cases over the past week in Buchanan County.   Please take the following guidance into consideration. 

Press Release:  Increase in cases in Buchanan County

 

The Buchanan County Department of Public Health today announced the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county. The individual was an older adult (61-80 years).  

Full Press Release:  https://www.buchanancountyiowa.org/Public_Health/COVID19/BCPH%20Press%20release%20-%20COVID%20Death_6-5-20%20(1).pdf

Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation April 16, 2020, tightening restrictions for Buchanan County residents to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the county and the state.  To read full press release: https://www.buchanancountyiowa.org/Public_Health/COVID19/Regional%20Proclamation%20041720.pdf

The Buchanan County Public Health Department thanks residents who are taking steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. As of today, April 13, 2020, there are 8 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Buchanan County.
For complete press release.

 

Easter and spring holidays are a traditional time of family gatherings, celebrations and observances. Like many other events and activities, Buchanan County Public Health advises residents that these observances should be different this year.

For the complete press release:  https://www.buchanancountyiowa.org/Public_Health/COVID19/Press%20release%20-%20Easter%20Observances%204.9.20.pdf 

Homemade Gown & Mask Request for Buchanan County
There is a national shortage of commercially-produced personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks and gowns for healthcare providers. Many individuals in the county have made masks for our healthcare providers in Buchanan County. Thank you to all who have donated! We would encourage anyone who can to continue to make and donate masks and gowns to do so.

To read full Press Release:  https://www.buchanancountyiowa.org/Public_Health/COVID19/Homemade%20Gown-Mask%20PR_04-06-2020.pdf

Buchanan County, Iowa Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Hub:  https://buchanan-county-coronavirus-response-buchanancountyia.hub.arcgis.com/  compiled data for Buchanan County.  

There is a national shortage of commercially-produced personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks. While there are many in the public and private sectors working to address this shortage, health care providers may need to rely on homemade masks to prolong the life of the commercially manufactured masks. Buchanan County Public Health Department (BCPH), Buchanan County Health Center (BCHC), and Long-Term Care Centers in Buchanan County are all working together during this time and would like to provide guidance on these mask donations. Continue Reading

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Buchanan County Public Health Department continues to work with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local partners to monitor and respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The virus was first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and has since been detected in other parts of the world, including the U.S. Continue Reading

Buchanan County is advising residents about what they can do now to prepare for the potential spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. To date, no one in Iowa has tested positive for COVID-19.

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Risk Factors:
1. Age: Affects more than 2 million Americans over 50 years old. 
2. Genetics: Family history 
3. Smoking: Increases your risk for progression  
4. Other eye conditions:  hyperopia and light colored iris 
5. Systemic diseases associated - Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia & Cardiovascular disease 
6. Gender:  women are more likely to be affected than men 
7. Race:  Caucasian 
8. UV Light:  No significant proven risk but caution and sunglasses advised. 

It's your chance to have a little fun by being kind!

1.  Lend a helping hand when you see an opportunity!
2. Pay it Forward - buy the person's meal behind you in the drive-thru.
3. Make sure everyone in meetings or classroom feel included today.
4. Tell a cashier they are doing a great job.
5. Let someone merge in front of you in traffic.
6. SMILE
7. Volunteer to do the dishes after supper.
8. Say "Please" & "Thank-You"
9. Tell someone "Have a great day!"
10. Hold the door open for someone. 

 

National Donor Day is a time to focus on all types of donation – organ, eye, tissue, blood, platelets and marrow.

Why Should I register?

• Another person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes.
• 22 people die each day because the organ they need is not donated in time.
• One organ, eye and tissue donor can save and heal more than 75 lives.

For more information:  www.donatelife.net

 

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds parents the key to a lifelong, healthy smile is early preventive care. Beginning regular dental visits by the age of 1 year, using fluoridated water and brushing twice a day can help prevent painful cavities from forming in a child’s mouth. Continue Reading

The overall risk to Iowans is low right now.  To learn more about the novel coronavirus, please visit the Iowa Department of Public Health Emerging Health Issues Novel Coronavirus Webpage.

 

Having a Super Bowl party game plan can help keep you and your guests from getting sacked by foodborne illness. Check out these food safety tips from USDA to keep a strong defensive line during your party: Continue Reading

How contagious is norovirus?  Just a very small amount - as few as 18 viral particles - of norovirus on your food or your hands can make you sick.  In fact, the amount of virus particles that fit on the head of a pin would be enough to infect more than 1,000 people! 

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Take 3 Actions to Fight Flu
Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that can be serious. Every year, millions of people get sick, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu. CDC urges you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others from the flu. Continue Reading

New Year resolutions are common this time of year. Some are easily broken; others are sincerely made, but hard to keep. The decision to quit tobacco is a commitment that takes self-control and support. Buchanan County reminds residents who have made the healthy choice to quit tobacco that help, and support is available through Quitline Iowa.

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Health & Fitness Goals for 2020 don't have to be extreme.  Remember it all adds up!
How much activity do adults need?
Moderate-intensity aerobic activity: Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts:  at least 150 minutes a week.
AND
Muscle-strengthening activity:  Do activities that make your muscles work harder than usual: at least 2 days week.
Source: http://health.gov/moveyourway

E-cigarettes (e-cigs), vapes, vape or hookah pens, e-pipes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronic smoking devices and other vaping products are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale, or vape, aerosolized liquid (e-juice). E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine - the addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products - flavorings, and other chemicals that help to make the aerosol. Users inhale this aerosol into their lungs. Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales into the air. E-cigarettes can also be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs.

Source:  IDPH Vaping Information

The Buchanan County Public Health Department will be closed Tuesday December 24th, 2019 & Wednesday, December 25th, 2019 in observance of Christmas.

IDPH and our partners have investigated several norovirus outbreaks across the state recently. Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea and vomiting, and is extremely infectious. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2YKDuz7

12/11/19 - DES MOINES –  Today, Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Department of Public Health (DPH), and the Iowa Department of Education (DOE) launched a new vaping awareness and prevention campaign aimed at informing teens about the reality of vaping and its consequences, and helping parents know how to address the issue and protect their kids.
The “Vaping vs. Reality” video can be viewed here. 
The “Hiding in Plain Sight” video can be viewed here.

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IDPH Encourages Youth to Step Up Against TobaccoAnnual ISTEP Summit is May 7

Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death for Iowans, taking the lives of more than 5,100 adults each year.

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The Buchanan County Board of Health acknowledges the contributions of retiring member, Inez Kremer. Continue Reading

The Iowa Smokefree Air Act turns 10 years old July 1, 2018. Iowa is one of25 states that have enacted comprehensive smoke-free laws addressing secondhand smoke exposure in workplaces, restaurants and bars. Continue Reading

Free Event sponsored by:  Pathways and the CRUSH coalition.  A community event about the opioid epidemic, Tuesday October 16th, 5:30 to 9:00 PM, Location:  Waterloo Center for the Arts - Petersen Hall

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Influenza spread and severity is building in Iowa, as the Iowa Department of Public Health reported four new influenza-related deaths today: an elderly (81+ years of age) female and older adult (61 to 80 years of age) female in Southeast Iowa; an elderly female in Northeast Iowa; and an elderly male in Northwest Iowa.

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Teresa (Teri) Schloss has been hired by the Buchanan County Board of Health as the new public health nurse for the Buchanan County Public Health Department. Teri officially started in February and will be one of the two nurses employed in the department upon the retirement of the current Director in April Continue Reading

The Buchanan County Board of Health has named Tai Burkhart, MPH, BSN, RN as the next Director for the Buchanan County Public Health Department. She will assumethis position upon the retirement of the current Director, Amy Marlow, in April. Continue Reading

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The Problem:  Almost 800 children drown in the U.S. every year.  

Source: Safekids.org

 

What to know before you go. Bugs can spread diseases.

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College students returning home may bring the virus with them.  There have been several cases of mumps reported in Buchanan County.  Mumps is a highly contagious disease that is typically preventable through vaccination.  Continue Reading

The Buchanan County Public Health Department realizes the importance of providing timely information to the public and press.  2015 Press releases are linked from this site.  

You will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view any of the press releases.

The Buchanan County Public Health Department realizes the importance of providing timely information to the public and press.   2014 Press releases are linked from this site.   You will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view any of the press releases.