In Iowa and nationwide, infant formula is in short supply. The Iowa Departments of Public Health and Human Services are working to provide information and resources to Iowans who are impacted by the shortage.

 May is Mental Health Awareness Month and The Iowa Departments of Public Health and Human Services, soon to be the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are urging Iowans to prioritize their mental health. After the last two years of pandemic living, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month, the state is launching a multi-platform, multi-audience suicide prevention messaging campaign. The campaign targets Iowa youth as well as adults who are influential in the lives of young Iowans.

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month and an opportunity to raise awareness of alcohol abuse and encourage Iowans to make healthy, safe choices. 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are increasingly impacting Iowans. Preliminary data from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) for 2021 show significant increases in some STDs. 

The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are one step closer to becoming a single agency. Today the Departments released the final change package and functional organizational chart. This serves as the roadmap to bring together both agencies under a single leadership structure. The goal of this work is to strengthen coordination amongst existing services and provide more comprehensive services to all Iowans. This will also allow us to gain efficiencies and better leverage resources to reinvest in our system. There are no plans for layoffs or to discontinue existing programs or services.