GRUNDY CENTER – Public Health is everywhere – from safe drinking water to maternal and child health programs, bicycle safety, and everything in between. Public health is part of our communities and cultures, influencing health throughout the lifespan and general well-being. National Public Health Week (NPHW) is observed annually and is a chance to engage, collaborate, and celebrate public health.

This year’s theme is “Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health,” and celebrates all the steps we take to make sure our neighborhoods and environment are free from pollution. It’s making sure our food and water are safe to eat and drink. It’s also the relationships we foster in our communities. We’re all interconnected. When we all come together to support public health, all of us — individuals, families, communities and the public health field — can achieve the goals of public health.

This year’s daily themes include:

-Monday, April 1: Civic Engagement

-Tuesday, April 2: Healthy Neighborhoods

-Wednesday, April 3: Climate Change

-Thursday, April 4: New tools and Innovations

-Friday, April 5: Reproductive and Sexual Health

-Saturday, April 6: Emergency Preparedness

-Sunday, April 7: Future of Public Health

Grundy County Public Health (GCPH) consists of Katie Thornton-Lang, Administrator, and Jordyn Beeghly, Program Coordinator. The GCPH office is located in the Grundy County Annex building just south of the Grundy County Courthouse in Grundy Center.

GCPH participates in various local partnerships, such as the Grundy County Community Partners Group, the Grundy Center Wellness Committee, and the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) board. Through these collaborations, GCPH is well-connected with local organizations that provide services in Grundy County. Other local partnerships include the Grundy County Memorial Hospital, county medical clinics, and pharmacies. Through these connections, GCPH can assist with referrals and resources to help community members.

Other GCPH services include a household sharps disposal program in collaboration with other county departments, disease investigations, school, and licensed childcare vaccine audits, continued COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and maintaining an extensive community resource guide. Many of these initiatives would only be possible with grants, and the many hours of grant reporting and tracking that come with that.

The Grundy County Board of Health is made up of a five-member board including chair Tom Boheman, BS (2023); Lexie Hach, MA, DrPH(c) (2020); vice chair Mike Nelsestuen, ARNP (2023); LBOH Medical Provider Joan E. Blair, BSN, MPH (2023); and Julie Johnson, PsyD, LMHC (2021).