The focus of public health intervention is to improve the health and quality of life through the prevention and treatment of disease and other physical and mental health conditions, through surveillance of cases and the promotion of healthy behaviors.
Who we are
- Fayette County Public Health protects and improves the health of Fayette County. This is our mission.
- We create a healthy Fayette County. This is our vision.
- Protection, prevention, engagement, equity, preparedness, support and promotion. These are our values.
Our guiding principles
- Accountability. We act with integrity and strive for fairness.
- Collaboration. We value internal and external partnerships and remain flexible to new and diverse ideas.
- Communication. We use timely, effective and open dialogue to increase collaboration and participation in protecting and improving health.
- Health equity. We promote health for all by working to reduce health disparities and focusing on health where people live, learn, work and play.
- Quality. We are dedicated to efficiency, effectiveness, and the continuous improvement of our processes and services.
- Results-oriented. We strive for excellence through decision-making that is priority-focused, data-driven and evidence-based.
- Workforce development. We continually work to develop the skills and competencies of our workforce.
What we do
Public health is a partnership of local public health, Iowa Health & Human Services, non-profit organizations, health care providers, policymakers, businesses and others working together to protect and improve the health of Iowans. Public health strives to improve the quality of life for all Iowans by assuring access to evidence-based population-health programs, services and activities to:
- Promote healthy living
- Prevent injuries and violence
- Protect against environmental hazards
- Assure access to quality health services
- Prevent epidemics and the spread of disease
- Improve and support public health performance
- Prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies
Community Health Assessment and Plan
Every 5 years, Fayette County Public Health leads a community-wide discussion with stakeholders and residents about their community’s health needs. After identifying needs in the community, strategies to address those needs are identified and initiated.
Vaccinations for children
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program raises childhood immunization levels, especially among infants and young children. The VFC Program provides vaccines for eligible children birth through 18 years at no cost to public and private health care providers throughout the state. Children eligible to receive VFC provided vaccines include children enrolled in Medicaid, children who do not have health insurance and children who are American Indian or Alaskan Native. Children who have health insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines are "underinsured," and are eligible to be seen at federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics and public health facilities.
School and childcare audits
We conduct assessments of children attending licensed childcare centers or elementary or secondary school to make sure children received required immunizations and have Iowa Department of Public Health Certificate of Immunization, Certificate of Immunization Exemption or Provisional Certificate of Immunization. Per Iowa Code, Local Public Health Agencies conduct annual audits of immunization records for students enrolled in licensed childcare centers and public, private and parochial students in kindergarten through high school.
Disease investigation
Infectious diseases are a continuing threat to everyone. They cause illness, suffering and even death, and place an enormous financial burden on society. State public health officials rely on local public health agencies, healthcare providers, laboratories and other public health personnel to report diseases. Without that data, trends cannot be monitored, outbreaks might not be detected or appropriately responded to, and the effectiveness of control and prevention activities cannot be evaluated.
Happy Feet
This program helps county residents with trimming, filing and maintaining toenails. To qualify, you must be unable to maintain your toenail and cannot have Diabetes or take blood thinners. A $15 fee per appointment covers a mini assessment, including blood pressure check. Appointments are available in Oelwein and West Union.
CPR and first aid classes
The Heartsaver CPR/AED course trains you to give CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Immunization and influenza clinics
We provide flu shots at scheduled clinics in the community and at businesses each fall. We offer tuberculosis testing for $25.
Blood pressure screenings
We provide blood pressure screenings at no cost.
Community events and coalitions
We participate in community events such as bike rodeos, health expos, the Healthy Fayette County Coalition, food banks, community gardens, Teaching Kitchen events and education fairs. Please contact us if we can help at your event.
Preparedness
Emergencies are part of life, and we help fire, police, private and public organizations, community members and medical services prepare for them.
West Union
You can find us at 200 Jefferson St. in West Union.
Oelwein
You can also find us at 230 2nd Ave. SE in Oelwin.