Linn County Public Health anticipates the upcoming year

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – The annual report from Linn County Public Health details the organization’s efforts to assist its approximately 230,000 residents over the previous fiscal year. Additionally, the paper offers useful information that helps the company make future plans.

Putting more information in people’s hands is a key component of their plan, according to Dr. Pramod Dwivedi, director of Linn County Public Health. This information can help explain why people in particular places may have higher chances of receiving a cancer diagnosis or a lower life expectancy.

“The core of our work will be factors and health equity,” Dwivedi stated.

Researching the social determinants of health—the study of how racial or socioeconomic characteristics can impact an individual’s health—is part of that. Along with people’s access to public transit, they are also studying the quality of the air and water.

“We must ensure that those who are marginalized in society are not left behind,” Dwivedi stated.

The majority of this data will be assembled into a vast collection of free digital maps.

According to the agency, the more data and information available, the more effective prevention measures may be. Collaborating with neighborhood organizations may be one of those preventative initiatives.

This would include assisting with housing and ensuring that communities have safe, appropriate sidewalks and public transportation.

This push also focuses on local cancer research. Iowa continues to rank among the states with the highest cancer rates, according to the Iowa Cancer Registry.

Additionally, Linn County Health wants to increase vaccination and safety education.

“We will not give them poison or any other harmful substance,” Dwivedi declared. “We want to make sure that these vaccines are saving lives, especially in this political and social environment where people are a little bit hesitant about it.”

Additionally, they are also evaluating if additional naloxone vending machines are necessary. Approximately 1,400 dosages have been administered since seven of these machines were set up in the spring.

The website of Linn County Public Health already offers a wealth of information.