Winneshiek County Public Health is working with Marion County Public Health Department to ‘Combat Cancer.’ Below is a notice shared by Marion County that outlines the focus of the program.
Currently, we have radon test kits that are available at our office. The kits are FREE for those who meet the guidelines which are listed below:
- Rental properties: At this time, rental properties are not eligible. The individual living in a rental property does not have the authority to authorize mitigation work on the property.
- Income: There are no income guidelines or income restrictions for receiving an in-home radon testing kit.
- All homes should be tested: Homes should be tested regardless of whether they have a basement.
- Mobile homes: Mobile homes are eligible and should be tested, particularly if the home has skirting around the structure.
- Residential properties only: Testing kits are intended for residential dwellings. Businesses, organizations, and other non-residential properties are not eligible to receive a kit.
- Alternative testing option: Individuals in areas that are not eligible for this program may be able to obtain a free radon testing kit, while supplies last, through the American Lung Association: American Lung Association – Radon in Iowa
Test results are sent to Winneshiek County Public Health and to homeowners. Homeowners with test results higher than 4cPi/L will receive a phone call from Winneshiek County Public Health.
Healthy Hometowns: Combat Cancer Prevention and Screening
Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) has officially been awarded funding
through the State of Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Program to lead a statewide
effort focused on reducing cancer-related disparities in rural Iowa.
As the lead contractor for the grant, MCPHD is currently partnering with 87 local public
health agencies across Iowa to implement a coordinated, evidence-based approach to
cancer prevention, screening, early detection, and access to care. This initiative now
provides coverage across all rural Iowa counties, ensuring communities statewide have
access to resources and support aimed at improving cancer outcomes.
Through this initiative, MCPHD and its partners will deliver targeted cancer awareness
messaging, expand access to screening and early detection services, reduce lung
cancer risk through radon testing and mitigation, strengthen the rural radon mitigation
workforce, and improve access to cancer-related health services through telehealth and
financial assistance.
MCPHD is currently preparing a statewide social media campaign to increase
awareness of cancer prevention resources, screening opportunities, and radon
education. In addition, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for dermatoscopes and radon
test kits will be released soon as part of the program’s implementation efforts.
Iowa continues to have one of the highest cancer incidence rates in the nation. This
coordinated effort will establish a sustainable network of trusted local partners working
together to improve cancer outcomes and reduce health disparities for rural Iowans.
This press release supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial
assistance award totaling $209,040,063.71 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The
contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views
of, nor an endorsement, by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services,
CMS/HHS, or the U.S Government.