Iowa

At a Glance

State Population: 3,156,145
Local Health Departments: 100
Frequent Public Health Emergencies: Tornadoes, Flooding, Animal/Agricultural Disease
Key Emergency Operations Center Activations: 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic; 2019: Spring Flooding; 2018: Southern Iowa Rural Water Association Event
CDC PHEP Funding:
FY 2021: $6,825,471
FY 2020: $6,718,250
CDC Crisis Response Funding: COVID-19
FY 2021: $19,452,788
FY 2020: $6,347,829

PHEP-Funded Staff

Epidemiologists: 5
Other*: 7

*Includes IT specialists, administrative staff, statisticians, and other positions

Top 5 Preparedness Investments

Public Health Laboratory Testing
Community Preparedness
Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation
Information Sharing
Medical Countermeasure Dispensing and Distribution

Stories from the Field

Evacuating Vulnerable Residents during Severe Weather Emergency

On September 12, 2016, a tornado, severe storms, and flooding hit northeast Iowa, with some areas receiving as much as 10 inches of rain over a matter of hours. Thanks to CDC-funded training, the local health department quickly initiated its plans for reaching residents receiving home care despite closed roads and flooding. CDC-funded personnel also kept other area residents informed of critical safety information through social media and other risk communication platforms. They also evacuated an affected assisted living facility and a nursing home, helping residents remain safe during this emergency.