Word on Wellness for the month of May
In this edition of the May 2026 Words on Wellness newsletter, you can find the following topics.The MIND Diet: Eating to Keep Your Brain HealthyRecipe for Broiled SalmonQuick ThawStretching for Health: Easy Exercises to Boost Flexibility For more information and upcoming health and human sciences events, check out our website!https://www.
Iowa Senate sends SNAP restrictions, over-the-counter ivermectin to governor
By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa Senate sent Gov. Kim Reynolds’ “Make America Healthy Again” legislation to her desk Monday, a package that includes SNAP restrictions, over-the-counter ivermectin and several school health and nutrition policies.
By Robin OpsahlThe Iowa Senate sent Gov. Kim Reynolds’ “Make America Healthy Again” legislation to her desk Monday, a package that includes SNAP restrictions, over-the-counter ivermectin and several school health and nutrition policies.
Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition to Meet next on May 4
The Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition will hold an In-person meeting: May 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.Location: Van Horne Community Center, 508 1st Ave, Van Horne, IAEveryone is welcome to join us! Virtual option — Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 709 517 1854 | Passcode: 39bTnvFocus for our upcoming in-person and virtual meetings:Networking: Strengthening connections among members and community partnersCollaboration: Exploring opportunities to support one another's effortsGroup Building: Sharing ideas on how our coalition can grow stronger and more effectiveYour voice and perspective are vital.
The Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition will hold an In-person meeting: May 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.Location: Van Horne Community Center, 508 1st Ave, Van Horne, IAEveryone is welcome to join us! Virtual option — Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 709 517 1854 | Passcode: 39bTnvFocus for our upcoming in-person and virtual meetings:Networking: Strengthening connections among members and community partnersCollaboration: Exploring opportunities to support one another's effortsGroup Building: Sharing ideas on how our coalition can grow stronger and more effectiveYour voice and perspective are vital.
End The School Year by Making an Impact - Donate Blood May 22
What could be better than saving lives? How about saving money while you do it? Students who donate blood or host a blood drive through LifeServe can earn scholarships and recognition while making a meaningful difference in their community.
What could be better than saving lives? How about saving money while you do it? Students who donate blood or host a blood drive through LifeServe can earn scholarships and recognition while making a meaningful difference in their community.
Sunscreen Applications Due Friday, April 24!
Photo shared with permission from Buena Vista Regional Medical Center's 2023 Sun-Safety Community Project at area pools.In an effort to promote sun-safety and reduce the risk of skin cancer, the Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center will distribute approximately 90 gallons of SPF30 sunscreen across Iowa this summer! Along with sunscreen, awarded projects will educate the community about the risks of UV exposure and ways they can prevent skin cancer.
Photo shared with permission from Buena Vista Regional Medical Center's 2023 Sun-Safety Community Project at area pools.In an effort to promote sun-safety and reduce the risk of skin cancer, the Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center will distribute approximately 90 gallons of SPF30 sunscreen across Iowa this summer! Along with sunscreen, awarded projects will educate the community about the risks of UV exposure and ways they can prevent skin cancer.
Data Breach Impacts Some Medicaid Members
On February 20, 2026, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) became aware that a file containing limited Medicaid subscriber information had been inadvertently posted to the Department’s website on February 16, 2026.
On February 20, 2026, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) became aware that a file containing limited Medicaid subscriber information had been inadvertently posted to the Department’s website on February 16, 2026.
SAVE THE DATE--2026 BENTON COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE
Sunday, May 31st, 2026—SAVE THE DATE!! That is the date for the Benton County Relay For Life at 7:30 PM at the Benton Community MS/HS track in Van Horne.
Sunday, May 31st, 2026—SAVE THE DATE!! That is the date for the Benton County Relay For Life at 7:30 PM at the Benton Community MS/HS track in Van Horne.
VGH, UI ARC Mobile MAT Clinic, and BCOC Partner to Expand Access to Care
Pictured: Members of the Benton County Opioid Committee, University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) Mobile MAT Clinic team, and Virginia Gay Hospital staff gathered during a recent visit focused on expanding access to substance use treatment and community-based care in Benton County.
Pictured: Members of the Benton County Opioid Committee, University of Iowa Addiction and Recovery Collaborative (UI ARC) Mobile MAT Clinic team, and Virginia Gay Hospital staff gathered during a recent visit focused on expanding access to substance use treatment and community-based care in Benton County.
Iowa HHS Announces Additional Funding to Fight Opioid Crisis
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is launching an additional funding opportunity to help communities across the state respond to the opioid crisis.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is launching an additional funding opportunity to help communities across the state respond to the opioid crisis.
Hawkeye Community College Provides to Free Dental Care to Children
Hawkeye Community College provided free dental care to nearly 50 kids during its first ever Give Kids a Smile ® event held Friday, April 3, in the Dental Clinic on Hawkeye’s Main Campus.
Hawkeye Community College provided free dental care to nearly 50 kids during its first ever Give Kids a Smile ® event held Friday, April 3, in the Dental Clinic on Hawkeye’s Main Campus.