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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

                                             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.

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.

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 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.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to building safer communities across Iowa.