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Des Moines, Iowa, August 10, 2005 – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today launched a statewide campaign, Protect Iowa Health, to make Iowans aware of potential public health emergencies, how to prepare for them and what to do if one should happen. Protect Iowa Health is being launched in collaboration with the state’s local public health agencies, emergency medical services and hospitals. The statewide media blitz begins Monday, August 15, and focuses on “Iowa Heroes,” highlighting how ordinary Iowans become heroes by preparing themselves and their families for a public health emergency. The campaign promotes an easy-to-use guidebook featuring information on how to create a communications plan, assemble an emergency supply kit, and cope with an emergency. “The purpose of this campaign is to help Iowans be ready should a major public health emergency occur. We can’t predict what will happen, but we can be prepared,” says IDPH Director Dr. Mary Mincer Hansen, R.N., Ph.D. In a statewide survey conducted in July, only eight percent of respondents believe they are completely prepared for a public health emergency and 14.5 percent had a personal plan in place. Protect Iowa Health public education campaign will include various public outreach activities and community partnerships. Currently, partnerships have been established with Hy-Vee Food Stores, Casey’s General Stores, U.S. Cellular, and Iowa State University Extension. The easy-to-use guidebook will be available starting August 15 by calling 866-339-7906 or logging onto www.protectiowahealth.org. Guidebooks will also be available at participating locations across the state, for a complete listing log onto www.protectiowahealth.org.
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