In this episode of By the Numbers, we talk to Dr. Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba, executive director of Children’s HealthWatch and a nationally recognized health policy expert. With decades of research connecting housing stability to child and family health, Stephanie shares how safe, stable, affordable housing acts as preventive care—and what communities can do to make that a reality.  

Dr. Ettinger de Cuba served as the keynote speaker at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund's 2025 Housing Matters Symposium. Listen in to hear why housing is one of the most powerful public health tools we have.

In this special edition of By the Numbers: A Public Health Podcast, members of Primary Health Care’s Student Advisory Council host part two of a podcast takeover to discuss youth mental health and the stigma that so often surrounds it.

From the pressures of school and social media to the challenges of seeking help, these young leaders share their perspectives on what it’s really like to navigate mental health as a teen. They also talk about ways to break the stigma, support friends, and advocate for better resources.  

Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation—because mental health matters. Enjoy the second episode of Health Ya! with the PHC Student Advisory Council. 

In this special edition of By the Numbers: A Public Health Podcast, members of Primary Health Care’s Student Advisory Council host a podcast takeover to discuss youth mental health and the stigma that so often surrounds it.  

From the pressures of school and social media to the challenges of seeking help, these young leaders share their perspectives on what it’s really like to navigate mental health as a teen. They also talk about ways to break the stigma, support friends, and advocate for better resources.  

Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation—because mental health matters. Enjoy the very first episode of Health Ya! with the PHC Student Advisory Council. 

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, but it's also preventable. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles. In this episode of By the Numbers, we talk with Dr. Nathan Boonstra, a pediatrician at Blank Children's Hospital and chair of Iowa Immunizes, about the recent measles outbreaks and the role of immunization in keeping communities safe. 

Learn more about measles from Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/measles

Visit the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center: https://www.chop.edu/vaccine-education-center

Listen to a previous episode of By the Numbers about childhood immunizations in Polk County: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2389255/episodes/15481951

Are you one of the 20,000 homeowners that received a letter from Des Moines Water Works saying you may have a lead or galvanized water service line? We're joined by Ted Corrigan, CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works to talk about what that means. 

We're also joined by Frank Morano, Lead Abatement Coordinator and HUD Program Manager with the Polk County Health Department to learn about the health and safety risks of exposure to lead and some other places you might find it in your home. 

Find information about lead service lines from Des Moines Water Works here: https://www.dmww.com/water_service/service_lines/lead_reduction_pilot.php

And learn more about PCHD's Lead Hazard Removal program: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health-department/lead-hazard-home-repair-and-lead-poisoning-information/lead-hazard-home-repair/

In this special edition of By the Numbers, we dive into part three of a three-episode series about the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) that was completed in Dallas, Polk, and Warren Counties. 

The 2024 CHNA revealed that 37.1% of survey participants experienced or worried about meeting their food needs. Everyone needs access to nutritious food to thrive.

Matt Unger of DMARC and Melissa Stimple of Waukee Area Christian Services join the podcast to talk about the state of food security in our community, and how we can work together to ensure everyone has access to healthy meals.

Read the full CHNA and In Good Health Regional Plan: bit.ly/InGoodHealthCHNA

Read the ALICE Report from United Way of Central Iowa: https://www.uwiowa.org/united-way-alice-report-iowa

See the data about food insecurity in our community from DMARC: https://dmarcunited.org/our-stories/data/

In this special edition of By the Numbers, we dive into part two of a three-episode series about the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) that was completed in Dallas, Polk, and Warren Counties. 

The 2024 CHNA revealed that 42 percent of respondents worried about paying for their housing in the previous year. Angie Arthur of Homeward Iowa and Matt Hauge of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund join the podcast to talk about what this means for individuals, families, and the broader community. 

Read the full CHNA and In Good Health Regional Plan: bit.ly/InGoodHealthCHNA

In this special edition of By the Numbers, we kick off a three-episode series about the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) that was completed in Dallas, Polk, and Warren Counties. In part one, we learn what the assessment is, and explore the connection between financial stability and health. 

The 2024 CHNA revealed that 36 percent of respondents could not cover a $400 emergency expense. Dr. Nalo Johnson of the Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and Anne Bacon of IMPACT Community Action Partnership join the podcast to talk about what this means for individuals, families, and the broader community. 

Stay tuned for parts two and three of the CHNA series, where we'll discuss two other key priorities identified by the CHNA: housing and food security. 

Read the full CHNA and In Good Health Regional Plan: bit.ly/InGoodHealthCHNA

According to a report from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in Iowa have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. In this episode of By the Numbers, we're joined by Lori Jensen of Children and Families of Iowa to discuss the hidden crisis taking place in communities here and across the country.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can get help by visiting survivorshelpline.org or calling 1-800-770-1650.

Additional resources are available on the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence website: icadv.org/iowa-victim-service-programs

Iowa has had a record 122 tornadoes in 2024. In this episode of By the Numbers, we dive into how to be prepared for emergencies like natural disasters with two local experts. We hear about the personal experience of a family who lost everything in the E4 tornado that tore through Greenfield, Iowa in May 2024, and learn the important lessons they would like to share with others.