FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 02, 2026
Contact: Black Hawk County Public Health
Phone: (319) 291-2413
publichealth@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov
Black Hawk County Public Health Releases Community Health Assessment Results and Roadmap for Improvement
Black Hawk County Public Health announces the release of the most recent Community Health Improvement documents, which summarize findings from the Community Health Assessment, describe the community prioritization process, and outline the resulting Community Health Improvement Roadmap. Together, these resources are designed to help community members, organizations, and decision-makers better understand local health needs and use the findings to inform planning, partnerships, and action.
This comprehensive process reflects a collaborative effort among Black Hawk County Public Health, MercyOne Northeast Iowa, Peoples Community Health Clinic, and UnityPoint Health– Allen Hospital. The partners followed the national, evidence-based framework Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships, which guides communities through three phases: building the foundation, telling the community’s story, and continuously improving community health.
The assessment and analysis were conducted over a six-month period and drew on multiple data sources to capture a well-rounded picture of community health. These included three in-depth assessments examining health outcomes, health behaviors, and upstream factors that influence well-being. Data collection efforts included primary and secondary data analysis; a community survey with 1,100 completed responses; community outreach events; and engagement through community health workers and navigators. These approaches helped expand participation and ensured the findings reflected the experiences and demographics of the community. Community partners also contributed through a targeted survey focused on accessible communication and data use.
Assessment findings were shared with community partners, organizations, and residents during a community meeting where participants explored ten issue themes and identified critical areas of opportunity for improving community health. Through this process, the following priorities were identified:
· Economic Stability
· Transportation Challenges
· Housing Stability
“These responses offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities we face as a community,” said Kaitlin Emrich, Director of Black Hawk County Public Health. “We are grateful to the community members who shared their perspectives and experiences and to the partners who made this work possible.”
The findings are already guiding local health organizations as they develop implementation plans that inform policies, investments, and organizational priorities. The documents are also intended to serve as a resource for community-based organizations, local leaders, and residents seeking data and shared priorities to support their own planning and improvement efforts.
Advancing Together in the Cedar Valley
The assessment findings also informed the development of the Advancing Together in the Cedar Valley Community Health Improvement Roadmap. Advancing Together in the Cedar Valley is a coalition of more than 40 community partners, with core planning partners including the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa and One Cedar Valley. The coalition works to create a strong foundation for long-term impact and a Cedar Valley where all people feel welcome and have opportunities to thrive.
The roadmap outlines actionable strategies aligned with existing efforts across the community and focuses on the three priority areas identified through the assessment process.
“This plan identifies clear, actionable steps to address critical priorities that impact overall community well-being,” said Emrich. “By focusing on economic stability, transportation challenges, and housing stability, we can combine resources and relationships to build momentum for meaningful and measurable change.”
Learn More and Get Involved
The complete Community Health Assessment report, data fact sheets, executive summary, and a one-page overview flyer are available at:
https://www.bhcpublichealth.org/our-approach/community-health-improvement
This work is ongoing and depends on partnership. Community members, healthcare providers, policymakers, and local organizations are invited to use these resources and join efforts to advance a Cedar Valley where everyone has the opportunity tolive well and thrive.
For more information or to share how you are using the findings, contact:
publichealth@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov
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Black Hawk County Public Health exists to ensure that people in our community have equitable opportunities and resources to lead healthier, more fulfilling, and longer lives. Established in 1969, the health department's mission is to protect people in our community from health hazards, promote healthy behaviors, and prevent disease. Black Hawk County Public Health was accredited by the National Public Health Accreditation Board in 2022. For more information about health department services visit the Black Hawk County Public Health website.