Letter to the Editor - Is Public Health an Essential Service for Winneshiek County?

Our Driftless region deserves more than postcards — it deserves a watchdog. Be that support. Dear Editor, Is public health an essential service for Winneshiek County? Public health is the central hub for reports of provided local health services, of wells and septic systems in the county and updates on the number of people served in Winneshiek County by Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) funding grants. There are more reports and discussion during a monthly meeting of the Winneshiek County Board of Health. The monthly agenda includes reports by the county environmental specialist, reports on the number of communicable diseases such as measles and updates on services provided to county residents not funded by the county budget. A clearly stated agenda has three areas of accountability that correspond to the goals of the organization. The titles are Assessment, Policy Development and Assurance. All are invited to attend the monthly board meetings in person or on an electronic application. Public health is a quiet and efficient organization staffed by nurses and administration personnel who are dedicated to serving residents of the county. Often citizens are not aware of public health until a need for a resource is required for a family or community member. Newspaper reports of supervisor's budget discussions can surface awareness of public health. In the county budget development process, public health has a history. During the four years I have been an observer of the county budget process, public health has been questioned about efficiency, staff numbers, revenue and expenses. Warning signs in the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget for public health cannot be dismissed as impossible. Citizen can contact the five county supervisors to register their view of public health. May we each hold public health as an essential service in Winneshiek County. Elaine St. Clair Decorah, Iowa Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.