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Public‑health update: $1 million lead‑hazard grant, SAFHER food‑inspection rollout and staffing gaps noted
Summary
Black Hawk County public‑health staff reported receiving a $1 million Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant, plans to implement a new SAFHER food‑inspection program starting July 2026, and two vacant food‑inspector positions at the May 27 board meeting.
Deputy Director Tai Burkhart and department staff updated the board on disease surveillance, Naloxone distribution and environmental‑health operations, reporting a mix of program and staffing developments.
The department reported receiving a $1 million Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant; meeting minutes note that the grant will require Emrich’s signatory authority. Staff also described implementation plans for a new food‑inspection program called SAFHER, with an anticipated start date of July 2026, and said two food inspector positions remain vacant. Sesterhenn noted an opportunity to engage the Qii Regenerative Intelligence Institute at the University of Northern Iowa to involve people with lived experience in community health improvement initiatives. The board also discussed District 7’s transition to a lead‑entity model for public‑health services and raised concerns about administrative burden and unclear processes.
Board members did not take formal action on these updates at the May 27 meeting; staff were directed to continue planning and coordination.
