Healthy Hometowns: Combat Cancer Prevention and Screening
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2026
Contact: Marion County Public Health Department
Phone: (641) 828-2238
publichealth@marioncountyiowa.gov
Healthy Hometowns: Combat Cancer Prevention and Screening
Marion County Public Health Department has received Notice of Intent to Award from the State of Iowa through the Rural Health Transformation Program to lead a statewide effort aimed at reducing cancer-related disparities in rural Iowa.
As the lead contractor for the grant, Marion County Public Health (MCPHD) will collaborate with Local Public Health Departments across 87 rural Iowa counties to implement a coordinated, evidence-based approach to cancer prevention, screening, early detection, and access to care.
Through this initiative, MCPHD and its partners will deliver targeted cancer awareness messaging, expand access to screening and early detection services, reduce lung cancer risk through radon testing and mitigation, strengthen the rural radon mitigation workforce, and improve access to cancer-related health services through telehealth and financial assistance.
“Iowa’s cancer rates have been concerning for some time and the Healthy Hometowns Combat Cancer Prevention and Screening program enables us to fight back. We will promote early detection and screening, educate the public on available resources, and ensure no one walks alone. Local public health departments have spent decades serving their communities and we are grateful to partner with departments across the state through this program, supporting each other and caring for our residents along the way.” Public Health Director, Linsey Spoelstra.
Iowa currently has the second highest cancer incidence rate in the nation. This coordinated effort will establish a sustainable network of trusted local partners working together to improve cancer outcomes and reduce health disparities for rural Iowans.
