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Iowa Medicaid Director Elected NAMD President Elect

Iowa Medicaid Director Lee Grossman has been elected President Elect of the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD), effective April 1, 2026. This appointment highlights Iowa's role in national Medicaid policy discussions and the sharing of best practices among states.

Iowa HHS Reports First Flu Death of Season

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported the first influenza-related death of the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. The deceased was an older adult from southwest Iowa. HHS encourages preventative measures and vaccination.

Iowa Safe Haven Law - Baby Boy Placed with Foster Family

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that a baby boy, born in October, has been placed with a foster family under the state's Safe Haven Law. This marks the 79th infant placed since the law's inception over two decades ago.

Iowa SNAP Benefits Resume After Federal Shutdown

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that SNAP benefits for November are being issued following the resolution of a federal government shutdown. Over 130,000 Iowa households rely on these benefits. Additionally, Iowa's food banks successfully met a $1 million donation match challenge.

Iowa Measles Exposure Locations Released

Iowa health officials have released locations in eastern Iowa where individuals may have been exposed to measles. The notice follows a report of an Illinois resident with confirmed measles traveling through Iowa while infectious. The state is advising unvaccinated individuals born after 1957 who visited the identified location to monitor for symptoms.

Idaho Lawmakers Raise Funds for Youth in Foster Care

Idaho lawmakers and community partners raised over $66,000 through a Christmas gift drive to support youth aged 16-23 in foster care. The funds will provide gift cards for essential needs as these young people transition to adulthood. The initiative aims to show community support for older foster youth.

Idaho Foster Families Invited to Winter Event

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation are hosting a winter event for foster, kinship, and adoptive families on January 24, 2026. The event aims to provide seasonal outdoor activities and programming tied to America's 250th anniversary, while also highlighting the ongoing need for foster parents in Idaho.

Idaho DHW Increases Efforts to Prevent Child Care Program Fraud

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) is increasing efforts to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in its Child Care Program. This includes heightened reviews of previously disbursed subsidies and potential provider termination. DHW conducted 1,045 grant evaluations, identifying discrepancies and initiating corrective actions.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Foster Family Night

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is partnering with the Idaho Steelheads to host a Foster Family Night on February 7, 2026. This event aims to celebrate and support foster families in Idaho, recognizing their contributions and providing an opportunity for community connection.

Idaho Water Body Health Advisories Lifted for Winter

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) has lifted health advisories for water bodies affected by cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) as winter approaches. While advisories are removed, the DHW urges continued caution, especially for animals, when recreating near water bodies that previously experienced blooms.