Epidemiological Profile for Iowa, 2002

This statewide profile describes the epidemiology of HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases in Iowa through December, 2002. The report characterizes the distribution of these diseases in terms of geography, race, gender, age, and associated causal factors. This epidemiological profile has been prepared to assist in developing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care Plan. This description of the HIV epidemic in the state serves to guide prevention and service efforts, to quantify unmet need for prevention and care programs, and to evaluate programs and policies in Iowa. Five key questions are addressed: 1. What are the sociodemographic characteristics of Iowa’s population? 2. What is the epidemiology, including the geographical distribution, of HIV, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Iowa? 3. Who is at the greatest risk of becoming infected with HIV and other STDs in Iowa? 4. What are the patterns of utilization of HIV services throughout the state? 5. What are the number and characteristics of persons who know they are HIV-positive, but who are not receiving primary medical care?

The Burden of Injury in Iowa, December 2008

Injuries are a major public health concern that affects the lives of all Iowans, regardless of age, race, gender, or size of county. Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for Iowans between the ages of 1 and 34, while suicides and/or homicides also rank among the top 5 leading causes of death for Iowans between the ages of 1 and 54. Unintentional injury is the 5th leading cause of death for all Iowans, with over 1,500 injury deaths occurring on average each year (from 2002‐ 2006) in Iowa. Injuries also lead to more than 17,000 hospitalizations in Iowa each year and more than 250,000 emergency department (ED) visits. Further, untold numbers of Iowans do not seek medical care for many of the injuries they may incur. Because injuries are preventable, they lead to unnecessary medical costs, economic losses, reduced productivity, and immense physical and emotional strain.