Polk County Health Department and Des Moines University Launch Academic Health Department Partnership
POLK COUNTY, Iowa (07/14/2026) — The Polk County Health Department and Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences have formally established an Academic Health Department partnership, creating a collaborative relationship that connects public health practice, education, research, and workforce development.
The partnership was finalized at the Polk County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 14 through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations.
Academic Health Departments are formal partnerships between health departments and academic institutions that create opportunities for students, faculty, and public health professionals to work together to improve community health. Similar to the role teaching hospitals play in training physicians, Academic Health Departments help prepare the next generation of public health professionals through hands-on experience and applied learning.
"Public health challenges are increasingly complex and require strong partnerships," says Juliann Van Liew, director of the Polk County Health Department. "This collaboration with Des Moines University allows us to strengthen our workforce, support future public health leaders, and bring academic expertise into local public health practice to better serve our community."
Through the partnership, PCHD and DMU will collaborate on student internships and field experiences, research and evaluation projects, workforce development initiatives, guest teaching opportunities, and community health improvement efforts.
"This partnership creates meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that prepare our students to become effective public health professionals. By working alongside the Polk County Health Department, DMU students will gain real-world experience, apply classroom knowledge in community settings and develop the skills needed to address complex health challenges," says Rachel Reimer, PhD, MS, department chair of public health programs. "This is a truly exciting opportunity that will enhance their education and help build the future public health workforce."
The Polk County Health Department creates the conditions for all people to live healthy lives by following the science, empowering individuals, and leveraging the strength of our collective community.
Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences offers graduate-level professional degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration, medical science, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment.
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Des Moines University
Denise Lamphier, 515-271-1382, media@dmu.edu and Addie Olson, Polk County Health Department Communications Supervisor, 515-782-7236, addria.olson@polkcountyiowa.govShare this Story
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