Board of Health

Local Boards of Health have existed in Iowa since 1866. The original Local Health Law of 1866, designated the mayor and members of the town coucnil of towns and cities, or the trustees of townships, as constituting the local board of health. This law granted local boards the authority to establish regulations for public health and safety, to control nuisances, and regulate sources of filth and causes of sickness in communitites.

The Local Health Act of 1967, marked the beginning of a new era of public health in Iowa. This law, Chapter 137 of the Code of Iowa, requires each county to establish a local board of health, with one member being a physician licensed by the state of Iowa. Members are appointed by the county board of supervisors with populations greater than 25,000 "Could establish a city board of health, as is the case in: Council Bluffs. Members of the city board are appointed by the Mayor.

The Board of Health subscribes to the concept .of health as a state of complete physical mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition."

Board of Health