Michaela Ramm

Cedar Rapids native and community organizer Sami Scheetz, 25, will run as a Democrat for the state Senate District 33 seat.

The statewide free COVID-19 testing program, Test Iowa, will end operations by July 16. The Linn County testing site in Cedar Rapids will close on Thursday, June 24.

Breanna Oxley announced she will be running for Iowa State Senate District 33 seat after long-time lawmaker Sen. Rob Hogg announced he would not be seeking re-election.

The Twitter account @IAVaccineAlerts that has helped Iowans find open COVID-19 appointments has ended its alerts as demand for the vaccine has significantly dropped.

Chains Interrupted, a Cedar Rapids non-profit dedicated to combating human trafficking in Eastern Iowa, will host its third annual Freedom Ride Saturday, June 26 to raise awareness on the issue.

Crestview Acres has a one-star overall rating, placing it well below average on health inspections, staffing and quality of resident care, records show.

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the state’s largest health insurer, announced it is seeking federal approval to begin offering Medicare Advantage plans for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2022.

As Eastern Iowa summer camps are implementing new COVID-19 mitigation strategies as they prepare to welcome back the first campers of the year, including mask requirements as campers sit around the campfire and enjoy other summertime traditions.

A family medicine physician at MercyCare Monticello, Dr. Stephen Runde, recently received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to serve as an aviation medical examiner for pilots.

The CDC has awarded $500,000 to the University of Iowa and other public health organizations to improve COVID-19 vaccine rates in 17 of Iowa’s smallest communities.

Some local physicians are worried the community won’t reach herd immunity against COVID-19, and urge residents to continue taking precautions when necessary.

University of Iowa Health Care researchers will be texting the migrant workers in Iowa -- a population largely “invisible” in health care -- this summer to find out about their health.

An older adult between the ages of 61 and 80 years is Iowa’s first confirmed case of West Nile virus this year.

Though a merger of the agencies hasn’t been confirmed, an assessment announced by state officials this week aims to align the state’s public health and human services department to conduct business more effectively and efficiently.

Any community member in need can receive up to 50 diapers once a month.