ABOUT US
The Healthiest State Initiative
is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the goal to ensure every Iowan can live their healthiest life. By engaging worksites, communities, schools, retail food, organizations, institutions and individuals, we work to create awareness and integrate solutions to improve the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of Iowans.
Take a look at the 2023 Annual Report to see our highlights:
The best health insurance is healthy living.
Why does this matter?
Good health enriches the lives of Iowans and the state's economy. As the health of Iowans declines, this impacts the individual and their family, their place of work, the community they live in and ultimately the entire state.
One catastrophic illness that might have been prevented or better managed can wipe out a family's finances, leading to family instability, homelessness or job loss.
This trickles to the community through the loss of public engagement, reduced revenue for essential public services, and higher costs associated with the social safety net.
Our Approach
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Creating awareness and integrating solutions to improve the physical, social and mental well-being of Iowans.
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Every Iowan has the opportunity to live their healthiest life.
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Empathy: Lead with compassion and understanding
Inclusivity: Intentionally strive to understand and welcome all backgrounds and perspectives
Equity: Continuous pursuit to understand and help remove barriers
Collaboration: Valuing our partners and bringing people together
Innovation: Being open and nimble in new approaches and solutions
Integrity: Transparency in our communications and upholding our values daily
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Financial Health: strengthen the financial health of Healthiest State by identifying strategies to diversify and sustain funding sources
Organization Strength: maintain a strong staff and board team through best practices and positive culture
Programs & Services: leverage partnerships to expand access to programs in both rural and urban areas of the state
Marketing & Awareness: further strengthen the reputation of the Healthiest State Initiative through statewide awareness and partnerships
Statewide Initiatives
5-2-1-0
A nationally recognized and evidenced-based prevention framework to promote healthy habits. The goal is to increase physical activity and healthy eating through policy and environmental change.
Make It OK
A community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness
Double Up Food Bucks
A program that doubles the value of federal SNAP benefits spent at participating farmers markets and grocery stores, helping people bring home more fruits and vegetables, while also supporting local farmers.
Produce Rx
Produce prescriptions work to help foster healthier eating habits to prevent & manage chronic diseases while improving nutrition insecurity.
Healthiest State Initiative Events
Leadership
The Healthiest State Initiative is supported by dedicated members of the community serving on the board of directors, as well as a team of dedicated and passionate staff.
Meet the Healthiest State Initiative’s Team:
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Jami Haberl, MPH, MHA
Executive Director
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Peri Montufar
Donor Engagement Manager
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Jazzmine Brooks, MPA
Healthy Incentives Director
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Chase Langos
Marketing Communications Strategist
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Catie Dysert, MPH
Healthy Incentives Coordinator
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Brianna Sink
Make It OK Coordinator
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Kayla Van Gorp
Office Manager
Healthiest State Initiative Board of Directors
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Jeff Pomeranz
BOARD PRESIDENT
City Administrator, City of Cedar Rapids
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Aaron Wiese
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
President, Hy-Vee, Inc.
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Nicole Crain
BOARD TREASURER
Executive Vice President, Iowa Association of Business and Industry
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Jami Haberl
BOARD SECRETARY
Executive Director, Iowa Healthiest State Initiative
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Laura Jackson
Vice President for Health Equity, Access and Improvement, Wellmark, Inc.
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Matt Evans
Partner, Practice Leader, TrueNorth Companies
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Quentin Hart
Mayor, City of Waterloo
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Meg Schneider
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April Schmaltz
President & CEO, Delta Dental of Iowa
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Dr. Jennifer Groos
Pediatrician, Primary Health Care B. Engebretsen Medical Clinic - Iowa and Clinical Leadership Consultant, Iowa Primary Care Association
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Becky Woody
President, HealthPartners UnityPoint Health
Our Investors
Our Investors don’t just invest in the Healthiest State Initiative – they fundamentally understand and support that improving the well-being in Iowa would mean Iowans living happier, healthier lives.
The Investors listed below are organizations that have donated more than $10,000 in 2024 in support of the vision to ensure that every Iowans can live their healthiest life.
Through these donations we are able to provide a hub for local communities and partners to access statewide initiatives that support the physical, social and mental well-being of Iowans.
If you are interested in supporting the efforts of the Healthiest State Initiative, contact Peri Montufar, Donor Relations Manager.
