Partners working together

Approach

Mission

Creating awareness and integrating solutions to improve the physical, social and mental well-being of Iowans. 

Vision

Every Iowan has the opportunity to live their healthiest life. 

Values

  • 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 

Goals

  • 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 Healthy Choices Count!

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.

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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.

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Make It OK

A community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness

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Iowa Produce Rx
Iowa Produce Prescription

Produce prescriptions work to help foster healthier eating habits to prevent & manage chronic diseases while improving nutrition insecurity. 

Healthiest State Initiative Events

Awards
Annual Awards

Annual reception to celebrate workplaces, schools, early care, out-of-school programs, individual leaders and communities for taking steps to improve the health of Iowans.

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Annual Conference
Annual Conference

Education and networking opportunity to bring together Iowans to learn and network with others interested in improving the physical, social and emotional well-being of Iowans.

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Annual Walk
Annual Walk

Held the first Wednesday of October across all 99 counties to motivate Iowans to walk for 30 minutes every day.

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Healthiest State Month
Healthiest State Month

Celebrate 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! during October. Each week during the month will focus on one of the healthy habits featured in 5-2-1-0.

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5-2-1-0 Summit
5-2-1-0 Summit

Event to bring together school, health care, early-care and out-of-school programs for a day of learning and networking on how to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

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  • Career and Internship Opportunities

    As a non-profit professional association, the Healthiest State Initiative seeks to share career opportunities within Iowa's health and well-being community.

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  • About

    Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by improving the physical, social and emotional well-being of Iowans.

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  • 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.

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