The Healthiest State Annual Awards is our prestigious recognition program honoring four individuals for implementing best practices that support the physical, social and mental well-being of Iowans across the state. Any Iowan working to improve health in schools, workplaces or communities may apply or be nominated.
2026 Annual
Award Winners
Carol Luce
Waterloo Youth City Council
For more than a decade, Carol Luce has empowered young people to become leaders and advocates in their communities. Through her work with the Waterloo Youth City Council, she has helped youth develop initiatives focused on mental health awareness, community engagement and civic leadership, creating opportunities for young Iowans to drive meaningful change and improve well-being across the state.
Waterloo Youth City Council
Carol Luce
For more than a decade, Carol Luce has empowered young people to become leaders and advocates in their communities. Through her work with the Waterloo Youth City Council, she has helped youth develop initiatives focused on mental health awareness, community engagement and civic leadership, creating opportunities for young Iowans to drive meaningful change and improve well-being across the state.
Shaffer Ridgeway
Southern Goods LLC, NRCS, Iowa Farmers of Color, Embracing Exploration
Shaffer Ridgeway has worked to improve community health by connecting conservation, agriculture and food access. Through farming, education and mentorship, he has helped create opportunities for Iowans to access fresh foods, learn sustainable practices and build healthier communities.
Southern Goods LLC, NRCS, Iowa Farmers of Color, Embracing Exploration
Shaffer Ridgeway
Shaffer Ridgeway has worked to improve community health by connecting conservation, agriculture and food access. Through farming, education and mentorship, he has helped create opportunities for Iowans to access fresh foods, learn sustainable practices and build healthier communities.
Sara Carlson
Make It OK Muscatine
Sara Carlson
Sara Carlson is dedicated to improving mental well-being through community education, awareness and advocacy. By bringing Make It OK to Muscatine, she has helped create opportunities for open conversations about mental illness and strengthen support for those affected.
Make It OK Muscatine
Sara Carlson is dedicated to improving mental well-being through community education, awareness and advocacy. By bringing Make It OK to Muscatine, she has helped create opportunities for open conversations about mental illness and strengthen support for those affected.
Clay County Behavioral Health LINC
Jill Bar
Jill Barr
Clay County Behavioral Health LINC
Jill Barr is committed to improving behavioral health and well-being through community collaboration. Her efforts have brought organizations together, increased awareness of available resources and helped connect Iowans with the support they need.
Jill Barr is committed to improving behavioral health and well-being through community collaboration. Her efforts have brought organizations together, increased awareness of available resources and helped connect Iowans with the support they need.
2025 Award Winner Projects
Check in with our 2025 Healthiest State Award winners. Each received a monetary award to continue their efforts to create healthier environments for their students, employees and fellow citizens.
The 2026 Healthiest State Annual Awards are brought to you by:
