Calendar of Events
Featured Events:
Mental Health Awareness Month
May 2026
16th Annual Healthiest State Walk
October 7, 2026
2027 Healthiest State Conference
April 2027
2026 Healthiest State Annual Awards
Spring 2026
Choose a date to view events, or scroll down to see events in order of upcoming dates.
Have a community event you think we should know about?
Request an endorsement and we will help you spread the word!
Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Did you know 1 in 5 are diagnosed with a mental illness in a given year while 1 in 10 are diagnosed with diabetes? Yet how we talk about these two illnesses is very different.
In the 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma through key messages and resources
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and helping people get the care and support they need
Location:
ZoomCost:
$0.00To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa.
*Please note that the presentation may be subject to cancellation if the number of registered attendees does not meet the minimum threshold of 10 participants.
Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Soft Trail Stroll: Denman Woods Inner Loop
Join us for a walk at Denman Woods. This flat trail is south of Center Trails in Des Moines. Park along the south side of North Valley Drive west of the bridge over Walnut Creek. Meet by 10:00 at the west end of the bridge.
This walk uses the paved Levee Trail for 1/3 mile to get to the trail entrance. We can make a counter-clockwise tour of the inner loop of Denman Woods (or go clockwise). The return on the paved trail makes the total 2.5 miles.
Wear Green Day 2026 - Mental Health Awareness Month
Hey Iowa, make a statement and show your support for Mental Health Awareness Month by wearing your favorite green clothes on May 14th!
Share a photo with #MakeItOKIowa and #HeyIowa to social media, tag the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, and share what mental health means to you to let your network know that you support Make It OK and ending the stigma around mental illness!
Brain Health Summit 2024 Calmar | Mindful Workplaces Beyond Stigma
This year’s Summit takes a deep dive into society’s misconceptions and barriers surrounding brain health and stigma, and the importance of creating “mindful workplaces.
Goat Yoga - Iowa State Fair
Goat Yoga! This isn’t the most intensive workout, but it is guaranteed to be an experience loaded with giggles, cuddles and just the right amount of cuteness to put you in a good mood. Tickets required for each class.
Baby Animal Yoga - Iowa State Fair
This isn’t the most intensive workout, but it is guaranteed to be an experience loaded with giggles, cuddles and just the right amount of cuteness to put you in a good mood. Tickets required for each class.
Mindful Expression: Exploring Mental Health Through Artistic Creativity
An evening of conversation and inspiration with artists, writers, poets, and musicians who speak about their art and their mental health journeys. Brought to you by HSI, NAMI Iowa, and Community Support Advocates.
Economic Impact of Obesity on Employers: Identifying Paths Toward Work Force Health and Well-Being Webinar
Join the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative on April 5th for 'Economic Impact of Obesity on Employers: Identifying Paths Toward Work Force Health and Well-Being' webinar presented by Eli Lilly.