Healthiest State Annual Awards Recognize Four Iowans Creating Healthier Communities
The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Healthiest State Annual Awards, recognizing four outstanding Iowans whose leadership and dedication are helping create healthier communities across the state.
The Healthiest State Annual Awards recognize individuals and organizations who are advancing the physical, social and mental well-being of Iowans through innovative programs, partnerships and community leadership. The 2026 awards are presented by Holmes Murphy, Bankers Trust and the Iowa Medical Society.
The 2026 award recipients are:
Carol Luce of Waterloo, recognized for empowering young people to lead and advance youth mental health across Iowa.
Sara Carlson of Muscatine, recognized for bringing Make It OK to her community and creating opportunities for open conversations about mental illness.
Shaffer Ridgeway of Waterloo, recognized for connecting healthy land, nutritious food and stronger communities through conservation, farming and education.
Jill Barr of Spencer, recognized for connecting community partners to strengthen behavioral health resources and access to care in Clay County.
Each recipient will be featured in a weekly video spotlight throughout October, highlighting their work and impact in communities across Iowa.
"Each of these honorees has found a unique way to improve the health and well-being of their community," said Jami Haberl, executive director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. "Their passion, leadership and commitment to helping others demonstrates that meaningful change often starts at the local level. Whether through youth leadership, mental health advocacy, community partnerships or strengthening local food systems, they are making a meaningful difference in the lives of Iowans. We are honored to recognize their achievements and share their stories."
The winner spotlight videos will be released throughout October on the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative website and social media channels.
For more information about the Healthiest State Annual Awards, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com/awards.
###
The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven to ensure that every Iowan has the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Creating awareness and integrating solutions to improve the physical, social and mental well-being of Iowans, we can inspire individuals and their communities to improve their health and happiness, and ultimately achieve our goal.