Calendar

Featured Events:

Mental Health Awareness Month
May 2025

14th Annual Healthiest State Walk
October 2, 2024

Workplace Well-being Conference
April 2025

5-2-1-0 Summit
October 2024

Calendar of Events

Choose a date to view events, or scroll down to see events in order of upcoming dates.

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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Jan
7

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa

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Improving Health Outcomes Through Preventing Childhood Obesity Conference
Jan
14

Improving Health Outcomes Through Preventing Childhood Obesity Conference

Healthy LifeStars will host its sixth annual conference to bring awareness, education and networking opportunities to prevent childhood obesity by bringing together like-minded people to learn and network. Join physicians, nurses, public health educators, researchers, teachers, social workers and dietitians in a conversation about the prevention of, and the implications of, childhood obesity!

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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Jan
30

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa

View Event →
Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Feb
11

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa

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Pack Has Your Back Iowa Wolves Mental Health Game
Nov
22

Pack Has Your Back Iowa Wolves Mental Health Game

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is thrilled to partner with the Iowa Wolves for the ‘Pack Has Your Back’ game highlighting mental health. Players will wear custom Make It OK Wolves jerseys created by local artist Van Holmgren, with jersey auctions pregame and a portion of ticket sales at the link below going back to HSI to support our ongoing work across Iowa. Join us on Friday, November 22 at 6:30pm to cheer on the Wolves, and highlight mental health in Iowa!

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Building On Ourselves (B.O.O.) Daye Event
Oct
26

Building On Ourselves (B.O.O.) Daye Event

The 3rd Annual Building on Ourselves Day will be October 26, 2024, at the MLK Center, 1650 Garfield Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50316. The event will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by noon. The event will feature walks ranging from one to three miles.

The Building on Ourselves event, which aims to raise health awareness among people of color, is named in honor of our esteemed Brother Broderick Richard "Boo" Daye.

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The IMT Des Moines Marathon
Oct
20

The IMT Des Moines Marathon

THE IMT DES MOINES MARATHON ADVOCATES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN THEIR HEALTH AND WELLNESS BY ENGAGING, COORDINATING, AND PROVIDING COMMUNITY RELATED RUNNING EVENTS AND INITIATIVES.

SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2002, THE DES MOINES MARATHON HAS

PROVIDED A POSITIVE IMAGE OF DES MOINES AS A PLACE TO LIVE,

WORK, AND PLAY BY OFFERING RACE DISTANCES FOR ATHLETES OF ALLAGES AND ABILITIES, INCLUDING THE IMT DES MOINES MARATHON & HALF MARATHON, BANKERS TRUST MARATHON RELAY, PRINCIPAL 5K ROAD RACE, AND THE MERCY ONE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL KIDS RUN.

Use code HSIDMM24 for 10% off the cost of registration for any event!

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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Oct
17

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa

View Event →
Walk to End Alzheimer's - Dubuque
Oct
5

Walk to End Alzheimer's - Dubuque

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Sep
30

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa

View Event →
Walk to End Alzheimer's - Cedar Valley
Sep
21

Walk to End Alzheimer's - Cedar Valley

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

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Arrowhead Obstacle Trail Run
Sep
14

Arrowhead Obstacle Trail Run

Arrowhead Obstacle Trail Run is a 5k (3.1 mile) event on the scenic trails of Arrowhead Park near Neola, Iowa featuring 15+ obstacles. There is also a 1 Mile Kid's Obstacle Trail Run with 10+ obstacles! All proceeds benefit the Pottawattamie County Trails Association.

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Walk to End Alzheimer's - Decorah
Sep
14

Walk to End Alzheimer's - Decorah

Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

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Clinton Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
Sep
8

Clinton Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Located in scenic Clinton, Iowa, runners can choose a race distance of 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon. The race starts along 5th Avenue South in Historic Downtown Clinton, quickly traversing Riverview Drive, paralleling the mighty Mississippi, with challenging hill climbs leading to Eagle Point Park’s majestic overlook of the widest part of the Mississippi River! This is one of the most exciting racing experiences of the season!

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Floatzilla 2024
Aug
17

Floatzilla 2024

Floatzilla, the largest paddle event on the Mississippi! Held annually in the beautiful Quad Cities region, Floatzilla brings together paddling enthusiasts from all over the country for a day of fun and adventure on the Mississippi River. With over a thousand participants and the river closed down to commercial watercraft, Floatzilla offers a unique opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty.

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2024 Moonlight Bike Ride
Aug
16

2024 Moonlight Bike Ride

Pump up your tires and fasten your helmet, because the Moonlight Bike Ride is back on August 16! Scheduled from 7-10:30 PM on Friday, August 16, 2024, this ride will ensure fun for the whole family! Following the Friday Night Live Summer Series, riders can head over to Central Park and get registered to ride!

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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation (Copy)
Jul
31

Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation (Copy)

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 50 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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa

View Event →
2024 Iowa Hunger Summit
Jul
31

2024 Iowa Hunger Summit

The Iowa Hunger Summit is a free, public event held each year in late summer or early fall.

The Iowa Hunger Summit brings together hundreds of Iowans from across the state representing community organizations, business and industry, state and local government, social agencies, churches and religious communities, academia and other groups that lead or participate in projects to eradicate hunger.

The event will feature speakers and panel sessions with leaders and experts in confronting hunger and food insecurity through a variety of lenses.

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Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation (Virtual)
Jul
25

Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation (Virtual)

We all have a story; let’s set an atmosphere to start healing together.

Join us in the movement to Make It OK to talk about mental illnesses in the Black community.

Did you know more than 7 million Black people in the U.S. are living with a mental health condition? You might not even know the signs, or realize it’s happening. But mental illnesses are just as common and treatable as a broken leg or bad eyesight. We’re here to start a movement and start talking about mental illnesses in our community.

We invite those who live outside of the Des Moines area to attend this session. If you are in the Des Moines metro, we invite you to attend our next in-person presentation on our events calendar.

In this 90 minute presentation you will:

  • Learn more about what Make It OK is

  • Better understand key messages and resources meant for us

  • Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and knowing how to guide people to the care and support they need.

Due to the sensitivity of this topic, we ask those interested in attending this presentation be part of the Black community. Read more about the why.

Location:
Zoom - Registration Required, linked below

Cost:
$0.00

To learn more about Back the Black prior to the presentation, visit https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/back-the-black

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Qigong at Sylvan
Jun
29

Qigong at Sylvan

Join us among the trees behind the benches at the Sylvan Theater in Greenwood Park as we do Qigong active exercises. Qigong helps remove energy blocks and balance your Qi to support good health. No experience necessary. No special clothing or equipment required. Exercises can be modified to do while sitting. There is no charge for this event.

View Event →
Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Jun
26

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 50 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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa

View Event →
Qigong at Sylvan
Jun
22

Qigong at Sylvan

Join us among the trees behind the benches at the Sylvan Theater in Greenwood Park as we do Qigong active exercises. Qigong helps remove energy blocks and balance your Qi to support good health. No experience necessary. No special clothing or equipment required. Exercises can be modified to do while sitting. There is no charge for this event.

View Event →
Qigong at Sylvan
Jun
15

Qigong at Sylvan

Join us among the trees behind the benches at the Sylvan Theater in Greenwood Park as we do Qigong active exercises. Qigong helps remove energy blocks and balance your Qi to support good health. No experience necessary. No special clothing or equipment required. Exercises can be modified to do while sitting. There is no charge for this event.

View Event →