How 2024 Annual Award Winners Spent Their Prize Money
2024 Healthiest State Annual Award winners are announced during two award ceremonies at the 2024 Workplace Well-being Conference in April and the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Summit in October. These winners were recognized for their work to improve the physical, social, and emotional well-being of Iowans and were each awarded a monetary prize to continue those efforts. Winners in categories to be announced at the 5-2-1-0 Summit in October will reveal their projects at a later date.
Individual Winner: $1,000
Melanie Bauch (Northeast Iowa Wellness & Recreation Center)
Melanine, the Director of Operations for Northeast Iowa Wellness & Recreation Center, used her funds to improve their regular 5K marathon. A digital race timing clock, directional arrow signs, start and finish line flags, and tables with canopies. Want to join the in the fun? The center is planning to host another 5K in the fall, with reduced prices for kids—a family fun activity!
Youth Power Winner: $1,000
Lauren Schroeder
Lauren donated her prize money to the Calamus-Wheatland FFA Alumni Association.
Her donation will support their work to help members develop leadership skills, learn about agriculture, and prepare for careers
Small Workplace Winner: $1,000
Grundy County Memorial Hospital
Grundy County Memorial Hospital is finishing up a new, 6-foot wide, ½ mile long, walking path which encircles the hospital campus. The walking path is on GCMH property, and to promote the health and wellbeing of their Associates, they’re encouraging them to use it during meal and break periods as well as before and after work. The walking path will be formally introduced to their Associates, and the community, on Wednesday October 2 as they host the Healthiest State Walk and lead a Walk With a Doc event at noon that day. In the meantime, they have asked Grundy County Memorial Hospital Associates to submit their ideas for naming the path, awarding quality hiking socks to the lucky Associate who turns in the winning name.
Iowa Healthiest State Initiative prize money will also help with the creation of walking path signage. Signage will include distance information, path etiquette, and tobacco/nicotine free notices!
Medium Workplace Winner: $1,000
Bayer CropScience
Bayer’s Family, Safety & Health Committee’s plans to utilize their prize money to support their ongoing efforts to influence their employee population’s exposure to overall wellness. It will help fund their celebration surrounding Health & Safety Day on Thursday, September 12th that includes activities likeLunch and Learn with Dr. Chris Scholz from Vision Center, P.C. , Muscatine: Eye Safety with emphasis on Chemical Exposure
Biometric Screening Event with Quest Lab
Body Composition Assessments
Fire Extinguisher Training
All participants will receive a fire extinguisher
Site Seat Belt Checks
Health Information Booths:
All employees will receive fire blankets and information to build an at home fire escape plan
Bookmarks explaining how to perform a skin check with photos of abnormal moles
988 mental health stickers, magnets and wallet cards
Free 10 minute chair massage
Additionally, it will help the committee to partner with Hy-Vee to offer lunch and learn in-person presentations covering topics like 5 tips for packing a healthier lunch, healthy holidays, good mood foods, and heart health! Pictures to come after each event!
Large Workplace Winner: $1,000
Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
More information coming soon!