HSI Monthly Momentum - December 2024
The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s programs and events strive to create awareness and provide solutions to improve the physical, social and mental well-being of Iowans. Every month through Monthly Momentum, we’ll share what our team did through our four main programs Make It OK, Double Up Food Bucks, Produce Rx, and 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! the month prior to realize that mission! There are tons of ways to get involved whether your passion is mental, social, or physical health, so join us in ensuring every Iowan can live their healthiest life, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media so you never miss a thing!
In the Community and HSI Updates
Jami, Peri and Chase at the Scheels Day of Giving
Executive Director, Jami, presented at the Quad City Health Initiative, a community partnership seeking to create a healthy community, regarding updates and opportunities for collaboration.
HSI team members Jami, Peri, and Chase joined a group of amazing nonprofits from around central Iowa for the Scheels Day of Giving! Scheels is a wonderful community partner and supporter for HSI and many other organizations.
Finally, Jami and Catie attended the National Produce Prescription Collaborative annual meeting where former administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Tom Scully spoke.
HSI Updates
December had a very special milestone for HSI, last month marked 10 years of amazing work for our Executive Director, Jami! In her decade with HSI the team has more than doubled, and all of our current programs started under her watch. Thank you for your hard work and guidance Jami!
Make It OK
The Make It OK community comes together virtually once a quarter to share ideas and support each other on the strides individuals and organizations are taking to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. December was our final meeting of 2024 and amazing ideas were shared between Make It OK Workplaces. HSI also trained 7 new ambassadors!
Produce Rx
This month, our team developed partnerships with two new health care centers and will extend the Iowa Produce Prescription Program to two new communities—All Care Health Center in Council Bluffs, and Siouxland Community Health Center in Sioux City!
Double Up Food Bucks
Jami, Jazzmine, Kayla, and Catie also attended the 2024 USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Project Directors Meeting. They had the opportunity to meet individuals operating programs like Double Up Food Bucks and Produce Prescription Programs from around the country and discuss the important work happening in these fields.