HSI Monthly Momentum - February 2025
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!
HSI Updates
The Healthiest State Initiative team participated in Can Play’s Courage on the Court. The event featured a 3-on-3 wheel chair basketball tournament inviting participants to experience someone else’s perspective, while helping fundraise for the amazing work of Can Play! While we had a blast hitting the hardwood with other nonprofits and organizations, we think we will stick to our day jobs…see some of the action from the day on our Instagram page!
Executive Director Jami Haberl attended the Health Care Symposium, which provided a comprehensive view of health and wellness in the region. Key insights included updates from Nicole Carkner on the Quad Cities Community Health Assessment, Dr. Richard Whitaker’s take on mental health challenges, and Haley DeGreve’s focus on mental wellness with The Gray Matters Collective. The event also featured a panel discussion from local business leaders sharing how their organizations promote workplace wellness. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about health care efforts shaping the Quad Cities community.
She also attended Delta Dental of Iowa's first in-person Green Room event, which featured Dr. Steven Rogelberg, an expert in organizational psychology, who shared evidence-based strategies for creating more effective and engaging meetings. Rogelberg discussed how meetings, often viewed as unproductive, can become opportunities for personal and team development when conducted properly.
2025 Healthiest State Conference
Registration for the 2025 Healthiest State Conference presented by Wellabe opened in February. Designed for HR professionals, wellness coordinators, and organizational leaders, the conference offers educational opportunities to advance workplace and community well-being. Attendees will gain insights into the latest wellness initiatives, connect with industry professionals, and access tools to drive meaningful change. Check out our all-star lineup of keynote and breakout session speakers and register to join us April 16 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny!
Make It OK
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we are gearing up to fuel you with tools and resources you can bring into your own campaign this year. Follow our socials and subscribe to our newsletter to get notified of our 2025 MHAM Toolkit today!
A new Ambassador joined the Make It OK Ambassador team in February to help spread mental health information and reduce stigma in their community! Interested in helping us share our campaign across the state? Check out our Ambassador program.
Double Up Food Bucks
The new Double Up Food Bucks website launched in February! Users can explore our new interactive map to find participating locations nearby and check out resources to help them make the most of their budget at the store and in the kitchen. Sites interested in getting involved can discover ways to support the program and request materials for their organization as well! Visit the new www.doubleupiowa.org today!
Produce Prescription
A busy month for Produce Prescription news!
Healthy Incentive Programs are live on the national social care coordination platform, Unite Us. Participating health care partners can now make online referrals to the Produce Prescription Program and give their patients information about Double Up Food Bucks while connecting them with other social care needs.
Catie attended an Iowa Latinx Project update meeting and learned about the Nuestro Iowa Report and data dashboard. The Report and data dashboard help advance understanding of the issues regarding the Latinx community in Iowa and are a valuable resource to inform opportunities for collaboration.
HSI was selected to participate in one-on-one support sessions with the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation of Harvard Law School (CHLPI). These technical advising sessions will focus on improving Produce Prescription and Food is Medicine implementation and policies in Iowa!