(Des Moines) Several area organizations are finalists for the 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards. Individuals, communities, K-12 schools, early care providers, out-of-school programs, health care providers, and workplaces will be recognized for their efforts to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of Iowans in an online ceremony on Feb. 17.
“This year’s finalists have gone above and beyond to help create healthier environments where Iowans to live, learn, work and play,” said Jami Haberl, Healthiest State Initiative executive director. “We are excited to highlight their efforts and honor them in our online award ceremony.”
Harlan, Manning, and Stanton are three of eight finalists for the Healthy Hometown Wellmark Community Award. Cass Health in Atlantic is a finalist for the Health Care Category. Little Fry’s Daycare in Council Bluffs is a finalist for the Early Care category, and the Children’s Center in Council Bluffs is on the shortlist for the out of “School Program” category.
Winners will be announced at the 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards on Feb. 17. The online ceremony will also feature a keynote address from U.S. two-time Paralympic athlete Jessica Heims. Heims, an Iowa native and University of Northern Iowa graduate, competed at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games in the discus throw.
Each winner will be awarded a monetary gift to continue their efforts. The 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards are sponsored by Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield®, HealthPartners UnityPoint Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Iowa Medical Society.
Iowans are invited to tune in to the 2022 Healthiest State Annual Award online ceremony on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. on the Healthiest State Initiative Facebook page and YouTube channel. More information will be posted in the weeks leading up to the event at IowaHealthiestState.com/Awards.
