2017 Iowa Hunger Directory 2017 Edition | Page 318

Iowa Healthiest State Initiative DESCRIPTION CONTACT NAME Aryn McLaren EMAIL [email protected] PHONE 515-309-3227 OFFICE ADDRESS 301 Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309 TYPE OF WORK Government Agency, Community Based, Educational/School COUNTIES Activities Statewide The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative is a privately led public initiative intended to inspire Iowans and their communities throughout the state to improve their health and happiness. To achieve this goal, individuals, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, not-for-profits and the public sector will unite in a community-focused effort to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. As part of Iowa’s efforts to become the #1 state in well-being, the Healthiest State Initiative has identified five priorities on which to focus:  Decreasing the number of Iowans who smoke  Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables  Increasing the number of Iowans who are learning or doing something interesting daily  Increasing the number of Iowans who have visited the dentist in the last year  Increasing the number of Iowans who feel their boss treats them like a partner at work The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative organizes "Healthiest State Walks" through partnerships in all 99 Iowa counties. They also endorse events whose primary purpose is to contribute to well-being in the state of Iowa. Endorsed events are promoted on the Healthiest State Initiative website calendar, and can also highlight their connection to the Healthiest State Initiative through a special logo. HOW TO HELP Iowans interested in supporting the mission of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative are encouraged to participate in Healthiest State Walks and other endorsed events and to explore their healthy living resource collections for individuals and families, schools, and employers. Opportunities to partner with the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative include organizing Healthiest State Walks and submitting events for Healthiest State endorsement. Iowans are encouraged to visit their website or contact them directly for more information or to explore other ideas for partnership. Page | 317