DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds introduced a new public awareness campaign Thursday (today) aimed at encouraging Iowans to step up and stop the spread of COVID-19.  Reynolds says “It’s more important now than ever to reach as many Iowans as possible with information about what they can do to stop the spread of the virus. If everyone does their part, we’ll get life back to normal and keep our businesses open, our kids in school, our hospitals stable and our essential workforce healthy.” 

Several notable Iowans have joined the Governor in communicating the informational and motivational message in the campaign’s television spots, including: 

• Tom Vilsack, former Governor of Iowa and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; 
• Dan Gable, legendary Iowa wrestling coach, Olympic gold medalist, and recent recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom; 
• Carson King, Carson King Foundation; 
• Suresh Gunasekaran, CEO, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics; and 
• Katie Witt, a Test Iowa nurse. 

The state was able to leverage special programs and pricing for government and non-profit organizations to deliver its public awareness message through Iowa’s newspapers, radio and television stations. The campaign totals approximately $440,000 and will be funded through Iowa’s CARES Act allocation. The state worked with the Iowa Newspaper Association (INA) to place ads in its more than 250 member newspapers and online publications across the state, and extended the campaign’s reach to include Spanish and specialty publications. Newspaper ads started earlier this month and will run through the end of the year. 

The state also leveraged the Iowa Broadcasters Association’s (IBA) Public Education Partnerships Program for broadcasting educational messages statewide. Television and radio spots will be available to more than 200 IBA member stations through mid-March.