DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 18, 2021) — Officials with the Healthiest State Initiative have announced the winners of the 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards. The winners were recognized for their efforts to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of their students, employees and fellow Iowans. Among the winners in western Iowa, was the City of Manning.  Each winner was awarded a monetary prize to continue their work focused on improving the health and wellness at their site.

The winners in the 10 categories are:

Healthy Hometown (Powered by Wellmark) Community Award:

• Dallas Center
• Iowa Great Lakes Region
• Manning
  

  Cass County Wellness Coordinator Brigham Hoegh holds a ceremonial check for the 2021 Healthy Hometown award as part of the Healthiest State awards for that year. (2021 File photo)

Early Care award:

Small – Neverland Child Care (Sioux City)
Large – Theodore’s Academy Preschool & Childcare (Sioux City)

K-12 School award: Clay Elementary (Southeast Polk Community School District)

Out-of-School Program award: Girls on the Run of Central Iowa

Workplace award:

Small – Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation (Grinnell)
Medium – Merchants Bonding Company (West Des Moines)
Large – Optimae LifeServices (Des Moines)

Health Care award: UnityPoint Clinic Pediatrics – Walnut Creek (West Des Moines)

Individual award: Daira Driftmier (Hy-Vee KidsFit)

The winners were announced during an online award ceremony Thursday on Facebook and YouTube. Viewers also heard from keynote speaker Jessica Heims, a two-time Paralympian Iowa who spoke about her inspirational athletic journey that led her to represent Team USA at the 2016 and 2020 Games. To watch a replay of the award ceremony, visit IowaHealthiestState.com/Awards.

Jami Haberl, Healthiest State Initiative executive director, said “The work being done by our finalists and winners to create healthier environments for their students, colleagues and fellow community members is critical to the wellbeing of our state. We are continually inspired by their efforts and were honored to recognize them at the 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards.” The 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards are sponsored by Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield®, HealthPartners UnityPoint Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Medical Society and Malvern Bank.