From Press Release
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced the launch of the Healthiest State Initiative’s new free assessment tool that allows Iowa businesses, schools and communities to measure and study their overall well-being. The tool assesses factors beyond physical activity and nutrition by looking at other factors impacting overall well-being, including tobacco and substance abuse, dental health, community engagement and emotional health. Upon completion of the assessment, the school, workplace or community will receive immediate feedback with access to resources and tools to implement change.
The assessment is now available at http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/assessment-program.
“Our goal to become the healthiest state in the nation is rooted in our belief that Iowans must take ownership over their own health and health care decisions for our state to truly become a leader in well-being,” said Branstad. “We recognize that making progress toward a healthier Iowa is not only critical to the economic vitality of our state, but also to the quality of life for all Iowans.”
“Making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation is about vitality – our economic vitality and the vitality of our citizens,” said Reynolds. “This assessment tool is a great resource for those who wish to seek change and impact the health of our state.”
The development of the assessment was led by Tim Kintner, Executive Vice President at Bankers Trust along with committee members representing the Iowa Department of Education, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Meredith Corporation, Midwest Dairy Council, Montgomery County Memorial Hospital and Siouxland District Health Department. In addition to the committee members, there were a number of pilot sites who tested and verified the tool, including Red Oak Senior High, Marshalltown High School, Southview Middle School in Ankeny, Indianola Middle School, Shell Rock Elementary, Hubbard-Radcliffe Elementary, RDG, CDS Global, ACT, Rockwell Collins, Van Meter Industrial, Wesley Life, Rassmussen Group, Houghton State Bank and the Iowa League of Cities. The assessment is supported by sponsorships from Holmes Murphy and SpinUTech.
“I challenge you to be the first to assess how your school, workplace or community is doing to support a healthy lifestyle for Iowans and make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation,” said Jami Haberl, Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Executive Director. “By working together to maximize our state’s well-being, Iowa will become the leader in health and wellness.”
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