Apply by June 30 for "healthiest" designation

Healthiest schools, organizations, leaders to be honored

DES MOINES, IA (06/14/2010)(readMedia)-- Nominations are sought for the healthiest schools, organizations and individuals in Iowa. Last year was the inaugural Healthy Iowa Awards event. This year's banquet will be September 23, 5-9 p.m., at the Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines, Iowa.

"Everyone wants to be the best and this is the true designation for Iowans and their schools and communities for the overall healthiest," explained Jenny Weber, executive director of the Wellness Council of Iowa (WCI).

The Healthy Iowa Awards are presented by the Academy for a Healthy Iowa, a collaboration between the Iowa Department of Public Health, Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition and WCI. Award winners are selected based on providing access to wellness, programming, financial commitment, measurability and sustainability. Winners retain the "Healthy Iowa" designation for three years at which point they must reapply.

The healthiest K-12 school, college or university, community and visionary leader will be honored. This year, two new categories are open: the emerging community award will celebrate small, grass-roots groups or communities and the emerging leader award will recognize youth leaders.

Application forms are available at www.wellnessiowa.org (click the top banner) and must be received by June 30.

The annual WCI Well Workplace award will also be presented at the Healthy Iowa event.