Healthy Iowa Awards Recognize Healthy Communities, Schools, Visionaries

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• Healthy Iowa Awards logo

DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2009)(readMedia)-- The Wellness Council of Iowa, in partnership with the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition and the Academy for a Healthy Iowa, will honor Iowa communities, schools and visionaries for their pursuit of wellness and improved health at the inaugural Healthy Iowa Awards Ceremony, Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines, Iowa.

"We're excited to recognize Iowa institutions and individuals who are changing the health of Iowa," said Jenny Weber, executive director of the Wellness Council of Iowa. "Overall, our goal is to measure, track and recognize the well-being of Iowans. The efforts of these individuals and groups help accomplish our vision, shared with Tom Newton, director of Iowa Department of Public Health, to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation."

Healthy Iowa Awards recognize outstanding achievements of health care providers, non-profit organizations, communities, schools and individuals that have strengthened preventative health knowledge and skills within their organizations or local communities. These leaders have created and promoted health related community education, fostered coalitions and networks, and influenced policy to create a prevention-focused, well environment. Winning programs and initiatives will encourage Iowans to engage in healthy lifestyles and achieve sustainable and measurable outcomes.

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

• Healthy Iowa Community• Healthy Iowa School• Healthy Iowa College/University• Healthy Iowa Visionary

Applications and award criteria for the 2009 Healthy Iowa Awards are available at www.wellnessiowa.org. Applications will be reviewed and selected based on criteria established by the Academy for a Healthy Iowa. Applications must be received by September 1, 2009 to be considered for the awards.

Register to attend the Awards Banquet October 1 by visiting www.wellnessiowa.org.

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The Wellness Council of Iowa is a nonprofit organization dedicated to "Better Business Through Wellness." The Council mentors hundreds of Iowa member businesses in their mission to create healthy work environments by providing education, networking and recognition for health promotion at the workplace.

For more information contact the Wellness Council of Iowa at 515-271-1718 or info@wellnessiowa.org.