Erin Drinnin

Her work as a HealthConnect Fellow

(October 2019-June 2021)

FOCUS

Establishing a comprehensive, sustainable structure and framework for the promotion and support of healthy habits for all kids and families in Iowa

APPROACH

Prior to joining the fellowship, Erin Drinnin helped launch the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count initiative in central Iowa to engage champions who could create policies, systems, and places that promote healthy daily habits for kids. The initiative grew to a statewide messaging effort with multiple partners, including the Healthiest State Initiative, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Department of Education, and the Iowa Medical Society. The Healthiest State Initiative began hosting a group called the Movers and Shakers to share information and stay informed about activities related to the effort.

For her fellowship project, Drinnin partnered with the Movers and Shakers group to identify collective goals and purpose. She met with each member individually and found a shared desire for strategic planning, especially after a communications workshop highlighted a disconnect between the group’s messages focusing on individual behaviors and its aim to change policies and systems.

Drinnin supported hiring a consultant to lead a strategic planning process to develop more clearly defined goals and a structure for working together. Partners are now focused on building trust among the leading entities and making a case for the sustainability of the work to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Drinnin is also looking at how to increase awareness that racism plays a role in people’s ability to access healthy food and places.

OUTCOMES

Through the strategic planning process, the coalition driving the Healthy Choices Count initiative defined shared goals, strategies, and action steps for leading system changes. Drinnin has worked behind the scenes to foster stronger relationships among the partners and to drive greater focus on health equity and racial justice.

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