2022 Year in Review

Annual highlights from Mid-Iowa Health Foundation’s efforts to improve community health and well-being.

Intentional leadership and support advance system-change efforts – and the people who drive them – to ensure central Iowans can access what they need to live healthy lives.

View Grants
$891,689

went to initiatives focused on improving community health in 2022.

2022 Grant Themes

Learning to Inform

Research and pilot projects are providing a data-driven, community-informed approach to improve health outcomes.

  • Al Éxito
  • Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority
  • Polk County Housing Trust Fund

Innovative Approaches

Privileging community understanding of health-related needs is leading to new solutions.

  • EveryStep
  • Iowa Department of Public Health
  • Iowa Public Radio

Shifting Systems

Strategic efforts are changing how systems meet diverse family needs.

  • Des Moines University
  • Iowa ACEs 360

Leadership Development

The perspectives and expertise of those directly affected by health issues are becoming connected to decision-making and implementation opportunities.

  • Community Youth Concepts
  • Iowa Department of Human Rights
  • The Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers

Learning and Connections

Participating in and providing opportunities to listen, share knowledge, and collaborate with community informs our strategic investments and grows a network of champions in support of health equity.

  • UpLift – The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot is studying the health and well-being impacts of central Iowans receiving an unrestricted monthly income to inform policy and resource investment decisions that can reduce poverty. The Foundation brought funders and the community together to support this innovative approach aimed at improving economic well-being.
  • Eight individuals joined the HealthConnect Fellowship, becoming the third cohort to receive capacity-building support in advancing system-change goals. In addition to a fellowship award, the Foundation provides mentoring, professional development, and networking opportunities to help advocates address root causes impacting community health.
  • Community learning inspires action on health-related issues. Mid-Iowa Health Foundation supported the release of the tri-county Community Health Needs Assessment findings, and sponsored events including the Harkin on Wellness Symposium, The Public Health Conference of Iowa, and My City My Health – Health Equity Conference.

Communications Highlights

  • Mid-Iowa Health Foundation's website had increased traffic. It serves as a platform to educate stakeholders on efforts to improve community health outcomes, while positioning the Foundation as a leader in advancing system-change efforts.
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  • UpLift – The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot drew media attention from local and national outlets.
  • MIHF News – a bimonthly e-newsletter that shares stories, blogs, and news about community health initiatives – reached a growing list of local leaders and partners.

Organization Highlights

  • The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot became a model for how the Foundation can leverage community investments to launch innovative, system-change initiatives.
  • The Foundation supported the first public sector fellow in the HealthConnect Fellowship to expand the advocacy network.
  • The Foundation refined its focus on system-change efforts to address the social determinants of health, with an emphasis on economic health and well-being.
  • Leadership elevated a data-informed approach to guide decisions and determine the impact of investments.

View Past Reports

2021

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