According to the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index®, Iowa is currently #19 in the nation when it comes to being physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. That number may soon change and my hope is that UI Health Care will play a role. As the state’s only academic medical center, UI Health Care is pleased to participate in the Healthiest State Initiative announced last month by Governor Branstad. The goal of this new initiative is to engage communities in a focused effort to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by 2016. A centerpiece of the initiative is a project which will bring national experts in to 10 Iowa communities to help residents learn ways to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. UI Health Care is planning a range of activities to engage our workforce in this important initiative, which includes the kick-off 1-kilometer “Start Somewhere Walk” taking place at noon on October 7. Our nursing team is helping to lead the way at the walk which will also formally launch their 2012 Magnet Journey, “24/7/365.” I encourage you to join us at the walk and watch for more detailed information on how to get involved in all aspects of the initiative in the near future on The Point. Whether on the front lines of patient care or making groundbreaking discoveries in a lab, all of you play an important role in assuring a healthy future for our state. My thanks to those who participate in the Healthiest State Initiative—it’s just one more way for all of us to help inspire Iowans to improve their health and happiness.

Jean Robilliard, MD
Vice President for Medical Affairs