Iowa's 2026 Public Health Awards: You Won’t Believe Who Made the Cut! Are You on the List?

The Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA) honored four remarkable individuals and organizations at the 2026 Public Health Conference of Iowa, held in Des Moines on April 8, 2026. This recognition highlights the vital contributions being made in public health that address pressing community needs and promote well-being across the state.

Emerging Leader Award: Giselle Coreas

Giselle Coreas, a Public Health Planner at Johnson County Public Health, received the Emerging Leader Award for her outstanding leadership in public health over the past five years. Coreas began her career as a COVID-19 contact tracer and has since evolved into a pivotal figure in her community, particularly in the area of food security. She leads the local Food Security Committee and is actively involved with the Johnson County Food Policy Board and the Iowa Hunger Coalition. Her initiatives, including a countywide Food Security Assessment that reached over 1,000 food pantry clients, have informed crucial funding decisions and shaped advocacy efforts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under her leadership, Johnson County earned the 2025 Healthiest State Initiative Medium Workplace Award. Coreas was nominated by Jamie Gade.

Health Equity Advocate of the Year: Dr. Jimmy Reyes

The Health Equity Advocate of the Year award went to Dr. Jimmy Reyes, founder of MyHealthIowa/MiSaludIowa. Dr. Reyes is a dedicated advocate for Latino, immigrant, and refugee communities throughout Iowa. Through his work, he has tackled gaps in culturally responsive care by developing programs focused on prevention, chronic disease management, and health education informed by the lived experiences of those he serves. His community outreach efforts include bilingual health newsletters, student mentorship, and fostering cross-sector partnerships. These initiatives have significantly expanded health literacy and access, helping to create a pipeline for future public health leaders. He was nominated by Oscar Reynaga.

IPHA Change-Maker Award: Abigail Coder

Abigail Coder, representing the Dallas County Health Department, received the IPHA Change-Maker Award for her leadership in the county's Health Navigation program and community health needs assessment. Coder has been recognized for her systematic approach to addressing social determinants of health, connecting residents to essential care, resources, and prevention services. Her work exemplifies the principles of Public Health 3.0, as she collaborates with partners across healthcare, social services, and local organizations to build sustainable, community-informed solutions. As noted by her nominator, Sydney Marshman, “Public health is not just her profession — it is clearly her personal commitment as well.”

Partner of the Year: Johnson County Food Access Network

The Johnson County Food Access Network, formed in 2025, received the Partner of the Year award for its collaborative efforts to combat food insecurity in the community. This network unites 15 emergency food access partners, including pantries and meal sites, to enhance food security across Johnson County. In partnership with Johnson County Public Health, the Network contributed over 200 hours of on-site outreach during two consecutive Food Security Assessments, engaging more than 620 community members. In fiscal year 2025 alone, it served over 27,000 individuals from more than 9,000 households, distributing millions of pounds of food monthly while promoting long-term, equitable solutions grounded in community engagement. The Network was nominated by Giselle Coreas.

The recognition of these individuals and organizations demonstrates the critical role of public health in enhancing community resilience and addressing fundamental societal needs. Their work not only uplifts their immediate communities but also contributes to a broader understanding of what it means to build healthy, equitable environments for all Iowans.