Eric Burmeister shares his and Josh Hellyer's journey as part of the first cohort of fellows. Their project focused on embedding occupant health considerations into Des Moines' strategic plans and rental inspection codes.

Andrea Dencklau shares her journey as part of the first cohort of fellows. Her project focuses on keeping youth in foster care connected to families.

Lisa Cushatt shares her journey as part of the first cohort of fellows. Her project focuses on expanding pediatric and prenatal health care providers' ability to support families in preventing and addressing childhood trauma.

In October, 18 children’s health advocates and their mentors met—some for the first time—to share their story about how each of us had arrived to Mid-Iowa Health Foundation’s HealthConnect Fellowship. I was struck by several themes that emerged from the three-hour conversation.

We are all familiar with this famous quote from Margaret Mead: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" With all due respect to Ms. Mead, I think she is mistaken. Particularly her comment that it is the “only” thing. It has been my experience that meaningful, long-lasting systemic change requires engaging large numbers of people.

Reflecting on four skills which were vital to helping move the children’s mental health policy in Iowa forward with substantial success during the 2019 legislative session