Iowa Public Health Association Announces 2026 Award Honorees

The Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA) recognized four outstanding honorees at the 2026 Public Health Conference of Iowa in Des Moines on April 8, 2026.

Emerging Leader Award: Giselle Coreas

Giselle Coreas, Public Health Planner at Johnson County Public Health, has demonstrated exceptional public health leadership over the past five years, beginning as a COVID-19 contact tracer and growing into a driving force for food security in her community. She leads a local Food Security Committee, serves on the Johnson County Food Policy Board and Iowa Hunger Coalition, and spearheaded a countywide Food Security Assessment that reached more than 1,000 food pantry clients. Her data-driven, collaborative approach has informed funding decisions, shaped SNAP advocacy, and helped Johnson County earn the 2025 Healthiest State Initiative Medium Workplace Award. Giselle was nominated by Jamie Gade.

Health Equity Advocate of the Year: Dr. Jimmy Reyes

Dr. Jimmy Reyes is the founder of MyHealthIowa/MiSaludIowa and a tireless advocate for Latino, immigrant, and refugee communities across Iowa. His work bridges higher education, nonprofit leadership, and community health to address gaps in culturally responsive care, developing programs in prevention, chronic disease management, and health education grounded in the lived experiences of those he serves. Through bilingual health newsletters, community outreach, student mentorship, and cross-sector partnerships, Dr. Reyes has expanded health literacy and access while building a pipeline of future public health leaders. He was nominated by Oscar Reynaga.

IPHA Change-Maker Award: Abigail Coder

Abigail Coder, of the Dallas County Health Department, leads the county's Health Navigation program, community health needs assessment, and Community Health Improvement Plan, work that systematically addresses social determinants of health and connects residents to care, resources, and prevention services. Recognized for her systems-thinking and population health lens, she brings together partners across healthcare, social services, and local organizations to build sustainable, community-informed solutions that embody the spirit of Public Health 3.0. As her nominator Sydney Marshman wrote, "Public health is not just her profession — it is clearly her personal commitment as well."

Partner of the Year: Johnson County Food Access Network

Formed in 2025, the Johnson County Food Access Network unites 15 emergency food access partners, pantries, meal sites, and distribution organizations- in a coordinated effort to advance food security across the community. In partnership with Johnson County Public Health, the Network contributed over 200 hours of on-site outreach across two consecutive Food Security Assessments, engaging more than 620 community members. In FY25 alone, it served more than 27,000 individuals from over 9,000 households, distributing millions of pounds of food monthly while promoting long-term solutions rooted in equity, dignity, and community engagement. The Network was nominated by Giselle Coreas.