Two Iowans Earn National Honors for Advancing Public Health
Two Iowans recently were awarded national public health awards by the National Conference of Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships. Zuli Garcia, founder of Knock & Drop Iowa, has been named recipient of the 2025 Equity in Immunization Award and Blank Children’s Hospital general pediatrician Dr. Nathan Boonstra was awarded the 2025 Immunization Leadership Award.
Garcia founded Knock & Drop during the pandemic to feed thousands of Latino families in the Des Moines Metro area, addressing critical gaps in food assistance by overcoming language barriers and providing culturally relevant foods.
Following a cervical cancer diagnosis in late 2023, Garcia expanded her advocacy beyond food security. She joined Cervivor, a cervical cancer survivor advocacy organization. She partnered with Iowa Immunizes Coalition and Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to conduct Cervical Cancer Chats in Spanish-speaking communities across Iowa. These sessions raise awareness about cervical cancer prevention and connect families with cancer-prevention vaccines through local public health agencies.
"By conducting these conversations in Spanish and within trusted community spaces, Garcia ensures that Latino families have culturally appropriate access to life-saving health information and resources," the award citation noted.
Dr. Nathan Boonstra exemplifies dedication to immunization advocacy as Chair of Iowa Immunizes, the statewide immunization coalition. As a recognized immunization expert, he has established himself as a tireless champion who goes above and beyond to promote vaccine education and access throughout Iowa and nationally. Dr. Boonstra's exemplary work extends far beyond clinical practice. He co-hosts the influential "Vax Talk" podcast with Karen Ernst from Voices for Vaccines, reaching healthcare providers and community members with evidence-based immunization information. His expertise shines through the specialized training sessions he provides to healthcare providers, directly improving immunization rates in communities across the state.
As a trusted voice in immunization science, Dr. Boonstra frequently engages with media outlets to educate the public about vaccine importance and safety. His ability to translate complex immunological concepts into accessible information has made him an invaluable resource for both healthcare professionals and community members seeking reliable vaccine guidance. “Through his leadership of Iowa Immunizes and his multifaceted approach to immunization advocacy, Dr. Boonstra demonstrates exceptional commitment to protecting public health,” the award citation notes. Dr. Boonstra is also the author of the recently published children’s book, “Bye Bye Big Sick,” which highlights the importance of immunizations.
The National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships (NCICP) was held October 15–17, 2025, in Indianapolis, IN. NCICP is the only national gathering dedicated solely to advancing collaboration and partnerships to strengthen immunization efforts, educate communities, and prevent the spread of disease. By sharing proven strategies, building networks, and elevating best practices, the conference serves as a driving force for improving vaccination rates and addressing critical public health challenges nationwide.
Iowa Immunizes is a coalition of individuals and diverse organizations committed to educating and protecting the health of all Iowans and their communities through vaccination of children and adults. Iowa Immunizes is a program of Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA). IPHA has been the voice for public health in Iowa since 1925 and is the membership association for over 500 public health professionals across the state.