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DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 18, 2022) – Optimae LifeServices was announced the winner of the 2022 Healthiest State Large Workplace Award in an online ceremony Thursday. The award recognizes Optimae LifeServices for efforts to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of its employees. “We are proud to recognize Optimae LifeServices with this award,” said Jami Haberl, executive director of the Healthiest State Initiative. “Both leadership and employees have demonstrated a dedication to building a comprehensive wellness program to ensure the employees can take care of themselves in order to take care of others.” Optimae LifeServices, Inc. provides health care and human services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness in central, eastern and southern Iowa. Some noteworthy accomplishments of Optimae LifeServices: • Developed an Employee Wellness Committee (EWC) that consists of leaders throughout the company, including a 5-2-1-0 Wellness Champions group • Secured a grant to provide training to direct support professionals and front-line supervisors through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) • Started an awareness campaign to increase utilization of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) “Optimae is honored to receive this year’s Healthiest State Award in the large workplace category,” said Ashley Adams, director of Rehabilitation Services at Optimae LifeServices, who co-leads the company’s 5-2-1-0 program. “The Healthiest State Initiative’s 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! program has allowed Optimae to learn our areas of needed growth and strength, and then provide the resources to our Wellness Champions to help guide their colleagues in the path to better wellness as they care for the needs of thousands of Iowans.” Optimae LifeServices received $1,000 to continue their workplace wellness efforts. For a full list of 2022 Healthiest State Annual Award winners, visit IowaHealthiestState.com/Awards. The 2022 Healthiest State Annual Awards are sponsored by Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield®, HealthPartners UnityPoint Health, Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Medical Society and Malvern Bank. To learn more about the Healthiest State Initiative and its programming and events or how you can get involved, visit IowaHealthiestState.com. ### About Optimae LifeServices Optimae LifeServices, Inc. provides healthcare and human services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness from nearly 40 central, eastern and southern Iowa counties. For more than three decades, the organization has equipped its customers with supports and services that encourage choice, empowerment and community integration. Optimae’s programs include community-based, behavioral health, home health, rehabilitation and residential care services. Optimae advocates for the rights and needs of more than 5,300 Iowans each year, providing the quality of care its employees would want for their own family. About the Healthiest State Initiative The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. By engaging worksites, communities, schools, retail food, organizations, institutions and individuals, we can inspire Iowans and their communities to improve their health and happiness, and ultimately achieve our goal. For more information, visit www.iowahealthieststate.com.