Beth Frailey honored as public health leader

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recognized leaders in nutrition and physical activity at a ceremony held April 11, 2018, at the 2018 Iowa Governor's Conference on Public Health in Des Moines. The honorees emulate the IDPH Bureau of Nutrition and Health Promotion vision of "an Iowa where healthy living is accessible, valued and supported by all."

The winners must strive to make the bureau's mission a reality by "ensuring that Iowans have the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle by providing education and resources, building partnerships and supporting communities."

Beth Frailey of Dallas County Public Health received the Emerging Nutrition and Physical Activity Leader award.

"It's an honor to serve the people in Dallas County," said Beth Frailey, Community Health Coordinator. "My work in these programs is made possible by strong mentors and partners in the communities."

As the Community Health Coordinator for Dallas County Public Health, Frailey convenes and mobilizes partnerships to address physical activity and nutrition. She oversees the implementation of Dallas County's Health Improvement Plan, specifically leading efforts to increase physical activity and improve access to healthy and affordable food.

Her work with the Hunger-Free Dallas County coalition provides leadership to implement system and environmental level changes to improve access to healthy food. This includes expanding food pantry boundaries to serve all residents of Dallas County; expanding pantry hours to include weekends/evening options; piloting a Double-Up Food Bucks program to match SNAP benefits at the farmers market; launching mobile food pantries in rural communities without access; implementing a produce box program to provide fresh produce to low-income seniors; and establishing community gardens to supply produce to families without access.

Frailey also convened partners and leveraged funding to implement a safe school zone project to improve walkability and pedestrian safety across a busy intersection.

For more information about Dallas County Public Health, visit www.dallascountyiowa.gov or call 515-993-3750. For more information about the IDPH Bureau of Nutrition and Health Promotion, its programs and grants, visit http://idph.iowa.gov/NutritionHealthPromotion.