Dan Witters, lead researcher at Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index, will meet with community stakeholders to discuss central Iowa’s progress in five factors of well-being and strategize future efforts to improve the health and well-being of central Iowa residents on Tuesday, September 26. Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index studies Americans’ well-being in 189 metropolitan areas and provides the measure for central Iowa’s community Goal for 2020 in health. 

Events will take place throughout the day on September 26 with United Way of Central Iowa leadership, Capital Crossroads Wellness Capital members, and Greater Des Moines Partnership investors. 

Central Iowa's Health


A new infographic released today will showcase the importance of focusing on health where central Iowans live, learn, work, and play. It includes Well-Being Index data on our community's health in three key areas and strategies to improve it. 

Download the Health Infographic

About Central Iowa's Health


The Well-Being Index measures five factors that influence health: physical, social, community, financial, and purpose. All 5 areas are important to increasing well-being. For example, those thriving in only physical health versus all five areas miss 68 percent more work due to poor health, are 26% less likely to bounce back after hardship, are 30% less likely to volunteer in their community, and cost $443,000 in productivity loss per 1,000 employees.

Central Iowa’s community Goal for 2020 is to increase the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index score to 64.5. Central Iowa is currently at 63.8, ranking 23 out of 189 U.S. metropolitan regions. Central Iowa has made gains in physical well-being but its social well-being score has held steady. Some key issues:

  • Only 50% of central Iowans exercise and consume fruits and vegetables at recommended levels.
  • 37% say they are experiencing stress
  • Half of central Iowans struggle or suffer in community well-being.
Learn more about Central Iowa’s ranking: www.unitedwaydm.org/in-the-news/central-iowa-improves-wellbeing

Topics: Health & Well-Being

Sarah Welch

Written by Sarah Welch

Sarah Welch is the former Strategic Communications Officer at United Way of Central Iowa.