Iowan health centers were eligible for a federal windfall this week.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced new funds to help uninsured Americans enroll in affordable health insurance coverage made available by the Affordable Care Act.

That amounted to over $1.4-million in Iowa split between 14 centers. They include Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, Primary Health Care in Urbandale and Proteus Employment Opportunities in Des Moines.

“Health centers have extensive experience providing eligibility assistance to patients, are providing care to 181,781 individuals in Iowa communities, and are well-positioned to support enrollment efforts,” Secretary Sebelius said.  “Investing in health centers for outreach and enrollment assistance provides one more way the Obama Administration is helping consumers understand their options and enroll in affordable coverage.”

Less than 50 team slots remain for Market to Market relay Iowa with registration closing on April 11th.

So far, over 1500 runners have signed up making up the 200+ teams. 

“We are thrilled to bring the Market To Market Relay event to Iowa and it will be incredible to watch 250 teams complete the challenge,” said Ben Cahoon, Race Director. “With runners from 2 countries, 14 states and 142 cities in Iowa it will be a phenomenal group.”

The course covers 75 miles over 17 stages and takes in Jefferson, Cooper, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel, Waukee, Clive, and Des Moines. Participants run 3 to 6 miles in each of the 17 legs before handing over to the next team member.

Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation donated 106,000 toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss to the I-Smile Program, which helps connect Iowa children in need with dental care and services this week. This donation will help children in central Iowa.

“This donation is a small step to ensure that every child in Iowa has their very own toothbrush, toothpaste and floss,” said Donn Hutchins, president of the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation.  “Starting and maintaining good oral health habits at a young age is very important and aligns with the Foundation’s long-term goal that every Iowa child age 0-12 will be cavity-free by 2020.”

“We are thankful to the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation for this generous donation,” said Dr. Bob Russell, state dental director for the Iowa Department of Public Health. “The I-Smile program strives to connect Iowa children to the dental services they need to grow up happy and healthy.”