Episode 10: Leadership Lessons Learned on a Bicycle – Helen Eddy

During this episode of the Trailblazers Podcast, IPA CEO Kate Gainer sits down with IPA President Jim Hoehns, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and Ambulatory Care Preceptor at Cedar Valley Primary Care, and Helen Eddy, Director of the Polk County Health Department (PCHD), to discuss her career journey, Friday dance parties, RAGBRAI rules, and much more!

Helen Eddy, RPh, MBA, received her B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and her MBA from Drake University. She has served as the Director of Public Health for Polk County, Iowa, since 2018. Her responsibilities include planning, organizing and directing Polk County’s long-term community health strategy. Additional duties include the enforcement of health laws and regulations, community leadership responsibilities, disease control and prevention, emergency preparedness planning, health planning and education, and clinical and laboratory services.  

Prior to joining the Polk County Health Department, Helen was an executive at Hy-Vee and enjoyed a 30-year career, leading pharmacy and health and wellness initiatives. During her tenure at Hy-Vee, she implemented pharmacy education and training initiatives, including immunization, asthma, and diabetes education. Helen also served as the Executive Director of the Healthiest State Initiative.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:

• Helen Eddy
• Jim Hoehns
• Kate Gainer
• Iowa Pharmacy Association

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