Local SHIIP-SMP counselor receives Governor’s Volunteer Award

MT. PLEASANT — Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg will present Henry County Health Center SHIIP-SMP Counselor Marvin Brown with the Governor’s Volunteer Award at a special recognition ceremony July 7 in Ottumwa.

Brown will receive a five-year service award by Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). Since 2018, Brown has spent more than 1,300 hours providing guidance to individuals, families and caregivers on how to navigate their Medicare and identify plans and resources that work for them.

“Iowans take great pride in their deep and rich commitment for serving others — it’s in our DNA,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Iowa nice is the foundation of our state — you see it everywhere you turn — Iowans volunteering their time to help others and improve their communities and our state. It truly is an honor to be able to recognize these individuals for their meaningful acts of generosity through the Governor’s Volunteer Awards and inspire others to do the same.”

“SHIIP-SMP Counselors are some of the best volunteers and people you could ever work with,”

SHIIP-SMP Director Kristen Griffith shared. “They care deeply about their community members, and consistently go above and beyond to provide unbiased and trustworthy information helping individuals and their families navigate the complexity of Medicare.”

Kirsten Heerdt, volunteer coordinator and SHIIP site coordinator at Henry County Health Center, also shared her congratulations.

“We are very fortunate to have Marvin share his time and talents with us,” she said. “Over the last five years, he has helped hundreds of people feel more at ease while learning the world of Medicare.”

This year, at five ceremonies throughout Iowa, more than 500 individuals will receive these awards. It is estimated that this year’s honorees served more than 150 communities in Iowa.