Iowa Hospital Association

08/31/2026

What a great day supporting Iowa’s future healthcare workforce! ⛳

On Thursday, Aug. 27, the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation (IHERF) welcomed golfers representing nearly 30 hospitals and healthcare organizations to its 21st Annual Swinging for Scholars Golf Outing. In total, $148,000 dollars were raised to support scholarships for the next generation of Iowa's healthcare workforce.

The event brought together hospital leaders, healthcare professionals, business partners and supporters from across the state for a day of networking, friendly competition and philanthropy, all in support of the IHERF Healthcare Careers Scholarship Program.

“The success of Swinging for Scholars reflects the commitment Iowa’s healthcare community has to investing in our future workforce,” said Chris Mitchell, Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) President & CEO. “Every dollar raised helps create opportunities for students who aspire to serve their communities through careers in healthcare. We are grateful to every golfer, sponsor and volunteer whose generosity continues to make the scholarship program possible."

Proceeds from the outing directly support the IHERF Healthcare Careers Scholarship Program, which was established in 2005 to help address workforce shortages and encourage students to pursue careers in healthcare. Since its inception, the program has supported nearly 1,100 Iowa students pursuing higher education in healthcare fields through approximately $3.3 million in scholarships.

IHERF, a nonprofit subsidiary of IHA, is dedicated to strengthening Iowa’s healthcare workforce by investing in the next generation of professionals. Through annual scholarships, IHERF opens doors for students pursuing careers in healthcare.

“Iowa hospitals depend on a strong, well-prepared workforce to meet the needs of their communities today, tomorrow and for years to come,” said Cory Nelson, Sioux Center Health CEO and IHERF Board Chair. “These students represent the future of healthcare in Iowa. By supporting their education through this scholarship program, we are not only investing in their success but also inspiring the next generation of caregivers who will strengthen our hospitals and improve the health of communities across our state.”

Scholarships are awarded annually to both high school seniors and college students enrolled or interested in healthcare-related fields of study. Applications for 2027 scholarships open November 1, 2026. For more information about IHERF, visit iherf.org.

08/18/2026

Discover a future that makes a difference through the new Iowa Health Education Portal!

Looking for a career that's meaningful, rewarding and in-demand? Healthcare offers countless opportunities to help others, solve real-world challenges and make a positive impact in your community. The Iowa Health Education Portal is designed to help students explore healthcare careers and connect with colleges and training programs across Iowa. Search and compare schools and programs, learn about different career paths and connect directly with institutions that can help you take the next step.

https://iowahealthedportal.org/

08/12/2026

Every day, Iowa hospitals invest in caring for patients, strengthening communities and improving access to healthcare. In 2025, hospitals provided more than $1.4 billion in community benefits through charity care, community health programs, mental health support services, transportation assistance, nutrition education and other services that improve the health and well-being of Iowans.

In addition to delivering essential healthcare services, Iowa hospitals remained a powerful economic driver across the state, employing 146,616 Iowans and generating $24.8 billion in hospital-related economic activity.

“Every day, Iowa hospitals invest in the health and vitality of their communities,” said Chris Mitchell, IHA President and CEO. “The community benefits highlighted in IHA’s annual report reflect a deep commitment to improving lives, expanding access to care and addressing local health needs. At the same time, hospitals are creating jobs, strengthening local economies and serving as anchors for communities across Iowa.”

This Gazette article highlights the growing community benefits provided by hospitals across Iowa, while examining the financial challenges that could affect those efforts in the future.

Linn County hospitals say they’ll continue to pay for benefits like charity care and health screenings, but Medicaid cuts and rising prices could change how much they contribute.

08/06/2026

Strong partnerships lead to stronger patient care. Thank you to the Office of the Attorney General of Iowa and Ottumwa Regional Health Center for advancing training opportunities that help ensure victims of sexual assault can access the support they need, regardless of where they live in Iowa.

08/04/2026

✨ Decades of Care. A Future of Possibilities. ✨

Registration is now open for the Iowa Hospital Association’s 97th Annual Meeting! Join us Oct. 6 – 7 at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines to learn from industry experts, connect with peers from across the state and celebrate our healthcare workforce!

Iowa hospitals and health systems have been improving lives and strengthening communities for decades. This year's theme – Decades of Care. A Future of Possibilities. – celebrates that legacy while looking ahead to the innovation, leadership and collaboration that will shape the future of healthcare. This year’s program reflects who we are and where we are going: united by our purpose to reimagine healthcare in Iowa for life-changing outcomes.

We hope to see you this October! Visit ihaonline.org for complete information on Annual Meeting.

07/02/2026

From all of us at the Iowa Hospital Association, we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July. As we celebrate Independence Day, we are grateful for the health care teams across Iowa who continue to serve their communities with dedication and compassion. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

05/29/2026

We’re grateful to Iowa legislators, especially Rep. Michael Bergan and Sen. Mark Costello, for their leadership in helping to remove barriers that prevented patients and families from accessing compassionate end-of-life care. Hear from HPCAI member Sara Krieger, CEO of Iowa City Hospice, and Dr. Dustin Arnold, Chief Medical Officer at IHA member UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, as they discuss the importance of this legislation.

Starting in July, a close adult friend can make end-of-medical decisions for someone who is unable to make them themselves under a new Iowa state law

05/13/2026

Governor Kim Reynolds has signed HF 2635, the Patients First insurance reform bill championed by the Iowa Hospital Association. This new law helps put patients first by reducing administrative delays, strengthening clinical review standards, reforming prior-authorization requirements and improving accountability for insurers. The bill passed unanimously and reflects strong bipartisan support for practical reforms that improve access to timely, affordable, high-quality care for Iowans. We’re grateful to Gov. Reynolds, bill sponsors Reps. Austin Harris and David Young, and Sen. Kara Warme, and the many lawmakers, hospital leaders and providers who helped advance these patient-centered reforms. By cutting red tape and supporting more clinically informed decisions, HF 2635 will help hospitals and providers spend more time focused on care — and less on paperwork.

05/12/2026

During National Hospital Week, the Iowa Hospital Association is honored to celebrate the incredible hospitals, health systems, employees and volunteers across Iowa who provide hope and healing every day. Your dedication and compassion have a profound impact on the lives of countless patients. Thank you for your commitment to excellence in healthcare. We are proud to support your teams and appreciate all that you do. Together, we continue to make Iowa a healthier and happier place to live. Enjoy this special week of recognition and celebration!

05/11/2026

The Iowa Hospital Association is grateful to Senator Chuck Grassley for visiting UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center and for his continued concern for Iowa hospitals and rural communities. The visit was an important opportunity to discuss priorities affecting rural health care – especially strengthening the workforce – and the need for sustainable federal policies that reflect the unique realities of rural providers. Thank you, Sen. Grassley, for your advocacy and for taking the time to hear directly from one of our member hospitals.