Iowa Hospital Association

04/24/2026

This week, nearly two dozen Iowa hospital and health system leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the American Hospital Association Annual Meeting and meet with members of Iowa’s congressional delegation. During congressional meetings, leaders:
• Thanked lawmakers for their leadership and collaboration on the Rural Health Transformation Program, and shared suggestions to strengthen the program’s impact
• Emphasized the need for continued federal partnership so rural hospitals can keep meeting the evolving needs of their communities
• Urged an extension of “grandfathered” status for Iowa’s Medicaid state-directed payment program beyond the current timeline
Extending the grandfather status would help protect hospitals’ financial stability, expand access to care across Iowa, and ensure continuity as Congress considers long-term Medicaid policy.

04/22/2026

Proud to share that the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation — a nonprofit subsidiary of the Iowa Hospital Association — has awarded $314,000 in scholarships to 127 Iowa students pursuing careers in health care. Established in 2005, the Health Care Careers Scholarship Program helps address workforce shortages by encouraging Iowa students to pursue health care-related fields of study. Since the program began, it has supported nearly 1,100 students and awarded approximately $3.3 million in scholarships. Applications for 2027 scholarships open Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Learn more at iherf.org.

03/30/2026

Happy National Doctors’ Day! Today, the Iowa Hospital Association proudly honors the dedication, compassion, and ability of physicians statewide. Thank you to all the doctors who go above and beyond every day to provide exceptional care and improve the health of our communities. Your commitment inspires us all.

03/27/2026

Health care careers are in high demand. UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge President Leah Glasgo and High School Seniors Mckenzie Phillips and Ava Baumhover share information about Health Sciences Career Day. For more information and to register, visit ihaonline.org or call 515-288-1955. https://bit.ly/3PzAT9L

Daily lifestyle show

01/27/2026

Iowa hospitals are already facing serious workforce shortages — and a recent federal visa policy shift could make that challenge even tougher.

In a new The Gazette story, IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell and leaders from hospitals across the state highlight how immigrant health care professionals play a critical role in caring for Iowans. A sharp increase in H-1B visa fees now threatens that pipeline, particularly for rural hospitals that are already stretched thin.

As Mitchell notes, Iowa cannot meet its nursing and physician needs solely through domestic recruitment. Hospitals are seeking qualified providers wherever they can find them — including internationally. While the policy change was aimed at tech workers, health care has been “caught in the crossfire,” potentially limiting access to care statewide.

We appreciate the participation and perspective of our members featured in the story:

• Cass Health, Atlantic
• Mercy Cedar Rapids
• UnityPoint Health, Des Moines
• University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City

Ensuring access to quality care for Iowans means supporting policies that strengthen – not restrict – the health care workforce. https://bit.ly/4k26qw9

12/22/2025

Iowa hospitals and their team members often go above and beyond simply caring for patients. This is an excellent example of hospital staff at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames extending their compassion beyond medical care for an Iowa family.

An Iowa couple got married in an Ames hospital chapel to ensure the bride's terminally ill mother could witness the event, with the help of dedicated nurses and friends.

12/15/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Iowa’s Five-Star Hospitals! 🎉

We’re proud to celebrate three Iowa hospitals recognized in Forbes’ inaugural quality ranking of U.S. general acute care hospitals. The evaluation looked at outcomes, best practices, value and patient experience — and these organizations earned the highest honor: an overall five-star rating.

Please join us in congratulating:
⭐ Cass Health, Atlantic
⭐ Greater Regional Medical Center, Creston
⭐ MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center

Thank you for your commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for Iowans. Your excellence shines statewide! 🌟🏥

12/10/2025

🚨 Upcoming Webinar: What You Need to Know About New Hospital & Maternity Care Regulations

📅 Monday, Jan. 12, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m.–Noon
🔗 Register today! https://bit.ly/48GZShj

CMS has introduced major updates to hospital regulations — including a new obstetrical services condition of participation — with changes affecting organizational structure, service delivery, staffing and training.

These updates are designed to:
⭐ Improve health equity for maternal health patients
⭐ Increase access to care
⭐ Reduce maternal mortality

Some emergency readiness and transfer requirements apply to all hospitals, even those without obstetrical services. Others, such as new quality assurance and performance improvement expectations, apply specifically to hospitals providing maternity care.

Regulations began phasing in July 1 and will be fully effective Jan. 1, 2027.

12/09/2025

🌟 IHA Welcomes Jordan Marcon as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications!

We’re excited to share that Jordan Marcon has joined the Iowa Hospital Association to lead our marketing, communications and brand strategy efforts in support of Iowa’s hospital community.

Jordan brings nearly 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations and brand leadership across Iowa’s health care, nonprofit and business sectors. Most recently, she served as director of communications and public relations at ChildServe, where she helped strengthen the organization’s reputation and supported its strategic direction. Her career also includes key roles with Wixted and Company, the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, the National Pork Board and Vermeer Corporation.

“IHA and our members will benefit greatly from Jordan’s strategic mindset and strong communication leadership,” said IHA President and CEO Chris Mitchell. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

A Pella native and Central College graduate, Jordan remains active in community and professional organizations, including the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, the Greater Des Moines Partnership PR Committee and the PRSA Iowa Chapter Board.

Please join us in welcoming Jordan to IHA! 🎉

11/25/2025

The Iowa Hospital Association has produced ANOTHER amazing, movie-magic-filled tree, making its debut at the Festival of Trees and Lights for auction next week.

11/17/2025

Last month, IHA was proud to host 24 first-year students from the University of Iowa Executive MHA Program. While at IHA, students learned about hospitals in Iowa and the resources IHA provides, including advocacy, data services and education.

09/29/2025

Sign up now before it's too late! Iowa Hospital Association Annual Meeting registration closes Oct. 1. It's not too late to join your health care colleagues to share, learn and celebrate with us at IHA’s 96th Annual Meeting in Des Moines, Oct. 7-8, with a preconference workshop at the IHA Conference Center Monday, Oct. 6. https://bit.ly/48Ef5kD