Broadlawns Medical Center

Broadlawns Medical Center Broadlawns Medical Center is Polk County’s community hospital, providing accessible, high-quality care to everyone who enters through our doors.

With comprehensive services and training programs, we’re committed to a healthier community. At Broadlawns Medical Center, our staff of 110 physicians and over 1,300 employees strive to provide high quality healthcare that is coordinated, compassionate, and cost-effective. Established as the Polk County hospital in 1924, Broadlawns has a patient-centered culture that is comprehensive, team-based, coordinated, and focused on quality. This approach delivers positive results on many levels: better outcomes, happier and healthier patients, lower costs, and a place where physicians and employees choose to work. Our primary focus is your health, and it is our privilege to attend to the healthcare needs of our community.

Today is World Health Day. This year, Broadlawns is honoring the observance by encouraging our community to go out and g...
04/07/2026

Today is World Health Day. This year, Broadlawns is honoring the observance by encouraging our community to go out and get their annual physical. What happens during a typical annual physical?

You and your provider may:

• Review and discuss your medical history
• Collect vital sign checks like heart rate and blood pressure
• Conduct screenings, as needed, such as breast or colorectal cancer screenings
• Discuss current exercise or diet routine
• Schedule other appointments, such as a mammogram or blood work

Getting an annual physical is an important step for setting yourself up for success each year. Schedule a physical with one of our expert providers today: https://bit.ly/4pwGXMl.

Broadlawns is proud to be nominated for six Des Moines' People's Choice categories. Voting is open now through next Wedn...
04/07/2026

Broadlawns is proud to be nominated for six Des Moines' People's Choice categories. Voting is open now through next Wednesday, April 15. You can vote once per day here: https://dsmpeopleschoice.com/vote/ #

Broadlawns is nominated for best:
Hospital
Medical Practice
Orthopedic Surgeon
Pediatrician
Physical Therapy
Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic

Congratulations to the eight participants who completed the TEACH apprenticeship program and graduated last week. Durin...
04/06/2026

Congratulations to the eight participants who completed the TEACH apprenticeship program and graduated last week.

During the program, they completed Certified Nursing Assistant training and received additional education in dementia care.

For many, this marks a first step into a career in healthcare and a pathway to continued growth at Broadlawns.

Take a look at the photos from the ceremony and join us in recognizing this group.

In partnership with Urban Dreams - Iowa, Central Iowa HealthWorks, Des Moines Public Schools, and DMACC Continuing Education, Broadlawns is proud to offer paid apprenticeship opportunities for community members pursuing a career in healthcare.

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Bankers Trust Company, for supporting the 36th Annual Broadlawns Golf Outing. ⛳️ Join Ba...
04/03/2026

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Bankers Trust Company, for supporting the 36th Annual Broadlawns Golf Outing. ⛳️

Join Bankers Trust in supporting the Broadlawns Foundation on Tuesday, June 23 at Terrace Hills Golf Course. Enjoy a day of scenic golf, food, and drinks, all while supporting the Veterans Dental Initiative, which provides essential dental care.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4bHn2H4

Access to care isn’t the same for everyone.During Minority Health Month, we recognize the importance of making healthcar...
04/01/2026

Access to care isn’t the same for everyone.

During Minority Health Month, we recognize the importance of making healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

At Broadlawns, that means providing care that is affordable, coordinated, and rooted in our community.

If you need care, we’re here to help connect you to the services you need.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4pwGXMl

March is Women's History Month, and we’re highlighting women across Broadlawns. This week, we’re featuring Jennifer Mell...
03/30/2026

March is Women's History Month, and we’re highlighting women across Broadlawns. This week, we’re featuring Jennifer Melly, ARNP, PMHNP.

Jennifer has spent 15 years at Broadlawns, primarily in the Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit. Early in her career, she knew this was where she could make a lasting impact.

“I love to build relationships with the patients. They come to see you as family.”

She is deeply committed to helping people better understand mental health and reducing stigma—whether working with patients, supporting families, or educating others in her day-to-day life. One patient’s experience has stayed with her. After weeks of care following a manic episode, the patient returned home with her husband and young son.

“The family sent me a letter thanking me for giving them their wife and mom back. I still have the letter in my office.”

For women considering the field, Jennifer keeps it simple:

“Get educated about mental health. Learn why people act the way they do. It’s a rewarding field.”

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with her family, including their goldendoodle, Emily.

Every day, providers across Broadlawns care for patients in moments that require focus, judgment, and coordination. Thei...
03/30/2026

Every day, providers across Broadlawns care for patients in moments that require focus, judgment, and coordination.

Their work spans primary care, specialty services, emergency care, and behavioral health. It often involves complex decisions and collaboration with teams across the organization.

On Doctors’ Day, we recognize the role providers play in caring for our community.

Thank you for the work you do every day.

03/27/2026

Thank you to Polk County Iowa for investing in care that meets people where they are. The Mobile Memory and Wellness Clinic will help reduce barriers and connect more people to evaluation and support, earlier.

March is National Nutrition Month. For many in our community, nutrition is shaped by access to food, time, cost, and exi...
03/26/2026

March is National Nutrition Month.

For many in our community, nutrition is shaped by access to food, time, cost, and existing health conditions. These factors matter just as much as knowledge.

At Broadlawns, our dietitians focus on practical, sustainable changes that patients can actually maintain. Whether someone is managing diabetes, improving heart health, or working toward weight goals, care is tailored to real-life circumstances.

Nutrition support is available through our inpatient and outpatient services.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4bBYDBx

More than 100 years ago, this campus was built to care for patients with tuberculosis. At the time, people came here bec...
03/24/2026

More than 100 years ago, this campus was built to care for patients with tuberculosis. At the time, people came here because there were few other places to go.

That reality shaped who we are.

At Broadlawns, that responsibility has not changed. We are here for our community, especially for those who need care the most.

Congratulations to Sara Donovan on being named a 2026 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree. Sara serves as...
03/23/2026

Congratulations to Sara Donovan on being named a 2026 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree.

Sara serves as Manager of Access and Engagement at Broadlawns, supporting how patients experience and access care. Read more: https://www.businessrecord40.com/sara-donovan

March is Women's History Month, and we’re highlighting women across Broadlawns. This week, we’re featuring Kayla Bell, C...
03/23/2026

March is Women's History Month, and we’re highlighting women across Broadlawns. This week, we’re featuring Kayla Bell, Counseling Director at the Broadlawns Community Clinic at Drake.

Kayla has been with Broadlawns for six years. Her office is located just off the Drake University campus, something she takes a lot of joy in as a Drake alum.

“I enjoy connecting with the students as I walk around campus. By connecting, I get to advocate for the students and their needs.”

A program that Kayla is particularly proud to have helped bring to the Drake campus? Pet therapy. “I worked with the student government and administration. What started as a one-day event has turned into a full-fledged program. It showed the power of collaboration.”

Su***de awareness holds a special place in Kayla’s heart. After a high school classmate died by su***de, she joined Heart Haven OutReach (H2O) as a peer mentor. This led to her majoring in Psychology in college, before deciding to pursue being a counselor.

Kayla has helped to grow the annual Su***de Awareness Walk at Drake. In 2021, 52 students came. Now, over 100 students attend the walk each year.

An active alum of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority at Drake, Kayla has words of advice for the next generation of female therapists. “Tap into your inner power. Women are conditioned for a lot of the skills you need to be a therapist, so make sure you have strong boundaries in place.”

To young black women, Kayla says, “Don’t change your language. Use your authenticity.”

Outside of work, you can find Kayla playing her clarinet, collecting sneakers, and watching the WNBA.

Thank you, Kayla, for your devotion and care for the Broadlawns community.

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Together a Healthy Community

With a longstanding history of attending to the healthcare needs of the community, Broadlawns Medical Center is dedicated to ensuring that high quality healthcare is accessible and affordable for everyone. With a staff that is comprised of over 100 physicians and more than 1,100 employees, Broadlawns is committed to providing care that is coordinated, compassionate, and cost-effective. Over the course of 90+ years, Broadlawns has developed a patient-centered culture that is comprehensive, team-based and focused on quality. This approach delivers better outcomes, happier and healthier patients, lower costs, and a place where physicians and employees choose to work. Your health is our primary focus, and it is our privilege to attend to the healthcare needs of our community.