Blank Children's Hospital

03/11/2026

For Child Life Month, we want to recognize the specialists who are there every step of the way for our patients and families. 💜

03/11/2026

We see some familiar faces! 👏 Congratulations to our amazing nurses who care for expectant mothers and pediatric patients on being named 2026 Great Iowa Nurses! Your dedication and compassion make a difference every day. Thank you for everything you do!

Congratulations to our 2026 UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Great Iowa Nurse honorees! This prestigious award annually recognizes nurses for their outstanding contributions to their patients, team members and the nursing profession. Honorees are Michelle A., Camie B., Rylee C., Jordann E., Andrea G., Tanya H., Eric H., Brooke S., Lacy W. and Christine W. Congratulations!

03/09/2026

Congratulations to Colbi G., RN, from lactation services at Iowa Methodist Medical Center who was nominated by a patient for nurturing care! 🌼

The nomination read, "I gave birth to twins early, at 32 weeks. My boys were immediately sent to the NICU. As a first-time mom, I had no clue how to start breastfeeding since I was unable to be with them. Within hours in maternity, Colbi came into my room and taught me everything I needed to know about pumping for my boys up in the NICU. During the follow-up consult, Colbi immediately noticed I was in excruciating pain. Within minutes, she got medication, ice, readjusted my bed and sat with me until the pain subsided. In that moment, I felt seen and truly cared for. My twins stayed in the NICU for several weeks as they learned to breathe, swallow, suck and eventually were strong enough to try breastfeeding. Colbi knew how important breastfeeding was to me, so she took the time to see us every day. Because of her efforts, we were able to leave the NICU three weeks early.

The past 38 days were some of the most traumatic I will ever have to endure as a mom, but because of Colbi's kindness, my boys and I left feeling loved and cared for. As a family, we’ll be grateful forever. Whenever I look back on our time in the hospital, the pain of it all subsides a little knowing we had Colbi’s support the entire time." Amazing work, Colbi!

03/07/2026

A big thank you to our Shining Stars from the Johnston Community School District Bowling Teams for hosting a Strike Out Cancer fundraiser! 🎳 🌟

Their generous efforts raised $1,300 for Blank Children's Cancer & Blood Disorder Center, which will provide important services and resources for young cancer patients and their families. 💙

03/05/2026

Thanks to the dedication of care teams in Fort Dodge and Des Moines, Mayleigh continued to improve and was eventually able to transfer closer to home to finish her care. Stories like Mayleigh’s are a powerful reminder of the impact of collaboration and compassionate care for our smallest patients. 💜

03/04/2026

In February, we welcomed 434 sweet babies into the world. Congratulations to all of the families that grew in February! Learn more about Maternity Services at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines by visiting http://ms.spr.ly/6187Q5XNX

03/03/2026

Thank you to the Iowa Wild players for stopping by Blank Children’s Hospital and brightening our halls! The team brought great conversations, plenty of smiles and fun goodie bags for our patients. 🏒

03/03/2026

Congratulations to Laura Mears, RN, BSN, for being named 2026 Iowa School Nurse Administrator of the Year! 🎉

Congratulations to our 2026 Iowa School Nurse Administrator of the Year! 🏆

Laura Mears, BSN, RN is the 2026 Iowa School Nurse
Administrator of the Year. Laura is a Senior Clinical Administrator with Blank Children's Hospital- Laura oversees health services for West Des Moines Community Schools.

We look forward to celebrating Laura at the 2026 Iowa School Nurse Conference-and again at NASN 2026 in Las Vegas, NV!

03/02/2026

Special thanks to Claire Danielson and Sarah Lindstrom for organizing the acquired or congenital limb difference event this past weekend. In partnership with ChildServe, Limb Lab and Hanger Clinic – families came together and kids were able to swim and just be kids, reminding us all that sometimes the best medicine is being together!

02/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who supported the annual Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa telethon! Our team was honored to participate in this impactful event, making a difference for children across the state. Variety is a huge supporter of Blank Children's, donating more than $15 million to improve areas throughout our hospital over the last five decades. We are grateful for their consistent partnership to better the lives of children in our community. ❤

02/25/2026

February is heart month, and we want to celebrate heart heroes! ❤️

We know when your child has a heart condition, every mile matters. Katie is a parent of heart hero, Charlotte. She says, “I know what it feels like to face long drives, uncertainty and the fear of being hours away from home when your child needs specialized cardiac care. For our family, the partnership of the new pediatric cardiology clinic between Blank Children’s with Children's Nebraska's Criss Heart Center has been a lifeline. Dr. Schivapour has been instrumental in keeping my child thriving. Her expertise, proactive care and deep understanding of complex pediatric heart conditions have enabled our daughter to receive care close to home. We are grateful!”

02/24/2026

State Representative Rob Johnson (District 34) visited our maternity center and presented a certificate of recognition to the doctors, nurses and team members for excellence in patient care provided for his family during the recent birth of their child. Representative Johnson is an advocate for mother-baby outcomes for families of color. He said, “On behalf of the state of Iowa, I am profoundly grateful for the lifesaving work you perform every day. Your service strengthens families, uplifts communities and represents the very best of our healthcare system.”