DES MOINES, Iowa – On Wednesday, March 11, more than 240 hospital leaders, health care professionals and advocates, representing 76 Iowa hospitals and health systems across the state, gathered at the Iowa State Capitol for the Iowa Hospital Association’s (IHA) annual Hospital Day on the Hill.
Local leadership attended representing Jackson County Regional Health Center, including Kolin Huth, Chief Financial Officer.
“Events like Hospital Day on the Hill allow us to highlight the unique challenges rural hospitals face while reinforcing how vital local health care is to our communities,” said Kolin Huth. “We appreciate the opportunity to connect with lawmakers and advocate for policies that help sustain access to care for patients in our region.”
“Iowa hospitals are essential to the health and economic vitality of our communities,” said Chris Mitchell, IHA President & CEO. “Hospital Day on the Hill provides an opportunity for legislators to hear directly from hospital and health system representatives about the challenges and opportunities facing Iowa’s health care system.”
Participants discussed key issues including workforce shortages, improving access to care for rural and underserved communities, as well as lowering health care costs.
Throughout the day, attendees met with legislators, attended policy briefings and shared stories illustrating how legislative decisions impact patients, health care providers and local economies. The event reinforces IHA’s commitment to advocacy, education and partnership in advancing high quality health care across the state.
“Iowa hospitals are not just care providers, they are major employers and community anchors,” Mitchell said. “Strong public policy is critical to sustaining these institutions and the services they provide. Hospital Day on the Hill allows us to share real-world frontline perspectives with policymakers and work collaboratively on solutions that ensure Iowans continue to have access to safe, high-quality care close to home.”
IHA represents 121 hospitals and health systems across the state and supports its members through advocacy, education and data services.
