Iowa Hospital Association to Honor Speaker Pat Grassley with Inaugural Healthcare Champion Award
The Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) today presented Speaker Pat Grassley with its 2026 Healthcare Champion Award during a special recognition event at Waverly Health Center. The award recognizes individuals whose leadership, partnership and commitment have made a meaningful difference in strengthening Iowa's healthcare system and supporting hospitals' ability to serve their communities.
Hospital leaders from throughout the region joined representatives from Waverly Health Center and the Iowa Hospital Association to honor Speaker Grassley for his longstanding support of Iowa hospitals and his commitment to preserving access to healthcare services throughout the state.
"The Healthcare Champion Award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a genuine commitment to strengthening healthcare in Iowa," said Chris Mitchell, president and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association. "Speaker Grassley has consistently been accessible, engaged and willing to have thoughtful conversations about the challenges facing Iowa hospitals and the communities they serve. He understands the vital role hospitals play as caregivers, employers, economic drivers and community partners."
According to IHA, Speaker Grassley has worked closely with hospital leaders on issues affecting healthcare access, workforce challenges and the long-term sustainability of Iowa's healthcare delivery system. Throughout his tenure, Speaker Grassley has demonstrated a strong appreciation for the unique challenges facing rural hospitals. He has consistently emphasized the importance of ensuring Iowans can access healthcare services close to home and has supported policies aimed at strengthening the long-term sustainability of rural healthcare providers.
"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Iowa Hospital Association. Growing up in rural Iowa, I understand how important local hospitals are to the communities they serve. They provide critical healthcare services, support local economies and help keep communities strong. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Iowa hospitals and will continue supporting efforts to preserve and strengthen access to quality healthcare for all Iowans, regardless of where they live," said Grassley.
During the award presentation, Jodi Geerts, president and CEO of Waverly Health Center, highlighted Speaker Grassley's role in advancing legislative initiatives supported by Iowa hospitals, including efforts to strengthen physician recruitment and retention and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens that take time and resources away from patient care.
"Speaker Grassley has consistently demonstrated a willingness to listen, engage and work alongside hospitals to address those challenges. He has been a trusted partner and a steadfast advocate for ensuring Iowans continue to have access to high-quality healthcare close to home," said Geerts.
The Healthcare Champion Award is not presented annually and is reserved for individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting, positive impact on healthcare in Iowa.