MercyOne and The Iowa Clinic Announce Partnership to Transition Gynecologic Oncology Services in Central Iowa
MercyOne and The Iowa Clinic are partnering to ensure seamless gynecologic oncology care in Central Iowa as surgical services transition to MercyOne facilities. Beginning February 16, Dr. Kevin Kremer, MD, MPH, the region’s only gynecologic oncology physician, will provide surgical and inpatient care at MercyOne while continuing outpatient services at The Iowa Clinic’s West Des Moines campus.
Iowa Specialty Hospital Sets Birth Record With 2025 Deliveries
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics is proud to report that a record-breaking number of babies were delivered at their Clarion facility in 2025. With 711 babies born in 2025, ISH Maternity Center saw numbers steadily increase over other recent years. This number includes 10 sets of twins, 368 boys, and 343 girls. The top five names for girls born at ISH in 2025 were Abigail, Sutton, Henley, Aurora, and Sadie. The top five names for boys born at ISH in 2025 were Liam, Arlo, Waylon, Hayes, and Noah.
Wellness Center Rehab Services Mark 10 Years of Growth and Community Impact
Columbus Community Hospital is celebrating 10 years of Rehab Services at the Columbus Wellness Center. This marks a decade of expanded access to specialized therapy care, innovative programming and measurable growth in services for the community.
Mrs. Iowa Makes Special Visit to UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s – Downtown
Mrs. Iowa recently spent time at our Downtown Campus visiting with patients and team members and spreading positivity throughout the day. Heidi Day, who was announced as United States of America’s Mrs. Iowa in October, brings her title to life through the same servant-hearted approach she practices every day as a neuro-ortho nurse at the Downtown Campus.
Community Hospital Health Foundation Announces Board Updates
Community Hospital Health Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Graff to its Board of Directors. Graff, a retired radiology technologist who served Community Hospital for many years before retiring in March 2021, brings a wealth of healthcare experience and a deep commitment to the community. She is also an active community member, engaged in numerous local events and non-profit organizations, making her a valuable addition to the Foundation’s leadership team.
McFarland Clinic Family Medicine Welcomes Ruth Nguyen, ARNP
McFarland Clinic is pleased to announce that Ruth Nguyen, ARNP will join McFarland Clinic’s Adult Medicine Department in Ames on January 19.
Sanford Health Welcomes Adult and Pediatric Surgery Specialist to Bismarck
Keaton Joppru, M.D., a general surgeon, specializing in adult and pediatric surgeries, has joined Sanford Health in Bismarck.
Community Invited to Free Education Series on January 22
CHI Health St. Francis, in collaboration with CHI Health Clinic: Nebraska Heart Institute, is hosting a community education session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22 in Conference Room 2/3 at the hospital.
LRH Foundation Announces February 6 “Grape Escape” Tasting Event and Auction
This year Lakes Regional Healthcare Foundation will hold their 13th annual fundraiser called the Grape Escape to celebrate the advancements in healthcare in the Iowa Great Lakes and to raise funds toward future projects. The event will be held on Friday, February 6 at the Roof Garden Ballroom.
Vascular Surgeon Dr. Patrick Kelly to Provide Care at Lakes Regional Healthcare
Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) is pleased to announce that Dr. Patrick Kelly has started providing care to area patients within Lakes Regional Healthcare’s Outpatient Center. He is one of the founding vascular surgeons at Dakota Vascular in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and will be at LRH’s Outpatient Center one Monday each month.
Jamestown Regional Medical Center Named a Top Recommended Hospital in the State
Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of North Dakota’s top recommended hospitals, an honor shared only by the Fargo VA Medical Center. This recognition is based on patients’ responses to the question: “Would you recommend this hospital to your friends and family?”
HHS Encourages Preventive Measures as North Dakota Flu Activity Rises
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) encourages residents to take precautions as influenza activity remains high with newly reported influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths.
Box Butte General Hospital Opens Walk-In Clinic for Convenient Care
At Greater Nebraska Medical and Surgical Services (GNMSS), a new walk-in clinic will now be available to the community! The walk-in clinic will be offering treatment for illnesses and injuries that need care quickly, but are not emergent enough to go to the Emergency Room.
University of Nebraska Medical Center Celebrates Winter Commencement With Over 400 Graduates
Diplomas were conferred on more than 400 University of Nebraska Medical Center students on Dec. 19.
Avera Opens Pavilion 2 as New Home of Digestive Health
Avera has opened Pavilion 2, a new medical office building at the Avera on Louise Health Campus in Sioux Falls. The three-story Pavilion 2 is home to the Avera Digestive Health Center and the specialty of gastroenterology. A community open house will be 11:30 – 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11.
Forbes Names Sanford Fargo Among Top Hospitals
Sanford Medical Center Fargo was recently named to the inaugural Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list and recognized as a 5-star facility.
CHI Health St. Francis Welcomes Wound Care Provider Scheer
CHI Health Advanced Wound Care (St. Francis) is pleased to announce the addition of Megan Scheer, APRN, to its staff.
MercyOne Records 8,366 Births in 2025, With Girls Outnumbering Boys
MercyOne Birth Centers welcomed 8,592 babies in 2025, including more than 4,321 girls, 4,271 boys, and 133 sets of twins.
Locally, the MercyOne Genesis Silvis Medical Center’s Birth Center enjoyed a baby boom with a 194% increase in deliveries in fiscal year 2025 as compared to fiscal year 2023.
UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Advances Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to Level 3
St. Luke’s is proud to announce its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been officially designated as a Level 3 NICU. This advancement strengthens access to comprehensive, high-level neonatal care in the Siouxland region and supports families by keeping more infants close to home during critical stages of treatment and recovery.
Get the Right Care at the Right Time When You’re Feeling Sick
Respiratory illnesses are increasing across our region. Essentia Health offers many same‑day and virtual care options to help you get the care you need, when and where it’s right for you.