UnityPoint Health - Des Moines

09/07/2026

Know an exceptional UnityPoint Health nurse who goes above and beyond for patients? Now's your chance to recognize them! Nominate them for a 2027 Great Iowa Nurse award between now and September 30, 2026. Nominators and nominees will be notified in January 2027.

Visit greatiowanurses.org for full details and to submit your nomination!

Image description:
Photo of UnityPoint Health nurses wearing navy scrubs alongside the Great Iowa Nurses and UnityPoint Health logos and text overlay "Nominate a Great Iowa Nurse - Nominations open through September 30, 2026."

09/07/2026

Saliva, f***s, mucus and fluid from blisters. Hand, foot and mouth is on the rise. Here's how to keep it away from your kiddo.

What are the early signs of hand, foot, mouth disease? What are the stages? Our medical expert answers these questions and more about this common viral illness.

09/06/2026

Thanks to the Rural Transformation and Iowa Healthy Hometowns grant, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines launched Iowa's first Maternal-Fetal Medicine Telehealth Network. In its first month, the program supported 52 fetal anatomy scans in Fort Dodge, identifying high-risk pregnancies earlier and making sure families received timely follow-up care from their healthcare team.

As the network expands across Iowa, more mothers will be able to access specialized pregnancy care closer to home, reducing the need for long-distance travel and improving health outcomes for Iowa families.
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This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $209,040,063.71 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, CMS/HHS, or the U.S Government.
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Photo Descriptions:
Photo 1: Medical staff reviews a fetal scan on a monitor.
Photo 2: Medical staff performs an ultrasound on a patient.

09/05/2026

It’s another beautiful morning at the Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market 🌞 Stop by our tent to visit our amazing Hospice team! Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market
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Image description: Two volunteers stand together wearing matching teal farmers market t-shirts and are smiling at the camera.

09/05/2026

The "baby blues" affect 80% of new mothers — but how do you know when it's something more serious? https://uph.link/r8y

Find vital information on postpartum depression at UnityPoint Health. Understand the symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options to support your mental health after childbirth. Access resources and expert guidance to help you and your family thrive during the postpartum journey.

09/04/2026

Nathan's dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN) was made possible thanks to you! 💙

While joyfully serving patients as an EMT, Certified Nurse Assistant and Patient Care Technician, Nathan has always dreamed of becoming a registered nurse. However, nursing school usually requires stepping away from patient work and comes at a significant cost.

Thanks to the RN Pathways program, Nathan received tuition assistance, paid educational time and a structured pathway forward that allowed him to continue caring for his patients while pursuing his dream of becoming a RN.

"My family and I are still shocked by the generosity of everything this program has given me. I hope you know the difference your support has made not just in my life but in the lives of my patients and their families."

The RN Pathways program only exists thanks to generous donors. Thank you to all who make this program possible for team members like Nathan!
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Photo Descriptions:
Photo 1: Nathan stands looking at a patient in a hospital bed.
Photo 2: Nathan smiles wearing black scrubs and a stethoscope around his neck.

09/04/2026

Meet Guy! This 7-year-old from Marshalltown is our first Kid Captain of the season for Iowa State Football!

After a challenging start to life and a diagnosis of Noonan syndrome, Guy has continued to tackle every obstacle with strength and determination. Watch his story and see how this incredible kid lives life to the fullest.
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Video description: Clips of the first Iowa State Kid Captain, Guy, and his family are shown as his mother shares the story of his medical journey.

09/04/2026

While it's a symptom of some cancers, these common causes are much more likely.

Though uncomfortable, night sweats are typically a harmless side effect of several manageable conditions. A UnityPoint Health medical expert breaks down different causes — from hormonal shifts and lifestyle factors to red flags that signal serious illnesses.

09/03/2026

The first bowel movement after childbirth can be painful. An OBGYN offers practical tips to help. https://uph.link/mul

The postpartum experience can be shocking for women. Our OBGYN helps you know what to expect immediately after baby.