UnityPoint Health - Des Moines

10/24/2026

The UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Foundation was recently recognized as a Community Hospital High Performer through the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, scoring among the top 25 percent of participating community hospitals nationwide!

This achievement is only possible thanks to generous community support! Thank you to everyone who has given back and those who continue to support our mission. Every gift, no matter the size, helps patients receive the best care possible. 💙
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Photo Description:
Graphic with blue background and AHP High Performer badge.

10/23/2026

A plastic surgeon shares what actually helps and what doesn't. https://uph.link/hgq

Losing a lot of weight is a huge accomplishment, but it can come with an unwanted side effect: loose, sagging skin. Learn why it happens, if you can prevent it, whether it goes away naturally and your options if it doesn't.

10/22/2026

We’re proud to celebrate three UnityPoint Health – Des Moines physicians honored by the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) for their contributions to oncology research and patient care.

Millicent Amankwah, MD, and Samantha Mallory, MD, each received a Silver Certificate of Excellence in Treatment and Cancer Control. Arshin Sheybani, MD, received a Gold Certificate of Excellence in Treatment and Cancer Control and a Silver Certificate of Excellence in Cancer Care Delivery Research (CCDR). The individual honors are complemented by a Gold Treatment and Cancer Control Accrual Recognition awarded to Iowa-Wide Oncology Research Coalition (I-WORC), in which John Stoddard Cancer Center and Blank Children's Hospital participate.

These honors reflect our teams’ commitment to expanding access to research opportunities and strengthening cancer care for patients across Iowa. Please join us in congratulating Drs. Amankwah, Mallory and Sheybani!

10/22/2026

Jennifer Witt, RN, MSN, OCN, CBCN, an oncology nurse navigator at John Stoddard Cancer Center, visited Hello Iowa to share why screenings matter and what we’re seeing when it comes to the age of patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

It’s a scan that plays a critical role at detecting breast cancer. Jennifer Witt, Oncology Nurse Navigator for John Stoddard Cancer Center, shares the importance of mammograms and what they& #…

10/22/2026

Flu is hitting early this year, and a little shot goes a long way. Leaders across UPH are rolling up their sleeves as a simple way to protect our whole team and community from the virus.💪

Scheduling is simple with online booking: https://uph.link/FluShot

Image description:
A series of photos shows UnityPoint Health leaders receiving flu shots from healthcare professionals in meeting rooms, offices, and clinical settings.

10/21/2026

Congratulations to our latest DAISY Award winner, Emily K., RN, from radiology at Iowa Methodist Medical Center who was nominated by a patient for exceptional care! 🌼

The nomination read, “I encountered the best nurse when I needed her most! After a head injury, I needed an MRI that required an IV. After several unsuccessful attempts to place the IV it was decided to wait and try again later using ultrasound.

It was apparent, as she worked with precision, kindness and a smile on her face. She was interested in hearing about my family and my career. In a short amount of time, I felt we’d established a special bond. Emily carefully inserted the midline successfully, so I’d be able to have the much-needed MRI. Her compassion, knowledge and confidence were so comforting to me during a stressful time.”

Great work, Emily!
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Image descriptions -
Photo 1: A close up photo of Emily, smiling at the camera with a light brown background.
Photo 2: Emily holds her award while standing with her team.
Photo 3: Emily stands in a hallway holding a bouquet of white daisies.

10/21/2026

See if you meet the requirements. https://uph.link/b7be62

Image description:
Graphic with a light gray background and a faint awareness ribbon. Text reads: “It’s the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women, and there’s a little-known screening for it.” Graphic includes the UnityPoint Health logo and Colored vertical bars line.

10/20/2026

We want to acknowledge some of our hardest working team members at our organization that is full of hard-working people. Our Public Safety officers at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines are in charge of keeping visitors, patients and staff at our hospitals safe. It’s a job they take very seriously and do very well.
Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen proclaimed this week Healthcare Security and Safety Week in Des Moines, so it’s a great time to acknowledge our Public Safety team, and thank them for the work they put in every hour of every day.
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Image description:
Photo 1 - Two public safety officers walk through a hallway in their uniforms.
Photo 2 - A public safety officer wearing her uniform smiles at the camera.
Photo 3 - A public safety officer wearing his uniform smiles at the camera.
Photo 4 - A black Labrador retriever wearing a collar that says "UNIT K-9" is sitting outdoors in front of a brick building.
Photo 5 - A group photo of public safety officers with text that reads, "Happy Healthcare Security and Safety Week!"

10/20/2026

That’s a wrap on Scrub In!

From Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) simulations to hands-on skills stations and behind-the-scenes tours, we had an incredible day exploring the care, teamwork and compassion that make a difference for families at Blank Children's Hospital and UnityPoint Health - Des Moines.

Thank you to everyone who came along for the experience! See all photos at flic.kr/s/aHBqjD85M4
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Video Description:
Video showing various photos of Scrub In participants engaging in simulations and tours.

10/20/2026

Every parent wants the best care for their baby. For Hannah, that journey also included managing Type 1 diabetes during pregnancy. With support from a Healthy Hometowns grant, Health – Des Moines launched Iowa’s first maternal-fetal medicine telehealth network. For Hannah, that meant expert care close to home instead of hours on the road for each appointment. Fewer trips meant less stress and more time with family.

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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Image description: Hannah smiles towards the camera in a black shirt holds a smiling newborn baby. The baby is wearing a patterned onesie and is being cradled by the woman.