Earlier this week, Grinnell Regional Medical Center announced the good news about setting a record for contributions to its annual fund.  In a down year for the economy, this could be considered an amazing achievement. But here at IHA, we are hearing similar news from other hospitals.  At the same time, many Iowa hospitals are at various stages of construction, whether it be partial or large-scale remodels or entire hospital replacements. Nearly all of these projects were made possible, at least in part, by community philanthropy (as well as contributions from the hospital employees themselves).

The timing and support of these efforts says a lot about where hospitals and health care stand among Iowa’s priorities.  Clearly, with 118 hospitals, more than 70,000 employees and $5.8 billion in economic impact, Iowans recognize the value that these institutions bring to their communities, our state and everyone’s quality of life.

Iowans are known for their generosity, but they are also thoughtful about their giving, especially in these times.  Our hospitals continue to be a sound investment. And for those who want to contribute, hospitals offer their own legacy of giving and growth that instills community pride and individual achievement.