Iowa Hospital Leaders Gather in Des Moines for Annual Advocacy Event

Administrators meet with lawmakers to discuss workforce, rural access, and rising costs

Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:59pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hospital leaders from across Iowa, including facilities in the listening area, traveled to Des Moines earlier this month for the Iowa Hospital Association's (IHA) annual Hospital Day on the Hill at the Iowa State Capitol. The event offered an opportunity for providers to engage directly with legislators on key issues affecting the state's healthcare landscape, such as workforce shortages, access to care in rural communities, and rising costs.

Why it matters

The annual gathering allows hospital administrators to share firsthand perspectives on the challenges facing healthcare facilities, particularly those serving rural populations. These discussions help inform policymaking and ensure lawmakers understand the realities on the ground for hospitals and clinics across Iowa.

The details

During the March 11 event, hospital leaders met with state legislators and participated in policy discussions focused on workforce shortages, access to care in rural areas, and rising healthcare costs. The IHA represents 121 hospitals and health systems statewide, providing advocacy, education, and data services to its members.

  • The annual Hospital Day on the Hill event took place on March 11, 2026.

The players

Iowa Hospital Association (IHA)

The IHA represents 121 hospitals and health systems across Iowa, providing advocacy, education, and data services to its members.

Linn Block

The CEO of Stewart Memorial Hospital, who stated that Hospital Day on the Hill is an important opportunity to advocate for rural healthcare and ensure communities continue to have access to high-quality services close to home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Hospital Day on the Hill is an important opportunity to advocate for rural health care and ensure our communities continue to have access to high-quality services close to home.”

— Linn Block, CEO, Stewart Memorial Hospital

The takeaway

This annual event allows hospital leaders across Iowa to directly engage with state lawmakers, ensuring policymakers understand the unique challenges facing healthcare facilities, especially those serving rural populations. These discussions help inform legislation and regulations to support the continued provision of high-quality care in communities throughout the state.