More than 240 Iowa Nurse Leaders Gather at the State Capitol for Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership Day on the Hill
DES MOINES, Iowa – On Wednesday, March 11, more than 240 nursing leaders and advocates, representing 76 Iowa hospitals and health systems across the state, gathered at the Iowa State Capitol for the Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership (IONL) annual Day on the Hill.
Virginia Gay Hospital’s CEO, Tina Eden attended Hospital Day on the Hill stating, “Telling the story of rural health care is incredibly important,” said Tina Eden, CEO of Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton. “Hospital Day on the Hill gives us the opportunity to share firsthand how policies impact our patients, our workforce and the services we provide close to home. It’s vital that rural communities like ours have a voice in shaping solutions that ensure access to high-quality care today and for future generations.”
Tina Eden pictured with Representative Gerhold and Senator McClintock.
The impactful day empowered IONL members to connect with lawmakers to strengthen dialogue and influence key health care policies in Iowa.
“Nurses are a vital component of Iowa hospitals and communities,” said Amanda Mohr, IONL President and Chief Nursing Officer at Greater Regional Health. “IONL Day on the Hill is an opportunity for nursing leaders and frontline staff to share their stories and evidenced-based practice needs within the healthcare system face-to-face with elected officials.”
Participants discussed key issues including workforce shortages, improving access to care for rural and underserved communities, as well as lowering health care costs.
Throughout the day, attendees met with legislators, attended policy briefings and shared stories illustrating how legislative decisions impact patients, health care providers and local economies. The event reinforces IONL’s commitment to shape the future of health care delivery, education and health policy.
“The hospitals in Iowa, rural and urban, are essential to the stability and growth of the community in which they serve,” Mohr said. “Not every community hospital has exactly the same needs, and IONL Day on the Hill allows nursing leaders to share actual experiences and solutions to allow continued, safe patient centered care within those communities.”
IONL is a personal membership group (PMG) of the Iowa Hospital Association. PMGs offer hospital professionals opportunities to learn and network with colleagues across Iowa. IHA represents 121 hospitals and health systems across the state and supports its members through advocacy, education and data services.
# # #
About the Iowa Hospital Association
Since its founding in 1929, the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) has served as the unified voice for Iowa’s hospitals and health systems. As a nonprofit association committed to advancing health care across the state through advocacy, education and data services, the organization supports 123 Iowa hospitals and health systems in achieving their goals and delivering high-quality care to the communities they serve. IHA advocates for sound health policy at both the state and federal levels, provides year-round professional development opportunities, and delivers actionable data insights to help hospitals improve care delivery. Together with its members, IHA is reimagining health care in Iowa for life-changing outcomes.
About Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership
Since 1977, Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership (IONL) has been the voice of nursing leaders throughout Iowa. IONL promotes excellence in leadership to shape the future of health care delivery, education and health policy. We are committed to fostering the development of nurse leaders across the continuum through mentorship, collaboration and education.
