Pictured (L-R): Photo: Chief Nursing Officer, Ann Lengeling; Iowa AG, Brenna
Bird; and SMCH CEO Linn Block
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird visited Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) in Lake City last week to learn more about the challenges facing Iowa’s rural hospitals. Bird joined SMCH CEO Linn Block during the stop, which centered on the recent completion of additions and renovations at the hospital. They also addressed SMCH’s commitment to providing essential healthcare services, including primary care, maternal health services, mental health support, and various specialties across its four rural health clinics. The pair agreed the primary challenges facing rural healthcare are rising inflation, workforce shortages, and escalating health insurance costs. These difficulties are not unique to SMCH, as many rural hospitals have the same hurdles to clear, and previous efforts by the government to alleviate the issues have not had a significant impact. Block says, “It was an honor to host Attorney General Brenna Bird at SMCH. Her dedication to advocating for the well-being of all Iowans is truly commendable. Together, we discussed strategies to navigate the challenges ahead and ensure that quality healthcare remains accessible to all.”