Governor Kim Reynolds Hosts “Center of Excellence” Press Conference at St. Anthony Regional Hospital
On Thursday, June 8, 2023, Governor Kim Reynolds visited St. Anthony Regional Hospital to tour the facility and hold a press conference announcing the expansion of the Centers of Excellence grant program
In May 2021, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds proposed a Centers of Excellence pilot program to encourage innovation and collaboration among regional health care providers. St. Anthony Birth Place received one of only two grants awarded that year and focused on expanding maternal care access for mothers and their babies in West Central Iowa. The Birth Place received additional funding in 2022.
During her visit at St. Anthony, Governor Reynolds took a tour of the undergoing reconstruction of the OB unit. Ginny Uhlenkamp, Director of the Birth Place and Jamie Royster, Graham Construction Project Manager led her on this tour and highlighted features of the new unit.
After the tour, Governor Reynolds personally witnessed the impact of the Centers of Excellence grant by attending the Postpartum Support Group and engaging with attending mothers and their babies.
She also met with hospital administration and OB providers from McFarland Clinic and St. Anthony Clinic. The meeting facilitated discussions on the Centers of Excellence grant, allowing for a productive exchange of thoughts and suggestions.
To conclude her visit, she hosted a press conference featuring Allen Anderson, St. Anthony President and CEO, Dr. Charles Svensson, OB/GYN, Dr. Nicole Cummings Family Practice physician, and Lexie Schroeder, postpartum group mother. Each speaker had the opportunity to share their experiences and the impacts St. Anthony and the Centers of Excellence program has had on them. The Governor also announced the additional funding which will support two new Centers of Excellence. St. Anthony was honored to demonstrate to Governor Reynolds the essence of rural healthcare and the transformative effects of grant funding.
