Dows
Dows, IA · Health
nwestiowa.com
Raymond honored with 2026 Hospital Hero Award by state association
LE MARS — A Floyd Valley Healthcare CNA has been honored as a 2026 Hospital Hero in recognition of his exceptional service, dedication and impact on patients, colleagues and the community. Raymond Walker was presented the award by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) on Oct. 7 in Des Moines...
Iowa Capital Dispatch
Axios Des Moines
Des Moines explores new "forever chemical" lawsuits
Des Moines has hired a law firm to explore legal action regarding " forever chemicals " contamination. Why it matters: The synthetic compounds collectively known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread in soil and water and are linked to cancer and other health problems. Driving the news: Council members last week agreed to retain New York law firm Grossman & Kelly to investigate potential damages related to PFAS and firefighting foam and gear, as well as separate claims involving microplastics and tobacco waste. Context: PFAS are a large family of human-made chemicals used for decades to resist heat, water, and grease. They have been detected in metro water sources. How it works: City manager Scott Sanders tells Axios that the law firm will hire geologists and other experts to investigate at no up-front cost to the city. If Des Moines recovers money, the firm would receive 33% plus certain costs. State of play: The city hasn't yet said what will be tested or whether lawsuits could involve other metro utilities. "These cases are in the early stages, and the city will make these decisions with the advice of outside counsel and their experts," Sanders tells Axios. Meanwhile, Grossman
dmcityview.com
Free Dental Clinic Returns to Des Moines November 13–14
DES MOINES, IA – October 12, 2026 – The Iowa Mission of Mercy (IMOM), an annual, large-scale free dental clinic, will return to Des Moines on November 13–14, transforming the Jacobson Exhibition Center at the Iowa State Fairgrounds into a fully operational field clinic with 100 patient chairs. The event travels to different Iowa communities each year to expand access to care and was last in Des Moines in 2022.
We Are Iowa
Medicare open enrollment begins, experts warn seniors about text scams
DES MOINES, Iowa — As Medicare open enrollment begins, experts are warning seniors to be cautious of text messages that appear to come from the government but may be designed to steal their personal information. The annual enrollment period runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, giving Medicare beneficiaries an...
Hometown Current
New pediatric gastroenterologist joins UnityPoint
GRINNELL — UnityPoint Health-Grinnell welcomed Catherine DeGeeter, Blank Children’s Gastroenterology, to the UnityPoint Health-Grinnell Multi-Specialty Clinic. She is accepting new patients for care on the second floor of the Ahrens Medical Arts Building at 202 Fourth Avenue in Grinnell, adjacent to Grinnell Regional Medical Center. DeGeeter completed her undergraduate education at the University of Iowa, followed by her medical degree at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. She completed her residency in pediatrics at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, followed by a fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology at the University of Chicago. DeGeeter has 13 years of healthcare experience as a pediatric gastroenterologist. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. DeGeeter has training and experience in a full range of gastrointestinal conditions and provides a full spectrum of pediatric gastroenterology care for pediatric patients, from newborn to 18 years of age. She has a special interest in Celiac disease and pediatric obesity medicine. DeGeeter is providing care in Grinnell every Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the Grinnell Multi-Specialty Clinic at 641-236-2925 for more information.