Alston

Two specialty providers should join the ranks of UnityPoint Health Marshalltown thanks to a federal grant.

The hospital received word of the award, which was possible thanks to Iowa’s participation in the Rural Health Transformation Program, last week. The federal grant is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Interim Director of Operations Ron Alston said they are awaiting additional details on how much will be received. UnityPoint will use the funds to recruit two providers — one cardiologist and one oncologist who will both commit to full-time, in-person patient care for at least five years. Alston said they will work in Marshalltown and will be advanced practice providers (APP), such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants.

“Five years gives providers time to settle into the community and advance our programs,” he said. “It sets a reasonable expectation for stability without making the recruitment process more difficult by asking for a long commitment.”

Alston indicated that heart and cancer care are two critical and growing areas in Marshalltown, just as they are everywhere.

“Nationally, cardiovascular disease is on the rise, and by 2050 roughly 60 percent of Americans will have an underlying cardiovascular risk factor,” he said. “In Iowa, cancer rates continue to climb, and no county falls below the national average. These trends highlight why expanding local access is important.”

Currently, UnityPoint Marshalltown does not have providers in those specialty areas. Three UnityPoint Health cardiologists from Des Moines rotate regularly through the hospital’s MultiSpecialty Clinic. Unrelated to the funding, Alston said they are also adding cardiology support to the MultiSpecialty Clinic from Waterloo in the form of a physician and APP.

“UnityPoint Health has not had a dedicated oncologist serving the Marshalltown community,” he said. “There was a dedicated UnityPoint Health Cardiology Clinic in Marshalltown roughly eight years ago, but the clinic closed shortly after a tornado destroyed the clinic building.”

Just like the rest of the country, it has been a challenge to recruit new providers for Marshalltown. Alston said there is a nationwide shortage.

“We’re hopeful the Rural Health Transformation Program funding will help us attract new providers to the area,” he said.

Receiving some of the funds this year does not mean UnityPoint Marshalltown is ineligible for additional monies. Since there are five years of the grant cycle, Alston said they could apply for another four.

UnityPoint Health has until Sept. 30, 2027, to recruit the two providers and expend the grant funds.

“This grant opportunity aligns with our vision to bring the highest quality care to the people we serve,” he said. “It will allow more patients to stay close to home for care. We are grateful for this support and the impact it will have on our community.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.