Yesterday, I traveled across five rural counties, touring healthcare facilities and listening to the doctors, nurses, therapists, and administrators who provide care in our rural communities.
Meeting with the CEO and an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, I saw the great work the hospital is doing as a Critical Access hospital. I also learned how vital the 340B program is and how Medicare Advantage needs serious reform.
As Miller-Meeks sells us out to the pharmaceutical and insurance industries, it’s more important than ever to have a representative who shows up, listens, and fights for Iowans.
I also spoke with two social workers about the need to invest in mental healthcare and the impact Medicaid cuts are having on their patients who desperately need care.
We had a wide-ranging conversation about the state of mental healthcare in Iowa and how one-third of his patients rely on Medicaid. We also discussed the need for more IOPs, or intensive outpatient programs for people — especially young people— in mental health crisis.
Iowa is near the bottom nationwide in terms of the number of mental health providers for our population. We must do better.
I came away from the day grateful for our amazing healthcare providers in Iowa and committed to taking action to support rural healthcare when I am in Congress!
We’ve just learned that Iowa native Maj. Brad Hovey tragically lost his life in a B-52 crash on Monday.
To all who knew Brad, his family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the Air Force, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Brad’s bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
For our final stop yesterday, I met with Lance Roorda, a Licensed Independent Social Worker and owner of Eunoia Family Counseling, which has offices in Oskaloosa, Pella, and Knoxville.
Met some pretty cool folks in Oskaloosa yesterday.
I toured the 25-bed Keokuk County Hospital for my fourth stop of the day.
