May 7, 2026
Mahaska Health welcomed U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley on Wednesday, May 6, as part of Senator Grassley’s annual 99 county tour across Iowa, where he meets directly with physicians, nurses, leaders, and healthcare organizations to discuss important matters and opportunities in their communities.
During the visit, Senator Grassley toured several Mahaska Health departments including the new Cancer Care Center, the CareRx Pharmacy, Surgery, Inpatient Services, and Labor & Delivery. Following the tour, hospital leaders and providers participated in a roundtable discussion focused on the future of rural healthcare and the growing challenges facing critical access hospitals across Iowa.
Mahaska Health team members and Senator Grassley discussed topics related to 25 acute bed limits, regional hospital collaboration opportunities, specialty care expansion, workforce and service decline, prior authorization delays, and maintaining access to maternity care and specialty services in rural Iowa communities.
“We are grateful Senator Grassley took the time to visit Mahaska Health and have meaningful conversations with our providers and leadership team about the realities facing rural healthcare today,” shared Dr. Timothy Breon, Mahaska Health Chief Medical Officer and General Surgeon. “Conversations like these are important because they broaden understanding and help create opportunities for improvements in healthcare for our communities.”
The visit comes ahead of Mahaska Health’s upcoming participation in the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project, which will take place Tuesday, May 12, in Mahaska County at Gateway Church. The statewide initiative brings together healthcare leaders, providers, and community members to discuss cancer prevention, screening, and treatment across Iowa communities.
To learn more or register for the upcoming 99 counties event, community members can visit: https://tinyurl.com/mahaskaoia.
