10 UnityPoint Health hospitals earn national recognition for excellence in stroke care. Jul 28, 2026 UnityPoint Health(R) is proud to announce that 10 of its hospitals received the American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines(R)- Stroke quality achievement awards for 2026. The award recognizes hospitals that consistently follow evidence-based guidelines to decrease disability and improve quality of life for patients following a stroke. The UnityPoint Health hospitals recognized include: "We're proud to have 10 of our hospitals nationally recognized for providing high-quality stroke care," said Gregory Johnson, MD, UnityPoint Health Chief Medical Officer." This recognition reflects the dedication of our care teams who work every day to deliver timely, evidence-based stroke care. Their commitment helps patients receive the right treatment quickly, improving recovery and quality of life after a stroke." Get With The Guidelines - Stroke helps hospitals apply the latest research and evidence-based practices from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association to stroke care. Participating hospitals demonstrate a commitment to improving patient outcomes, reducing disability and supporting recovery both in the hospital and after discharge. Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. Stroke is a medical emergency. Recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate treatment can significantly improve outcomes. The American Stroke Association recommends remembering the acronym FAST - if you notice Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, it's Time to call 911.

UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital to host Red Sand Project Event. UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital is hosting a Red Sand Project event on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 12 p.m., aimed at raising awareness about human trafficking and its impact on communities worldwide. The Red Sand Project, founded by artist Molly Gochman, utilizes red sand as an art medium to engage communities in the fight against human trafficking. During the event, participants will fill sidewalk cracks around the St. Luke's Hospital campus with red sand to symbolize and draw attention to human trafficking victims who often "fall through the cracks." What: UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital Red Sand Project Event When: Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 12 p.m. Where: UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital, 1026 A Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. The event will begin at the West Entrance and will take place on the sidewalk around the hospital. The project aims to educate the public, spark conversations, and inspire action. The event is organized by St. Luke's Hospital's S.A.F.E. (Stop Abuse For Everyone) Committee. Throughout the year, this committee brings awareness to child abuse, dependent adult abuse, domestic violence, and human trafficking, through educational programs, policy development, and events like the Red Sand Project.

New robotics treatment available at UnityPoint Health - Trinity. By: QCBJ News Staff | July 23, 2026 The Quad Cities' first HYDROS Robotic System for Aquablation is offering a new option for men dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. BPH is one of the most common urological issues in the U.S., and this minimally invasive procedure provides a modern approach to treating it. Aquablation combines real-time imaging with a high-velocity, heat-free waterjet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue, helping relieve the urinary symptoms that come with BPH. UnityPoint Health-Trinity now has the first robotics treatment for men with an enlarged prostate. The Quad Cities' first HYDROS Robotic System for Aquablation is offering a new option for men dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. BPH is one of the most common urological issues in the U.S., and this minimally invasive procedure provides a modern approach to treating it. Aquablation combines real-time imaging with a high-velocity, heat-free waterjet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue, helping relieve the urinary symptoms that come with BPH. "Aquablation offers a number of benefits for patients," said Dr. Morris Gist, UnityPoint Clinic Urology - Moline. "Unlike traditional surgery, it uses a physician-controlled robotic system to remove the enlarged, benign parts of the prostate causing blockage." Dr. Gist added that patients with BPH often opt for medicinal treatment over surgery, because of concerns about complications affecting sexual or urinary function. Aquablation minimizes these risks, with the goal of eliminating or reducing reliance on medicine. "Studies show this approach carries a lower risk of permanent side effects and helps people experience lasting relief and an improved quality of life," he said. UnityPoint Health - Trinity obtained the area's first surgical robot in 2008. Since then, surgeons at Trinity have performed more than 9,900 robotic-assisted surgeries, and the hospital has continued its investment in robotic technology for less-invasive treatments and better patient outcomes. Across UnityPoint Health, the organization completed more than 8,700 robotic-assisted surgical cases in 2025 across 13 locations. Trinity currently has four robotic surgical systems including the Mako SmartRobotics (partial and total joint replacements); ION Robotic System (minimally invasive lung biopsies), da Vinci Xi Surgical System (thoracic surgery for lung cancer, as well as urological, bariatric, gynecological and general surgeries); and now the HYDROS Robotic System for Aquablation. Individuals with urinary concerns are encouraged to talk to their primary care provider or contact a urologist.