Iowa news
Iowa health officials cast wary eye toward surging COVID-19 cases in Missouri
The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Iowa has doubled in the last month, but the 101 patients reported Wednesday is still half as many as the state reported in April. To Iowa’s south, the number of Missourians hospitalized with the disease surged earlier this month, especially in its largely unvaccinated southwest corner. Arkansas, Missouri’s neighbor to the south, has a statewide vaccination rate of only about 35%. It also had the highest number of COVID-19 cases per capita last week. (Des Moines Register)
Allen board members receive certification
Allen Hospital board members have received certification through the Iowa Hospital Association Board Certification Program. Allen Hospital is one of only seven hospitals in Iowa that 100% of board members have completed the IHA’s certification program. All members on our board of directors volunteer their time and leadership and this is an outstanding accomplishment that reinforces our trustees’ commitment to excellence, innovation and accountability. (The Courier)
How Iowa suppliers contributed in the race to build personal protective equipment
Early on in 2020, headlines of product shortages began hitting the screens and newsstands. Consumers worried about finding diapers, toilet paper and disinfectant spray; organizations employing essential workers were suddenly seeking personal protective equipment for their staff. If Iowa organizations were going to pull through the pandemic with appropriate supplies, they would need help. By the end of 2020, manufacturers had built a domestic supply chain from the ground up. (Innovation Iowa)
National news
American Hospital Association supports mandatory coronavirus vaccines for health workers
The nation’s largest hospital association called Wednesday for all health workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus as case numbers surge again. (The Washington Post)
Patients who ride ambulance more likely to get superbug infection, study suggests
Patients who arrive at the hospital via an ambulance are more likely to develop superbug colonization or infection, according to findings published July 21 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. (Becker’s Hospital Review)
Google Cloud launches health care data engine to promote interoperability
Google Cloud unveiled its health care data engine to offer end-to-end solutions from multiple platforms, such as electronic health records, claims and research data. The data engine will help clinicians have real-time access to patient records in a scalable and secure cloud environment. (Becker’s Hospital Review)