UnityPoint Health, Blessing Health System Announce Transition of Keokuk Hospital

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West Des Moines, IA (October 20, 2020) – Over the past several months, UnityPoint Health and Blessing Health System have been in talks to discuss the long-term health care needs of Keokuk and the surrounding area. Today, both UnityPoint Health and Blessing Health System are announcing the organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – a non-binding agreement – that outlines plans to transition the affiliation of UnityPoint Health-Keokuk to the Blessing Health System.

“UnityPoint Health is committed to sustainable health care for the Keokuk community,” said UnityPoint Health Chief Administrative Officer, John Sheehan. “This is an exciting first step and we look forward to working with Blessing’s leadership team toward ensuring continued access to quality health care for those who call Keokuk home.”

The two organizations will begin a period of due diligence with continued collective talks and discovery. 

UnityPoint Health-Keokuk Board Chair and Keokuk Mayor Tom Richardson said he’s pleased that residents will continue to receive quality healthcare. “This agreement will help us continue to attract a strong workforce and maintain a vibrant community,” said Mayor Richardson. “We’re grateful for UnityPoint’s investment and look forward to the potential partnership with Blessing.”

“We are honored to have the opportunity to serve the Keokuk community’s needs for high-quality, affordable healthcare we are accustomed to delivering,” said Maureen Kahn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blessing Health System and Blessing Hospital. “Patients from the Keokuk area now travel to Blessing for care; we look forward to continuing and hopefully expanding healthcare services locally.”

Both organizations intend to reach a final agreement and obtain the required regulatory approvals within the next several months.

“Now more than ever, it is imperative to be aligned with the immediate region’s ever-changing healthcare needs; we feel our local presence and resources will continue to expand upon the great work UnityPoint Health has created in Keokuk,” Kahn concluded.