Get Into Grinnell Blog: Stories, News, & More!

Happy Saturday, Grinnell residents! Here are some fun facts and tricks from our sponsor, UnityPoint Health — Grinnell Medical Regional Center, as part of our New Resident Welcome #SponsorshipSaturday series! 

UnityPoint Health - Grinnell (UPH) is made up of a huge team that cares for the Grinnell community. But three gals work diligently behind the scenes to show the world what happens on the inside. Meet the UPH marketing team: Steph Lair and Christina Prevette, senior marketing communications specialists, and Maddy Turpin, marketing communications specialist. Together, they promote UPH’s upcoming events, news, and services, such as their new machinery, external partnerships, and emergency care services. 

On September 25, 2025, they will greet new residents at the Grinnell Chamber’s New Resident Welcome event! In the meantime, they want to share some news and hidden gems around the Grinnell community to both new and long-standing residents alike:

1. UPH - Grinnell has a variety of specialty clinics, a couple of which include orthopedics and bariatric surgery. “The care you need is so close to home,” says Lair. “This way, people don’t have to travel to reach different services available in Des Moines or Iowa City.”
2. If you have any questions about the services and care UPH provides, different providers partner with the Grinnell Farmers Market to spread information about their general (plus free) services! You can also catch staff members hosting community events, like the upcoming Unity in the Community 5K/3K run/walk on October 4!
3. Workout at the Paul W. Ahrens Fitness Center on 824 Commercial St., where they offer weekly and monthly passes! There are also group classes available, like gentle yoga, spinning, and aquatic fitness. Plus, add personalized training sessions.
4. UPH - Grinnell recently received the Center of Excellence award, meaning they were awarded a grant as a rural dessert to expand their maternal health services and allow them the opportunity to travel once a week to Marshalltown to spread services. Fun fact: their maternal services include the only delivery option in a 4-county radius!
5. Visit the UPH website for up to date information — from closures to adjusted hours. You can also schedule an appointment online and see what works for you in real time. 
6. UPH just bought a new mammograph machine — this means comfortable paddles, less radiation, and efficient breast cancer screening experiences right here in Grinnell.
7. Attend the New Resident Welcome and get connected! “There are so many well-known people here that would love to help connect you with others,” says Lair. Registration link found here and below! 

At the New Resident Welcome, expect a few things from the UPH Marketing Team! Get information pamphlets about UnityPoint physicians and services, and walk away with free giveaway items, like bandaid holders, hand sanitizer and more! Long-standing residents, make sure to follow UPH and the Poweshiek Public Health page for announcements of new services, pointers in taking care of your health, and free support groups or primary care.

“It’s great meeting new people in town,” says Lair. “And we don’t need to talk about healthcare [at New Resident Welcome], so just come and say hi!” Make sure to register today: /en/events/new_resident_welcome/.