Donor Spotlight: Julie Younger

Julie Younger, Chief Administrative Officer at MercyOne Iowa Heart Center knows that by supporting MercyOne Des Moines Heart and Vascular Care she is having a lasting impact on patients by helping them better their health.

Julie first became individually involved with philanthropy at MercyOne when the Iowa Heart Center became a part of the MercyOne family.

“My focus at first was on supporting the cardiovascular service line,” said Julie. “As I got more involved I started to support other programs which aligned with the work our Iowa Heart providers were doing.”

Julie also supports Mercy College of Health Sciences’ students through scholarships funded by the Iowa Heart Foundation. Her hope for students who receive these scholarships is that they are successful in their schooling and that they have a great experience both clinically and culturally.

Julie will be celebrating her retirement this month. As she reflects upon her career, she recalls how she has seen the impact of philanthropy.

“Philanthropy does make an impact on the patients we serve and on our providers and staff,” said Julie. “Not only are the beneficiaries impacted but those who are giving back (are too), knowing they are making a difference.”

“I’ve been with the Iowa Heart Center for 31 years and I feel very blessed to be part of the healing mission. I am amazed to see the impact that our providers and staff have on patients every day, in so many ways.”

Being able to continually improve the care of patients through research, new equipment and technology through donor support is something Julie is grateful for.

“It doesn’t matter how much someone gives,” said Julie. “We all need to support each other in the ways that we can.”

February is National Heart Month, which raises awareness for preventing heart disease and promotes the importance of heart health. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHIB) heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. MercyOne Des Moines Heart and Vascular Care – in partnership with Iowa Heart Center – supports programs at MercyOne that provide excellent cardiology and cardiac care for Iowans to improve their heart health.

“I hope that as individuals see the number of people continuing to be affected by heart disease and that there are many opportunities to delay or prevent it, they will consider supporting Iowa Heart Center and MercyOne cardiovascular services in their efforts to improve cardiovascular health for all Iowans,” said Julie.

For more information on how you can support MercyOne Iowa Heart Center and MercyOne Des Moines Cardiac Care, please contact Senior Director of Development Joan Bindel at 515-643-8020 or at jbindel@mercydesmoines.org.