UnityPoint Health - Meriter

08/29/2025

We had a blast unwinding with our amazing team members at our Ice Cream Boat Float, part of our partnership with Brittingham Boats! 🛶🍨

UnityPoint Health – Meriter team members and their families enjoyed free boat rentals, paddling out for ice cream and then cozying up for a movie under the stars. Thank you to everyone who made it such a sweet night!🍦

08/28/2025

The first bowel movement after childbirth can be painful. An OBGYN offers practical tips to help. https://uph.link/crj

The postpartum experience can be shocking for women. Our OBGYN helps you know what to expect immediately after baby.

08/27/2025

We're so excited to share this new piece of artwork by Audifax that's brightening up the Adult Psychiatry unit at UnityPoint Health - Meriter!

Located in the group room, this mural will welcome patients into the space while offering a moment for peaceful refection while receiving psychiatric treatment.

"The image reflects an openness and brings a sense of peace," the artist said. "The sunrise is a sign of a new dawn, with nature embracing us through the scene. The beautiful colors speak to us with a vibrancy and joy, while invoking tranquility. I hope this mural brings a rejuvenating connection within, for all those who see it."

08/27/2025

There's no denying this major cause of regression in kids. See what it is. https://uph.link/ckk

Traumatic events or disruptions of regular routines can really throw children for a loop. Learn about common regressive behavior in children and how to help support them.

08/26/2025

🐾 Happy International Dog Day! 🐾

At UnityPoint Health - Meriter, we know that dogs and other pets have a unique way of lifting spirits and improving our healing and wellbeing.

That's why we're so proud to partner with Dogs On Call, Inc., whose amazing dogs bring comfort, joy and a sense of home to our patients and team members who may be missing their own pets while in the hospital.

Help us spread joy on our feed - drop a photo of your furry friend in the comments below! 🐕

08/25/2025

For over a decade, Kari Brosius has been guiding families in Dane County through one of the most transformative experiences of their lives – welcoming a new baby.

From basic classes like Birth, Breastfeeding and Baby Essentials to more specialties like Waterbirth and Expecting Multiples, Kari helps ease families’ fear and uncertainty around childbirth. She even recently created and launched a Cloth Diapering class, inspired by her own parenting experience, to give families more sustainable options.

“I love knowing I can take some of the unknown away and help families feel more confident,” Kari said. One moment that stands out came during Meriter Baby Hour, when a new parent recognized her as their childbirth instructor. “She told me she remembered something I said in class during her labor that helped her cope. That was amazing.”

Kari's passion for connecting families with resources comes down to her core belief that knowledge is power. “If you are worried about being a good parent, you already are one,” she said. “Everyone will have their own journey and advice, but you are the parent to your children, and you get to decide what works best for your family.”

Are you expanding your family? UnityPoint Health – Meriter's expert Family Health Education team is here every step of the way from preparing for birth through returning to work while breastfeeding. View all our classes or sign up at https://bit.ly/3LAEmQx.

At UnityPoint Health, our team of health care professionals specialize in many areas to bring you the most comprehensive care. No matter what your healthcare journey, we're here for you. Explore our services and specialties.

08/24/2025

Since February 28th, 1898, UnityPoint Health - Meriter (then, Madison General Hospital) has been dedicated to caring for generations of our community.

Stepping into Meriter Foundation's brand new archives room unveils over a century of innovation and compassionate care. From Madison General Nursing School uniforms and medical supplies to news clippings announcing hospital expansions, each artifact tells a story of our lasting legacy in Madison.

A heartfelt thank you to Meriter Foundation and to all whose passion for preservation and history helped bring this incredible archive display to life.

08/22/2025

UnityPoint Health - Meriter is proud to introduce the Naloxone Discharge Project, an initiative designed to provide Narcan (naloxone) kits and training to at-risk patients when they leave the hospital.

Opioids remain the main driver of overdose deaths in Dane county. Thanks to funds from the Meriter Foundation, we are taking a stand in the fight against opioid overdose and death in our community.

"This project began with the vision and dedication of our Pain Management Pharmacists and Nurse colleagues, who recognized an opportunity to remove cost barriers to Narcan for our highest-risk patients through a Foundation grant," said Mandy Ketterer, a discharge pharmacist at UnityPoint Health - Meriter.

"Thanks to their efforts, Narcan is accessible to at-risk patients and their loved ones - regardless of ability to pay - for the duration of the grant. Beyond the medication itself, this grant empowers our team to have meaningful conversations with patients to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma that too often surrounds this life-saving intervention."

08/22/2025

Summer, spring, winter or fall? What season has the most popular birth month of all? https://uph.link/f350bb

Cold weather, snow, romantic fires and holiday parties seems to create just the right equation for the beginning of human mating season. Learn which are the most popular birth months in the United States.

08/21/2025

Congratulations to UnityPoint Health - Meriter's Couch to 5K team for completing the Madison Mini 5K race! 🏃 🏆

Our crew laced up their shoes and conquered the Madison Mini 5K, a huge milestone after months of hard work. Since May, participants have been training together through our Couch to 5K program, starting with a mix of walking and running and steadily building strength, stamina and confidence.

We’re so proud of our team and community members who joined us on this journey and crossed the finish line, showing what’s possible when you commit to your health!

Midwest Financial Group, Inc.

08/21/2025

Wake up with a weird bug bite? Bed bugs aren't always to blame. https://uph.link/imc

Learn how to identify and treat bug bites with UnityPoint Health. Discover common types of insect bites, prevention tips, and effective treatments to alleviate discomfort and avoid complications.

08/20/2025

"Helping someone rebuild their life as they learn healthy coping skills, restore relationships with family and friends, and regain their sense of self-worth and purpose is an incredibly fulfilling experience." - Tom Miller, Addiction Behavior Therapist at UnityPoint Health - Meriter's NewStart Clinic.

Everyday, Tom Miller walks beside patients on their recovery journeys, helping them learn and strengthen their skills to better maintain their sobriety, mental health and relationships. He believes the opposite of addiction is connection. By making people’s lives bigger and fostering meaningful, lasting relationships, long-term recovery becomes possible.

At Meriter's NewStart Clinic, people can expect respectful, non-judgmental care. Patients leave their first appointment connected to harm reduction resources, a provider and a long-term treatment plan.

Now, with NewStart's new walk-in hours and evening programs, accessing immediate, low-barrier support in Dane County is easier than ever before. Learn more at https://bit.ly/MeriterNewStart.

At UnityPoint Health - Meriter - NewStart our experts provide compassionate care as your partners in health in the Madison area. Whatever stage of life you’re in, our goal is to make your care easier and more personal.