On Aug. 6, Iowa Lt. Gov Chris Cournoyer and Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) senior staff presented Briarwood Health Care Center in Iowa City with the 2025 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. The annual award recognizes facilities that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to residents’ health, dignity, and quality of life.
Briarwood was selected from among several nominees across the state, and received the first of two awards to be presented this year. With 19 community nominations, the family-owned facility stood out for its warm, home-like environment and deeply engaged staff. Briarwood is a family-owned skilled nursing facility serving the Iowa City community for 15 years.
The 62-bed home fosters community engagement and has a long-tenured staff. Activities like family nights, community trips to the cat social club downtown, yoga sessions, music therapy, and visits from rescue dogs make Briarwood unique. The facility also has clinical partnerships with nursing students from Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa.
“We are incredibly humbled to receive this award, particularly because it comes as a nomination from the families we serve,” said Kristin Solberg, Administrator/Owner of Briarwood Healthcare Center. “As a family-run facility, our staff strives every day to treat our residents like our own family. This recognition is a powerful affirmation of that mission.”
Residents and families alike speak highly of the care provided. “Staff don’t change, and they take good care of you,” said one resident. “We are lucky. I’m fortunate to be here. It was highly recommended. This is my home.”
Another, the wife of a hospice resident and a registered nurse herself, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “You can feel the love here.” She added that she already asked to be put on the waitlist for herself when she requires care.
DIAL Director Larry Johnson, Jr., said, “Briarwood has an outstanding record of service and innovation in elder care, affirming its mission to treat every resident with compassion, dignity, and respect.”