The minimum hourly pay rate at UnityPoint Health is increasing to $15 an hour in January in a move that will impact 33% of the health system’s 30,000 employees.

“Our feet are firmly rooted in our mission — to improve the health of the people and communities we serve,” stated John Sheehan, chief administrative officer at UnityPoint Health, in a press release. “We know there’s a strong tie between a person’s financial health and overall health. Recognizing and embracing this connection is one of many important steps towards building healthier communities.”

Increases in pay were ongoing before COVID-19 but the pandemic reinforced how valuable and important frontline workers are to the organization’s mission, the release stated.

The pay increase will mostly impact employees in housekeeping, food service, nursing assistants, clinical support staff, central supply and patient access associates. Eligible employees include union members.

UnityPoint Health is a not for profit with facilities in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. It is the fourth largest nondenominational health system in the country.