After a nationwide search, Robert Baxter, FACHE, has been named the new president and CEO of MercyOne beginning on Monday, June 22. Bob will succeed Michael Taylor, who has served in an interim capacity since the beginning of January.

The procedure was performed by Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Joseph Elliott, along with Jacklyn Karli, DNP, and the Prairie Lakes Cath Lab team. This milestone introduces a new, minimally invasive option for patients who require a pacemaker.

Columbus Community Hospital is proud to announce that the Columbus Fieldhouse has been selected as an official stop in the 2026 Nebraska Passport Program.

The Community Hospital Health Foundation is proud to announce Sean Wolfe as the recipient of the 2026 Anne Morse Award for Exemplary Volunteer Service, recognizing his outstanding commitment to serving others and strengthening the McCook community. Sean has also been named the May McCook Volunteer of the Month, an honor celebrating individuals who make a meaningful impact through service.

Monument Health Foundation broke its previous fundraising record at this year’s A Night at the Derby, raising $156,731 to support Northern Hills Hospice.

Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center have been asked by federal partners to receive and monitor U.S. citizens from the cruise ship associated with a hantavirus outbreak. These individuals will be observed in the National Quarantine Unit, located on the campus of Nebraska Medical Center and UNMC.

Waverly Health Center (WHC) has received two significant national recognitions, further reinforcing its commitment to delivering high quality, person-centered care to Northeast Iowa.

Ellie Stull assumes the role of Director of Specialty Care Clinics effective May 4, 2026. With over two decades of clinical and operational expertise, Ellie has built a distinguished career at Nebraska Medicine, marked by a deep commitment to patient care, staff development, and organizational excellence.

For the 20% of cardiac patients who present with chronic total occlusions (CTOs), Nebraska Medicine offers renewed hope through our dedicated CTO program. Our program leverages the latest technology and specialized expertise to treat these complex cases that many institutions consider untreatable.

As part of the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) workforce initiative, this article highlights a simple but powerful workforce strategy for rural healthcare organizations: growing talent from within.

Sanford Health leaders will join healthcare executives, policymakers and technology innovators from across the country at Reuters Digital Health Summit May 20 – 21 in Chicago, to discuss how health systems are responsibly scaling AI and digital innovation to improve patient care, workforce sustainability and operational performance.

As part of Stroke Awareness Month, Essentia Health will hold its annual stroke walk in support of local stroke survivors on Wednesday, May 27. This event will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the Rustad Recreation Center, located at 601 26th Ave. E. in West Fargo.

ORA Orthopedics is proud to announce the addition of the Planmed XFI Cone-beam CT Scanner, an advanced imaging system that delivers detailed, three-dimensional images while allowing patients to be scanned in a natural, weight-bearing position.

Sanford Health Fargo is hosting a Doc Talk discussion to educate the public about back pain.

The American College of Cardiology has recognized Sanford Bismarck for its demonstrated commitment to comprehensive, high-quality culture and cardiovascular care. Sanford Bismarck was awarded the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence in April based on meeting accreditation criteria, and through their ongoing performance registry reporting.

Columbus Community Hospital recently announced the winners of its 2026 scholarships. Sixteen local students received $7,800 to further their educations.

Staff Nurse, Abbey Reeves RN of Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of The DAISY Foundation’s international program that recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary and compassionate care nurses provide every day.  

CHI Health Good Samaritan and Safe Kids Platte Valley will provide new bike helmets to the public from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 1 at the Kearney Public Library, 2020 First Avenue. The event takes place in conjunction with the library’s Summer Reading Kick-off.

The Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic is excited to welcome Carley Bayer, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner in neurology.

CHI Health Good Samaritan has scheduled a service commemorating the lives of babies stillborn, miscarried or who have died in infancy. The hospital’s annual Infant Memorial Service will take place at 3 pm on Sunday, June 7 at the City of Kearney Cemetery, on the east side of the grounds.

Essentia Health-Fargo has again been named a High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, marking the second consecutive year the hospital has received the highest designation in U.S. News’ annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care study.

The Community Hospital Health Foundation has provided funding for new QCPR Manikins to enhance hands-on training in Community Hospital’s Clinical Education program.

The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO), continues to support members navigating the Rural Health Transformation Project (RHTP)—a multi-year effort to expand access to care, strengthen the health care workforce, and ensure sustainable, high-quality health care across South Dakota’s rural communities.

The new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska is Omaha offers a "no wrong door" policy for self-referral and a seamless continuum of mental health services for children and teens, positioned right alongside primary care — a deliberate signal that mental health and physical health are inseparable.

Brock Doubledee, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Sanford Children's is this month’s Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana ‘Champion of Hope’": “For the most part, I refer every patient who is eligible. I feel like, if you're eligible, you deserve to receive a wish.”

Ashley Rucker was just 16 when she became a nurse assistant, her first step into a field that would define her professional life. After working on a medical/surgical ward, a cardiac ICU, and in home hospice (and earning as MSN), Rucker was ready to further her education

SDSMA has been a meaningful part of my journey as a resident, offering a platform to connect with peers and mentors. It has actively supported my professional and academic growth through opportunities in publishing, collaboration and advocacy. As I transition to fellowship, I see myself continuing this journey through the help of SDSMA to further contribute to the medical community and patients of South Dakota.

Access to quality healthcare is a key factor in what makes communities vibrant, livable, and well-positioned for growth.

Ashley Eastman, RN, a long-term care nurse at Good Samaritan Society - Pine River, shows what it means to have the heart of a caregiver. Her love of service started at a young age, and from there it has blossomed into a career focused on compassion.

On Feb. 19, 319 students from the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University gathered at the Andrew E. Lee Memorial Medicine and Science Building on the USD campus in Vermillion for Disaster Training Day, an annual event that provides hands-on disaster preparedness training.