Monument Health announced the opening of a two-bed Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at Rapid City Hospital. The unit, which began seeing patients in February 2026, is the first of its kind in the region and represents a significant investment in neurological care for communities across western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.

Avera Health has been named on the Forbes list of America’s Best-In-State Employers 2026 for South Dakota. Avera ranks third on the list and is the first ranking health care system.

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for 2026-2027 has ranked Sanford Bismarck Medical Center the No. 1 hospital in North Dakota.

Steve Schieber, MBA, FACMPE, FACHE, has been appointed as the new president of CHI Health Good Samaritan, having served in an interim capacity since January. In this new dual leadership role, he will also continue to serve as president of CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island.

Park Haven Learning and Recovery Center, a new residential treatment program for women dealing with substance use disorder, is ready to open after a ribbon cutting ceremony took place Aug. 19 in Yankton, SD. It will open its doors on Monday, Aug. 24.

Altru Health System is celebrating the successful completion of its three year partnership with the American Heart Association's Center for Telehealth Learning Collaborative and the continuation of that work through a new one-year sustainability and expansion agreement.

CHI Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jake McCarty, MPH, MPA, as the next president of CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy. McCarty brings nearly 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, most recently serving as chief operating officer of Kaiser Permanente’s San Leandro Medical Center in California.

Lexington Regional Health Center (LRHC) is proud to announce that Leigh-Anne Lehmann, PA-C, has been selected as the organization’s 2026 Caring Kind Award recipient, recognizing her outstanding compassion, service excellence, teamwork, and dedication to patients and colleagues.

Community Hospital Health Foundation recently approved funding for a new car seat demonstration seat to support Community Hospital's child passenger safety education efforts. The addition provides parents and caregivers with a hands-on opportunity to learn proper car seat installation.

The Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) today announced the launch of the Iowa Health Education Portal, a new online resource designed to help students, educators and workforce partners explore healthcare education and career pathways in Iowa.

Monument Health Rapid City Hospital has earned the Leapfrog Full Transparency Badge, recognizing the hospital's commitment to publicly reporting information about patient safety and quality through the annual Leapfrog Hospital Survey.

CHI Health St. Francis was recently honored with the prestigious PRISM Award from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) — the first hospital in the state to achieve this distinction. The national accolade recognizes medical-surgical units across the country for outstanding nursing practice, leadership and patient outcomes.

New data released as part of the Iowa Hospital Association's (IHA) annual community benefit and economic impact report highlights the vital role hospitals play not only in providing care, but also in strengthening local economies and supporting healthier communities.

A new Nebraska Medicine health center under construction at the southeast corner of 42nd and Farnam streets now has a name: Shikhar & Kristin Saxena Family Health Center.

Sanford Fargo is hosting a Doc Talk discussion to educate the public about plantar fasciitis.

Community Hospital, Red Willow County Emergency Management, and the City of McCook will partner to conduct a yearly community-wide emergency preparedness DRILL on Thursday, August 20, to test and strengthen coordinated emergency response efforts. The drill is scheduled for approximately 5 to 7 p.m. and will take place on South Street at the southeast corner of Parker Hannifin.

Columbus Community Hospital and Mike's Auto Sales and Towing invite you to learn safety tips from local experts at this year's Kids Safety Day. The event will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 19, at Mike's Auto Sales and Towing, 1858 33rd Ave. in Columbus.

Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to welcome hospitalist Dr. Gemechu Ayana.

“I was drawn to Essentia Health because of its strong reputation for patient-centered care, collaborative team culture and commitment to serving both urban and rural communities,” explained Dr. Ayana. “The opportunity to practice in Fargo, in particular, appealed to me due to the balance of high-quality clinical practice, supportive work environment and the ability to make a meaningful impact on a growing community.”

Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to welcome hospitalist Dr. Rushana Manatova.

“I chose to join Essentia Health because of the strong sense of collaboration and the genuine care the organization shows for its employees,” said Dr. Manatova. “I was also drawn to Essentia’s values of teamwork, joy and respect, all of which closely align with my own values.”

Sanford Fargo is hosting Women’s Social: A Conversation About Midlife. The event takes place on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Sanctuary Events Center, 670 4th Ave. N., Fargo. The event is open to the community and free to attend.

Known by his family as fiercely independent and beautifully stubborn, Manchester native Mike Peyton spent most of his life avoiding doctors and hospital visits. Yet, in his final days, the lifelong skeptic underwent a complete transformation, becoming one of Regional Medical Center’s (RMC) most passionate local advocates.

Registration is now open for Light Up the Night 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Yanney Park in Kearney. Coordinated by CHI Health Richard Young Behavioral Health, the 13th annual Glow Race and Family Fun Night for Mental Health event raises community awareness, encourages resiliency and supports advocacy for emotional, psychological and social well-being.

Spirit Lake, IA (August 14, 2026) New data released as part of the Iowa Hospital Association’s (IHA) annual community benefit and economic impact report highlights the vital role hospitals play not only in providing care, but also in strengthening local economies and supporting healthier communities.

Columbus Community Hospital welcomed Dr. Kip Anderson to its board of directors as of Aug. 1, 2026.

Columbus Community Hospital invites community members to participate in a special insurance educational session presented in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Insurance (NDOI), the Nebraska Hospital Association and the Nebraska Rural Health Association.

As families prepare for the upcoming school year, UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Services’ pediatric therapists are inviting parents to a free Back-to-School Developmental Screening event on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Services – Hospital Campus, 2800 Pierce Street, Suite 120. No appointment is needed.

CHI Health St. Francis, in collaboration with CHI Health Clinic Heart Institute, is providing a free community education event focused on cardiovascular wellness. “Low-Carb Living: Your Questions Answered” will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, in Conference Room 2/3 at the hospital.

Becker’s Hospital Review has named Sanford Fargo president and CEO Tiffany Lawrence to the 2026 edition of its community hospital CEOs to know.

A referral for healthcare or community services only works if a person successfully connects with the help they need. North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is investing in a statewide planning effort to make those connections easier and strengthen care coordination for rural North Dakotans.

Community Hospital is pleased to welcome Farrah Stunkel, LIMHP, to its Behavioral Health team. Farrah provides counseling services for patients ages 12 and older and treats a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and substance use disorders.