Governor Larry Rhoden joined more than 300 community members, healthcare leaders, and project partners on Tuesday, Oct. 20, to celebrate the groundbreaking for a new hospital and clinic for Freeman Regional Health Services (FRHS). The milestone marks a major step toward strengthening access to rural healthcare for the three counties FRHS serves.
“We gather with grateful hearts as we take this next step in strengthening rural healthcare and building tomorrow together,” FRHS chief executive officer Courtney Unruh told the crowd. “Our board’s leadership, the dedication of our employees and providers, and the expertise of our many partners have been essential. No one person or organization could have accomplished this alone. It has taken collaboration, perseverance, and a tremendous amount of faith.”
The new, single-story facility will encompass more than 48,000 square feet on FRHS property along Highway 81 in Freeman. Designed to support efficient, coordinated care, the building will feature a shared main entrance for hospital and clinic patients, a dedicated emergency department entrance with an on-site helipad, and flexible patient rooms serving both inpatient and outpatient needs. Every department, including radiology, therapy services and the lab, features workflow-specific designs. The site and building design also accommodate a future nursing home connection.
“Our hospital has served faithfully since 1952, but the limitations of our aging facility have become increasingly difficult to overcome,” Unruh said. “If we are going to sustain and strengthen healthcare in our region, a new facility is no longer an option ̶ it’s a necessity.”
Planning for a replacement facility began in 2018, when the FRHS Board of Directors evaluated the feasibility of renovating the existing campus versus constructing a new facility. Aging infrastructure, limited space, and constraints at the current site led industry experts to recommend developing a new healthcare campus. Future campus plans include a nursing home connected to the hospital, along with opportunities to expand assisted living and independent living as community needs and resources allow.
“Today we are hitting the ‘GO’ button for this amazing project and we are ready! For the past decade, FRHS has been developing a great leadership team, improving business processes, and creating a culture of compassion, excellence and community. You are seeing evidence of this today,” FRHS board president Lori Uecker said. “Because of this solid foundation, our board is able to make decisions from a position of strength with a vision for the future that ensures our communities have excellent, compassionate, strong healthcare for the next 75 years.”
The new hospital and clinic project reflects a collaborative effort among FRHS and its healthcare, design, construction, and financial partners. The project team includes Avera Health, BWBR for architecture and design, First International Bank, Journey Construction as construction manager at risk, Tegra Group as owner’s representative, and Colliers for financing guidance.
“It’s taken tenacity to make this work,” Avera Health chief operating officer Dave Flicek told guests. “Hats off and congratulations because this is a big day. For decades to come, you are going to deliver healthcare in this community, and that’s very important. Avera is a proud partner with Freeman Regional. We’ve been working with the Freeman hospital for over 15 years. We are excited to see this happen.”
As keynote speaker, Governor Rhoden emphasized the importance of strong rural healthcare in sustaining communities and creating opportunities for future generations. He also discussed the impact of the Rural Health Transformation Program, noting that the current statewide investment exceeds $100 million.
“It is exciting to come to events like this and see a community rallying around a cause as valuable as healthcare and providing security for the future of that community,” Rhoden said. “No matter where you live, whether a big city or the smallest town, you should have the opportunity to stay there, and a strong healthcare system is a big part of that. Communities need strong hospitals to attract new residents and keep the next generation here.”
Established as Freeman Community Hospital in 1952, FRHS has grown to serve Hutchinson, Turner, and McCook counties through clinics in Freeman, Bridgewater, Marion, and Menno; a CMS certified Five-Star nursing home; and the Villages, an independent and assisted living community.
“We turn the soil with gratitude for those who came before us, faith in God’s continued guidance, and a shared responsibility to build wisely for those who will follow,” Unruh said. “Thank you for believing in this vision and for helping us build tomorrow together.”
Construction of the FRHS hospital and clinic is anticipated to be completed in spring 2028.