Sanford Fargo Recognized as a Top Orthopedic Program
For the second consecutive year, Sanford Fargo Orthopedics and Sports Medicine has been recognized as one of the top orthopedic programs in the United States by Becker’s Hospital Review.
Multi-Cancer Early Detection: What Providers Need to Know About the Galleri® Blood Test
Early detection is one of the most effective tools in improving cancer outcomes. Traditional screening methods such as mammography, colonoscopy and low-dose CT have saved countless lives, but they only target specific cancer types. The emerging field of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing offers a new possibility: identifying multiple cancers with a single blood test.
Avera Reveals 2025’s Most Popular Baby Names
Avera delivery units across the region were busy this year as thousands of new bundles of joy were welcomed into the world. A grand total of 6,227 babies made their arrival at Avera birthing centers this past year with the month of July coming in as the most popular month to have a baby.
Nebraska Medicaid Seeking Clinical Provider to Fill Committee Position
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) is seeking a Medicaid clinical provider to fill an open position in the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC).
MercyOne Reveals Top Baby Names for 2025
MercyOne Birth Centers helped thousands of babies make their 2025 debuts in our hospitals across Iowa. The top names statewide were Theodore, Oliver, Jack/Jackson, Charlotte and Emma.
Diabetes Support Group Launches in Williston on Jan. 1
A new diabetes support group will begin meeting on Thursday, Jan. 1, offering education, resources and community for individuals living with diabetes. The group aims to provide practical tips and emotional support to help participants manage their condition effectively.
Community Hospital Announces Community Open House for ROOTS Apartment Complex
Community Hospital is excited to invite the public to a Community Open House celebrating the completion of the ROOTS Apartment Complex, a groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen rural healthcare by providing modern housing for healthcare students. The event will take place on Thursday, December 18, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 409 West 1st Street, McCook, NE 69001.
CHI Health St. Francis Earns Top Honor From Forbes, Only Hospital Recognized in the State
CHI Health St. Francis has been recognized as one of the nation’s best hospitals, earning a prestigious 5-star rating and inclusion in the inaugural “Forbes Top Hospitals 2026” list. St. Francis is the only hospital in Nebraska to receive the highest-possible distinction, placing it in the top 10% of the list for quality, safety and value according to the news release.
Uterine Fibroids Associated With Elevated Risk of Heart Disease
Long-term heart disease risk in women diagnosed with uterine fibroids was more than 80% higher than in women without fibroids, according to new independent research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association.
Couch Honored with Avera Queen of Peace Hospital DAISY Award
Avera Queen of Peace Hospital is pleased to announce that Breanna “Bre” Couch, RN, BSN, is the most recent recipient of its quarterly nurse recognition program called the DAISY Award.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Earns Spot on Forbes’ 2026 Top Hospitals List
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS), a division of Sanford Health, has been named to the inaugural Forbes’ Top Hospitals 2026 list, a national ranking of general acute-care hospitals recognized for delivering high-quality, safe, and value-driven care.
Sanford Health Awarded Grant to Enhance Heart Failure Diagnosis and Treatment
Sanford Health has been selected as one of only three recipients of a highly competitive grant offered through a collaboration between Pfizer and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). This grant supports innovative quality improvement initiatives aimed at increasing identification and accurate diagnosis of heart failure patients with cardiac amyloidosis.
MercyOne Genesis Opens Walk-In Orthopedics Clinic in Bettendorf on Dec. 9
MercyOne Genesis is expanding orthopedic services with the launch of Walk-In Orthopedics Care at MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Convenient Care, located at 4487 53rd Ave., starting Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Morgan Schmitz Joins Essentia Health–32nd Avenue Clinic to Practice Neurology
The Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic is excited to welcome Morgan Schmitz, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner who will practice neurology.
Iowa Hospital Association Appoints Marcon as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Jordan Marcon has joined the Iowa Hospital Association as senior vice president of marketing and communications. In this role, Marcon will oversee the association’s marketing, communications and brand strategy to support member hospitals and advance the organization’s mission.
Dermatology Services Now Offered at Manning Regional Healthcare Center
Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to announce that dermatology services will soon be available locally. Sierra Thompson, NP-C, will start seeing patients at MRHC beginning January 16th, and will be in Manning each month for scheduled appointments.
Bill Gassen Recognized Among Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare
Sanford Health President and CEO Bill Gassen has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2025. This marks four consecutive years Gassen has been named to this significant list.
Jamestown Regional Medical Center CFO Schaff Earns Spot on 40 Under 40 List
Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) Vice President and CFO Derek Schaff has been named to Prairie Business Magazine’s 40 Under 40 for 2025. This recognition demonstrates Schaff’s commitment to excellence and underscores JRMC’s dedication to delivering exceptional, community-focused healthcare.
Pender Medical Clinic Achieves 5-Star Rating in Inaugural National Rural Evaluation
Pender Medical Clinic has been awarded a 5-Star Rating through the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), placing the clinic among the first rural health facilities in the country to be recognized under this new program. The rating highlights the clinic’s strong patient experience scores and its commitment to high-quality, personal care close to home.
Hospital Nurses Honored for Professional Development Milestones
Columbus Community Hospital recently finished the seventh year of its Professional Development Program, which helps nurses deepen their knowledge so they can provide better care to patients.