University of Nebraska Medical Center Celebrates 427 Graduates at December 19 Commencement
Eric Matteson, MD, will join University of Nebraska Medical Center Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and UNMC graduates at this week’s commencement ceremony, where he will be awarded the honorary Doctor of Science degree for achievement in science and his service to our nation, as a physician, educator, researcher and humanitarian.
Jamestown Regional Medical Center Introduces Advanced Vein Treatment Options
Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) is proud to announce the addition of advanced vein care services at its outpatient specialty clinic, expanding access to minimally invasive treatment options for patients experiencing symptoms of vein disease. These services are delivered through a collaborative approach that includes interventional radiologist Dr. Madhusudhan Reddy and are supported by leading Medtronic technologies: ClosureFast and VenaSeal.
Holiday Safety Tips Shared by Good Samaritan to Help Avoid ER Visits
While the spirit of Christmas fills the air with joy and celebration, it also quietly ushers in a less festive reality: a multitude of overlooked safety risks. Each year, thousands of preventable injuries disrupt holiday cheer, stemming from the very things that make the season bright – from festive decor and candles to increased holiday travel and new toys. In fact, this time of year is surprisingly hazardous, with holiday decorations alone sending an estimated 18,000 Americans to the emergency room annually.
Acute Care Team Members Honored for Exceptional Compassion
Columbus Community Hospital is proud to recognize two exceptional certified nursing assistants: Arasely Calderon, CNA, and Marta Somera, CNA, are the newest recipients of the Sheaf of Wheat Award. Both serve in the acute care unit and consistently demonstrate the compassion and excellence this honor represents.
UnityPoint Health Names Next Chief Operating Officer
Jenni Friedly has been selected to serve as Chief Operating Officer for UnityPoint Health, effective immediately. Friedly most recently served as Market President of UnityPoint Health – Waterloo, where she brings 16 years of operational experience.
Lautt Named One of Becker’s 2025 Women Health System CFOs to Know
Julie Lautt, Avera's Chief Financial Officer, has been named to Becker's Hospital Review 2025 “Women hospital and health system CFOs to know” list.
Mary Lanning Healthcare Earns National Recognition on Forbes Top Hospitals List
According to forbes.com, a ”unique rating system evaluates general acute care hospitals throughout the United States to offer consumers unbiased information on which hospitals can offer top-notch, high-value medical services...”
Avera Hospitals Receive Blue Distinction Recognition
Several Avera facilities have been named as Blue Distinction Centers by the BlueCross BlueShield Association.
Outpouring of Donations Totaling More Than $11,300, Good Samaritans Support Families at Christmas
Project Snowflake, CHI Health Good Samaritan’s annual employee giving drive, has been collecting donations to help those in need during the Christmas season for more than thirty years. This year, in light of rising local food insecurities, the hospital staff increased their giving goal and, for the first time, asked the community to join.
Great Plains Health Completes Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
Great Plains Health is pleased to announce that it has issued its 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a report following a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the community’s health care use, practices and needs. The report includes a detailed implementation plan for 2026-2028.
Emma and Liam Top Sanford Health’s List of 2025’s Most Popular Names
Emma topped the list as the most popular name for girls born at Sanford Health in 2025. Liam jumped two spots from 2024 to take the top name for boys in 2025.
Brookings Hospital Named to Inaugural Forbes Top Hospitals List
Brookings Hospital was recently named to the 2026 Forbes Top Hospitals list, a new rating system which evaluates general acute care hospitals throughout the United States. Brookings Hospital is one of only 253 hospitals across the nation to receive an overall 5-star rating from the media company and is the highest rated South Dakota hospital across all five quality measures.
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.