Building From the Ground Up
Monument Health added 40 new physicians in the last half of 2025, shoring up access to care and bringing new specialties to the region. We'll meet the gynecologic oncologist, cardiothoracic/vascular surgeon, and colorectal surgeon who are building these new programs from the ground up.
UnityPoint Health Names Chief Medical Officer and Vice President for Cardiovascular Services
As part of its commitment to improving access to heart care across Iowa and the Midwest, UnityPoint Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter George, MD, FACC as Chief Medical Officer for cardiovascular services.
CommonSpirit Health, Altru Health System Announce CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake Transition
CommonSpirit Health and Altru Health System today announced the transition of ownership of CHI St. Alexius Health Devils Lake to Altru Health System, marking an important milestone in securing strong, local access to care for the Devils Lake region community. The transition will occur on March 1, 2026.
Garringer’s Artwork Featured at Good Samaritan
The Walkway Gallery at CHI Health Good Samaritan is hosting a new exhibit by Kearney artist Daniel Garringer. The display, which features colored pencil drawings of rural surroundings, will run through March 2026.
ORA Orthopedics and UnityPoint Health® – Trinity Announce Expanded Partnership
In a major advancement for orthopedic care in the Quad Cities, ORA Orthopedics, the area’s largest and most comprehensive orthopedic practice, is excited to announce an exclusive partnership with UnityPoint Health – Trinity hospitals effective Dec. 18, 2025.
Danelle Franzen Elected to American College of Healthcare Executives Council of Regents
Danelle Franzen, chief operating officer at Great Plains Health, has been elected to a three-year term on the Council of Regents, the legislative body of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Altru Earns ACR Accreditation for Ultrasound Services
Altru has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in ultrasound as the result of an extensive review by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®). Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help providers diagnose illness, injury or other medical problems.
Mary Lanning Healthcare Laboratory Earns Reaccreditation
The Mary Lanning Healthcare Laboratory recently received reaccreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
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.