Lakes Regional Healthcare Honors Nurses for Exceptional Patient Care
During Nurses Week, May 6-16, 2026, Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) proudly celebrates the dedication and compassion of over 130 nurses who care for patients throughout our hospital and community. These professionals provide outstanding care across multiple departments, including Emergency, Inpatient, Critical Care, Obstetrics, Surgery, Oncology, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Home Care and Hospice, Occupational Health, and Public Health, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care at every stage of their healthcare journey.
Avera Cancer Institute to Be Located Within Ness Family Center in Honor of Lead Gift
The new Avera Cancer Institute location in Yankton will be housed within the Ness Family Center to honor the generosity of Larry and Diane Ness. The success of the Avera Foundation’s $7 million “Building Hope Here” campaign to support constructing the cancer treatment center would not have been possible without the significant lead gift from Larry and Diane, as well as the $500,000 dollar-for-dollar match for community donations they helped provide through First Dakota National Bank.
USD Sanford School of Medicine and Mayo Pediatric Residents Participate in Trauma-Informed Care Training
Pediatric residents from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education gathered this spring for a collaborative, simulation-based training focused on trauma-informed care and communication in pediatric clinical settings.
HHS Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month and Encourages Small Steps to Support Well-Being
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is highlighting the importance of mental health, while encouraging individuals to take small, manageable steps to support their overall well-being.
Hidden HVAC Issue Was Costing Hospital Thousands Each Month
The hospital’s finance department couldn’t explain it.
Despite installing energy-efficient lighting and upgrading several building systems, the facility’s HVAC energy consumption had steadily increased over the past two years.
Becca Jordre Receives National Physical Therapy Award
A professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota has been honored with an American Physical Therapy Association award.
BHECN Releases 2026 Behavioral Health Workforce Capacity Report
The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN), housed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, has released its 2026 Behavioral Health Workforce Capacity Report, highlighting measurable growth in Nebraska’s behavioral health workforce and its impact on access to care.
Sanford Health Recognized Again for Highest Level of Commitment to Workplace Mental Health
Mental Health America (MHA) has awarded Sanford Health the 2026 Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. This is the fourth year in a row Sanford Health has received recognition from Mental Health America and back-to-back years achieving platinum status.
Registration Opens for the 29th Annual Hospital Hill Run
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is inviting local families to the 29th Annual Hospital Hill Run on Saturday, June 13th, 2026. The Hospital Hill Run was created nearly three decades ago by a handful of local healthcare providers to promote the importance of exercise in a fun and family-friendly way.
Munroe-Meyer Guild’s Annual Garden Walk Scheduled for June 14
The public is invited to tour five gardens spread across southwest and west Omaha during the Munroe-Meyer Guild’s 57th annual Garden Walk later this spring.
Spencer Hospital Nurses Recognized as 2026 Great Iowa Nurses
Spencer Hospital is proud to announce that two of its exceptional nurses, Cassie Oleson, RN, of Abben Cancer Center, and Abigail Madden, RN, of the Intensive Care Unit, have been recognized as 2026 Great Iowa Nurses, a statewide honor celebrating nurses who go above and beyond to provide safe, compassionate care and serve as leaders and mentors in their profession. For Spencer Hospital, the recognition of Oleson and Madden reflects the excellence found throughout its nursing team.
Single Measles Case Reported in Dunn County
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed case of measles in Dunn County. This is the first measles case reported in Dunn County. The individual acquired measles out of state.
Avera on Louise Hospital Renamed Avera Orthopedic Hospital
Avera Health has renamed its specialty hospital on the Avera on Louise Health Campus as Avera Orthopedic Hospital.
Two Individuals to Be Honored at University of Nebraska Medical Center Commencement in Omaha
Two University of Nebraska Medical Center alums will be honored by their alma mater with special awards at UNMC’s Omaha commencement May 9, at 9 a.m. at the Baxter Arena.
Rapid City Medical Center Officially Becomes Part of Monument Health
Rapid City Medical Center has officially joined Monument Health, the organizations announced today. The completion of this transaction marks a significant milestone in the two organizations' longstanding commitment to physician leadership, community-based care and keeping health care decisions rooted in the Black Hills.
National Wellness Leader Hunnicutt Joins North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Initiative
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced Dr. David Hunnicutt, as a Rural Health Transformation Program strategist.
Columbus Community Hospital’s Maternal Child Health Department: Where Babies Begin
Columbus Community Hospital's maternal child health department offers the latest technology and amenities for expecting and new mothers — after all, it is where babies come from!
Fischer and Luchsinger Appointed to Columbus Community Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
The Columbus Community Hospital Foundation welcomes Sandie Fischer and Cody Luchsinger to its board of directors beginning May 1, 2026.
Bike Share Program Returns for Its Eighth Year
Columbus in Action, Inc. (CIA), a Nebraska nonprofit corporation, is proud to announce that it’s bringing back its bike share program to Columbus for the eighth year. Residents and visitors will once again be able to cycle through the city on two wheels by renting a bicycle free of charge.
Columbus Community Hospital Foundation Announces Memorials
When you choose to support Columbus Community Hospital through the foundation, you have many options. One of those choices is to donate in memory of a friend or loved one.