Bethany Gifford Receives Service Over Self Award
Columbus Community Hospital is proud to recognize Bethany Gifford, RN, MSN, as its second quarter Service Over Self Award recipient for 2026.
Great Plains Health and Unitek Learning Partner to Expand Nursing Education Opportunities in Rural Nebraska
Great Plains Health and Unitek Learning have announced a new partnership focused on expanding access to nursing education and strengthening the long-term healthcare workforce across central and western Nebraska.
Advanced Proton Therapy System Arrives at Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center Saturday
The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center will reach a major milestone Saturday as a state-of-the-art proton beam therapy system is scheduled to arrive on campus. It’s the first proton beam system in Nebraska, marking a significant step forward in bringing advanced cancer treatment to the state and region.
Nebraska Medicine Performs First Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement on a Nebraska Patient
The Interventional Cardiology team at Nebraska Medicine performed the first Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) in Nebraska, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery. The new device (FDA approved in December 2025), allows for the minimally invasive procedure to be an alternative to a much higher risk surgery. All of this is done via a catheter inserted into a small incision in the groin.
Distinguished Service Award Nominations Open Through July 1
Each year, the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) has the privilege of recognizing individuals whose leadership, compassion, and dedication make a lasting impact on health care across our state through the Distinguished Service Awards (DSA).
CHI Health St. Francis Strengthens Care Support for Bedside Nurses
CHI Health St. Francis introduced an extra layer of patient care today. The initiative further strengthens the hospital’s standing as a Magnet with Distinction organization, an international benchmark for providing the highest and most elite nursing excellence and safety.
Anna Wiemken Joins Essentia Health-Osgood Clinic as Elder Care Practitioner
The Essentia Health-Osgood Clinic is excited to welcome Anna Wiemken, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner in elder care.
Monument Health Partners With Community Research Program Walking Forward
For 24 years, Walking Forward has worked to close the gap in cancer outcomes for American Indian communities across western South Dakota. Now, the nationally recognized program is joining Monument Health once again, bringing more than two decades of community-based cancer navigation, research and education work under the health system and strengthening its ability to serve patients across western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.
Prairie Lakes Laboratory Expands Direct-Access Walk-In Testing Services
Prairie Lakes Laboratory is making it easier than ever for community members to take a proactive approach to their health with expanded walk-in, direct access lab testing services.
UNMC Celebrates More Than 1,000 Graduates at Commencement Ceremonies
Diplomas and certificates were conferred on more than 1,000 University of Nebraska Medical Center students during ceremonies held May 7 in Lincoln, Norfolk and Kearney and May 9 in Omaha and Scottsbluff.
Monument Health Investment Marks First Full Year of Graduates From West River Health Science Center
In its first full year of operation, the West River Health Science Center, a nursing pathway partnership between Black Hills State University and South Dakota State University, graduated 122 registered nurses across two classes. This milestone was made possible in part by Monument Health’s $2 million investment to expand the facility in 2022. Sixty-two of those graduates have committed to joining Monument Health.
Pender Community Hospital Announces New Name: Pender Community Health
Pender Community Hospital is proud to announce a new name: Pender Community Health.
Columbus Otolaryngology Clinic Now Offers Inspire Therapy for Sleep Apnea
If you suffer from sleep apnea and have had difficulties with traditional treatments, there’s another option.
Cataract Awareness Month Highlights Options for Clearer Vision
In recognition of Cataract Awareness Month this June, Vance Thompson Vision is encouraging patients to learn more about their vision and explore today’s advanced cataract treatment options. Cataracts are a natural part of aging, often causing vision changes that can make everyday tasks more difficult. The good news is that cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures today. It offers patients the opportunity to restore their vision with advanced, personalized treatment.
42nd Annual Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament Returns During All-Star Week Presented by Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops
The Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament, presented by Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops, tees off for the 42nd time on Thursday, June 19, at Rose Creek Golf Course. The event features both 9 and 18-hole golf tournaments.
Particle Sensors Reveal Critical Air Quality Findings in Hospital Operating Room
The surgical team had performed hundreds of procedures in the operating room without issue.
The room was spotless. Sterilization procedures were followed with precision. Airflow systems were operating exactly as designed.
USD Department of Social Work to Host Third Annual Mental Health Conference
The Department of Social Work at the University of South Dakota will host its third annual conference for mental health professionals from May 13 to 14 at the USD – Sioux Falls campus.
North Dakota Announces $40 Million Grant Program to Strengthen Rural Hospital Care Close to Home
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a new $40 million funding opportunity designed to help rural hospitals upgrade clinical equipment, strengthen emergency and specialty care services, and keep more healthcare close to home for North Dakotans.
Lakes Regional Healthcare Moving to New Avera MyChart Patient Portal
Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) patients will soon have access to a new patient portal with the launch of Avera MyChart on May 30.
Avera St. Benedict Health Center Selected to Host National Health Care Meeting in June
Avera St. Benedict Health Center has been chosen to host the June 9 regional meeting for the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. Federal, national, regional, state and local health care leaders will tour the health center and meet to discuss collaboration opportunities and challenges.