10 Reasons to Attend the 2026 Rural Health Leaders Conference
The countdown is on! The 2026 Rural Health Leaders Conference is just around the corner, and this year’s event promises to be one of the most exciting yet. With a new location, fresh perspectives, practical solutions, and plenty of opportunities to connect, there are countless reasons to join us in Pierre.
A Century Strong: From the SDAHO Vault — Raising Standards and Building a Stronger Future
As we continue our Century Strong: From the SDAHO Vault series, the May installment brings together two important storylines from SDAHO’s history: the statewide effort to professionalize healthcare through the Basic Science Law of 1939, and the Association’s evolution as it entered its 15th year — a period marked by rising costs, wartime uncertainty, and the early development of health insurance in South Dakota.
Rural Initiatives: SDAHO Supporting Cardiac Ready Communities
The Rural Health Initiatives (RHI) team supports SDAHO members by securing external funding through grants and contracts that advance services in quality improvement, opioid stewardship, EMS, and workforce development.
Sanford Health Announces New Landmark Clinic Location in Minot
Sanford Health has assumed operations of the former CHI St. Alexius Minot Medical Plaza, marking an important step in expanding access to care in the Minot community. The facility, located at 2111 Landmark Circle, will become the future home of Sanford Landmark Clinic, anticipated to open in fall 2026.
UNMC, Local Health Departments Conduct Wildfire Recovery Survey
The Water, Climate and Health Program within the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health will conduct Rapid Need Assessments in West Central and Southwest Nebraska starting Monday, June 22, and ending on Friday, June 26.
Two More Cruise Ship Passengers Depart National Quarantine Unit
After spending more than four weeks at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, two former passengers from the MV Hondius have returned to their home states for continued monitoring under the jurisdiction of their local and state public health departments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requested the individuals from the cruise ship associated with a Hantavirus remain at the NQU through Sunday, May 31. Ten of the former passengers have now left the unit.
North Dakota Launches Funding to Bring Breast Cancer Screenings Closer to Home
To help more women access lifesaving breast cancer screenings closer to home, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a new $1.5 million funding opportunity to support a mobile mammography unit serving rural and underserved communities in western North Dakota. For many women in western North Dakota, getting a mammogram means taking time off work, arranging transportation and traveling long distances. The funding opportunity is designed to help reduce those barriers by bringing mammography services directly into communities.
Sanford Health's Dr. Joshua Crabtree Named Among 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives
Joshua Crabtree, M.D., chief physician at Sanford Health, has been named to Modern Healthcare’s list of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2026.
Children's Nebraska Names Jose Mathew VP of Technology & Innovation
Children’s Nebraska is pleased to announce that Jose Mathew has accepted the role of vice president of Technology & Innovation, effective July 6, 2026, following a comprehensive national search.
Hospitalist Dr. Yolette Louis Joins Essentia Health-Fargo
Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to welcome hospitalist Dr. Yolette Louis.
“Essentia is provider-friendly,” explained Dr. Louis of her decision to join the Essentia Health team.
Rally Against Cancer Raises Record $607,000 for John Stoddard Cancer Center
The 26th Annual Rally Against Cancer, presented by GreenState Credit Union, raised a record-breaking $607,000 in support of UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center, surpassing its fundraising goal and setting a new milestone for the event.
Essentia Health-Fargo Offers New Minimally Invasive Uterine Fibroid Procedure
Essentia Health-Fargo is now offering a minimally invasive, non-hormonal procedure to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, offering women a uterine-sparing alternative to hysterectomy.
Columbus Community Hospital Wins Nine Marketing & Advertising Awards
Columbus Community Hospital recently received recognition from two of the nation’s most prestigious healthcare advertising awards competitions.
SDAHO Rural Health Leaders Conference Expands Professional Development With ACHE Session
The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) looks forward to welcoming attendees to the 2026 Rural Health Leaders Conference, June 24–25 at the Ramkota Convention Center in Pierre. This year’s theme, A Century Strong: Charting the Next Frontier of Rural Health, sets the stage for forward-looking conversations, meaningful collaboration, and practical strategies to strengthen rural healthcare.
Essentia Health to Host Back Pain Seminar in Fargo
Essentia Health on Tuesday, June 16, will host a seminar in Fargo highlighting available surgical and non-surgical options for back pain. If your back pain limits your mobility and quality of life, this event is designed to help you understand your options and take the next step toward relief.
CHI Health Good Samaritan Offers No-Cost Joint Replacement Surgery
Many Americans live with painful hip or knee arthritis, making even simple daily activities a challenge. While joint replacement surgery is often highly effective at relieving pain and restoring mobility, the cost can put it out of reach for those without insurance.
Box Butte General Hospital Names Gabriel Behling as CEO
Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gabriel Behling, MHA, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 4, 2026. Behling brings twenty years of leadership experience across the healthcare and energy sectors and a deep commitment to advancing rural healthcare access.
37th Annual Community Hospital Pro-Am Draws Full Field
The 37th Annual Community Hospital Pro-Am Golf Tournament was held Friday, June 5 at Heritage Hills Golf Course, featuring a full slate of 27 teams and strong community participation.
University of Minnesota Wins NIH Grant to Study Tuberculosis Immunity
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team was awarded a 5-year, $3.8 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study early immune responses in the lung and how they influence tuberculosis infection outcomes.
Columbus Community Hospital Launches Program for Neurodivergent Pediatric Patients
A visit to the hospital is frightening for any child — but for one who is neurodivergent, it can be especially worrisome.