Lives Saved Through Helmsley AED Grants Celebrated by North Dakota HHS and Community Partners
Today, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), North Dakota State Health Officer Sherry Adams, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, and local community members and partners celebrated the lives saved in the state through a grant program to equip rural law enforcement officers with modern, “connected” automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Nursing Alumna Selected for 2025 Dole Caregiver Fellow Leadership Program
At just 23 years old, Kylie Briest has spent nearly her entire life as a caregiver. In 2005, her father, U.S. Army Sgt. Corey Briest, was severely injured by an IED explosion in Iraq. The blast left him with a traumatic brain injury, resulting in limited mobility, vision and speech. Kylie Briest was only three years old at the time.
Public Health Education Comes to Life for Teens Through Mobile Game “Zoodemic”
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) have launched “Zoodemic,” a free mobile app that transforms public health education into a fast-paced, interactive game for middle and high school students.
SDAHO Presents Pain Uncovered: The Hidden Connections Shaping Relief and Dependence
Chronic pain exists along a continuum from acute injury to long-standing, centralized pain shaped by neuroplastic changes, trauma, and stress-related learning in the brain and body. Advances in neuroscience and epigenetics show how adverse experiences can alter pain processing and gene expression over time, helping explain why pain may persist even after tissue healing. Accurate identification of pain type is essential for selecting appropriate treatments, including pharmacologic options, while also recognizing the risks associated with long-term opioid therapy, complex persistent opioid dependence, and opioid use disorder. This program will look at current evidence to build integrated, patient-centered strategies that address pain, trauma, and opioid related risk together. Participation is free. Pre-registration is required.
DNAP Inaugural Cohort Earns 100% NCE Success Rate
The University of South Dakota’s inaugural Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice class has achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Certification Examination within 30 days of program completion, including an exceptional 89% first-time pass rate.
University of Nebraska Medical Center Expands Nursing Partnership With the University of Nebraska at Omaha
The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing and the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Arts & Sciences will collaborate on an early admission pathway for pre-nursing students at UNO.
Health Care Scholarship Application Dates Announced by MercyOne Clinton Foundation
MercyOne Clinton Foundation is accepting health care scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. The foundation offers scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,500 to people interested in pursuing a career in health care.
UnityPoint Health–Des Moines and University of Iowa Partnership Spotlighted During Leadership Transition
After 40 years of service in pediatric care, medical education and physician leadership, Dr. Ken Cheyne will retire on April 3, 2026. Dr. Cheyne played a pivotal role in shaping medical education in Central Iowa through his leadership at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, including his service at Blank Children’s Hospital and most recently as Executive Director of the Des Moines Area Medical Education Consortium, Inc. (DMEC) and Assistant Dean of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine branch campus in Des Moines.
Avera Queen of Peace Hospital Honors Dr. Lucio Margallo II With Athletic Training Room Recognition at Mitchell High School
Avera Queen of Peace Hospital and the Mitchell School District recognized Dr. Lucio Margallo II on Thursday evening with a plaque for the Mitchell High School Athletic Training Room in his honor, celebrating his exceptional service to students, student-athletes and families throughout the Mitchell community.
Sanford Fargo to Host “Doc Talk” on Weight Loss Solutions
Sanford Health Fargo is hosting a Doc Talk discussion to educate the public about various weight loss options.
Rural Initiatives: New Scholarships Can Help Recruit Future Rural Healthcare Workers
A new scholarship opportunity aimed at strengthening South Dakota’s rural healthcare workforce is now open for applicants. Horizon Health recently announced the Horizon/Build Dakota Scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, supporting students pursuing healthcare careers who are committed to serving rural communities across the state.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving: SDAHO Learning Opportunities
Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s the perfect time to refocus on professional growth. SDAHO’s Leadership Expedition Series offers a meaningful way to invest in yourself and your team—learning opportunities that truly keep on giving.
EmpowerHER Program to Provide Education, Connection, and Screenings
The Essentia Health Mid Dakota Women’s Center-Bismarck will host EmpowerHER – an evening of women’s health and connection – from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19.
Community Invited to Free Education Series on January 22
CHI Health St. Francis, in collaboration with CHI Health Clinic: Nebraska Heart Institute, is hosting a community education session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22 in Conference Room 2/3 at the hospital.
University of Nebraska Medical Center Celebrates Winter Commencement With Over 400 Graduates
Diplomas were conferred on more than 400 University of Nebraska Medical Center students on Dec. 19.
A Century Strong Marks SDAHO’s 100th Anniversary With Commemorative Coffee Table Book
The year 2026 marks a remarkable milestone for the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO)100 years of service, leadership, and dedication to advancing health care across the state. To celebrate this centennial, SDAHO proudly presents A Century Strong: Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future, a beautifully designed coffee table book that captures the stories, images, and spirit of South Dakota’s healthcare history.
2026 Post-Acute Partners in Care: Group Discounts and Key Deadlines
Even as the holiday season keeps everyone busy, NOW is the time to plan ahead for SDAHO’s 2026 Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference taking place March 31–April 1, 2026, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. SDAHO is excited to offer valuable opportunities for attendees!
Now Open: Registration for Childbirth Support Specialists Doula Training
Registration is now open for the Childbirth Support Specialists Birth and Postpartum Doula workshop scheduled for Mar. 7 and 8 at Brookings Health System.
USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Jason Steere, PT, DPT
Jason Steere describes his career path as an "adventurous wander". As a kid in Sioux Falls, he hadn't intended to go to college. But after a stint in the military, Steere changed his mind and enrolled at USD….
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.