Wellness Pantry Opens at Avera Pierre Clinic
Today, Avera Pierre Clinic opened a food pantry to provide food to patients in need. Patients with clinic appointments will be screened for food insecurity, and those who screen positive will receive a bag of food during their visit. The Wellness Pantry will offer a three- to five-day emergency food supply, along with information on food options and local resources, to help those struggling to afford groceries.
Avera Hospitals Join American Heart Association Program to Enhance Stroke Treatment
Several Avera facilities have committed to participate in Mission: Lifeline® Stroke, a statewide initiative of the American Heart Association to strengthen the full spectrum of stroke care across South Dakota.
Dr. Sweasy to Head Nationwide Initiative Addressing Rural Cancer as New AACI President
Joann Sweasy, PhD, director of the National Cancer Institute-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, will begin her two-year term as president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) with a bold vision to confront one of the nation’s most pressing health disparities: rural cancer care. The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is Nebraska’s only NCI-designated center and one of only 73 in the nation.
Munroe-Meyer Institute to Host Trick-or-Treat Event for Families with Disabilities Oct. 19
Faculty and staff members of the Munroe-Meyer Institute, as well as community partners, will give candy and treats to children and individuals with disabilities and their family members as part of MMI’s annual Trick or Treat event.
Students in USD’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program Benefit from $2.25 Million HRSA Grant
A $2.25 million grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration to grow and broaden the certified registered nurse anesthetist workforce in South Dakota has provided expanded opportunities for students who want to increase their career skills.
Wipe Out Cancer Marks 10th Year, Raises Over $19,600
Kearney Tire & Auto Service is holding its tenth annual "Wipe Out Cancer" campaign throughout October. Since 2015, the "Change a Blade, Change a Life" initiative has raised $19,653.14 to support cancer patients in central Nebraska.
Sanford Children’s Gala Generates Nearly $1.5 Million for Pediatric Emergency Department
Nearly $1.5 million was raised earlier this month at the 2025 Children’s Gala. The money raised goes towards South Dakota’s first and only dedicated pediatric emergency department being built adjacent to the Sanford Emergency Department on the campus of the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
LRC Hosts 16th Annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness
On Friday, October 10 the Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) will host its 16th Annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness. The walk unites individuals with lived experience and care providers in accessing resources in the community. LRC strives to promote accurate information about mental health challenges, uphold individuals as people instead of a diagnosis, and promote mental healthcare and resources for all Nebraskans.
Community Hospital Health Foundation Launches Matching Challenge to Support Cancer Care
The Community Hospital Health Foundation has announced a new community challenge gift to support cancer care at Community Hospital. Dr. George, Community Hospital’s Medical Oncologist and Hematologist, will match every donation dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000, beginning October 11 at the Concert for Healthcare.
Jamestown Regional Medical Center Commits to Breast Health with ‘Pinky Swear’ Campaign
Pink is more than a color at Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) in October. Each year for Breast Health Month, the medical center transforms into Pinky Swear Headquarters, where a simple childhood gesture becomes a powerful promise both to and from women. At JRMC, that promise reflects a commitment to delivering advanced technology, empathetic care and accessible services for every woman in the region.
“Pink the Rink” Aims to Raise Funds and Awareness in the Fight Against Cancer
Dubuque Fighting Saints will be dropping the gloves in the fight against breast cancer when they host the Chicago Steel at 7:05 p.m. for their annual “Pink the Rink” night, Saturday, Oct. 11, at ImOn Arena—proceeds from the 50/50 raffle benefit the MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center.
5th Annual Gather for the Cure: Honoring Survivors and Remembering Lives Lost to Breast Cancer
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MercyOne Genesis and the MercyOne Genesis Health Services Foundation Breast Cancer Awareness Month will host the 5th annual Gather for the Cure on Sunday, October 19, at Scott County Park, Whispering Pines Indoor Shelter.
Nebraska Highlights Access to Recovery Resources This September
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) recognizes September as National Recovery Month, a time to focus on hope, healing, and a full life lived in recovery from alcohol and substance use.
Essentia Health–Wahpeton Clinic Providing Walk-In Flu Shot Services
Mary Lanning Healthcare joined with members of the community and construction communities on Thursday to celebrate the completion of its new boiler plant, a major infrastructure upgrade.
Sanford Detroit Lakes to Host Flu Vaccination Clinics
Sanford Health Detroit Lakes, 1245 Washington Ave., is now offering the flu vaccination to patients 6 months and older.
Child Car Seats Frequently Misused; Local Resources Available to Support Caregivers in Protecting Children
During National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 21–27, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with Vision Zero, reminds caregivers with young children to safely buckle children in vehicles.
Sanford Fargo to Host Flu Vaccination Clinics
Sanford Health is now offering the flu vaccination to patients 6 months and older at all Fargo metro area primary care clinics.
Avera Foundation Announces Record-Breaking Philanthropic Giving in 2025
The Avera Foundation set a new annual fundraising record in fiscal year 2025, raising more than $59.7 million — the highest total in its history.
Good Samaritan Secures $12.6 Million, Largest Gift Ever, to Advance Women’s Health
CHI Health Good Samaritan Foundation has received its largest single gift to date, $12.6 million, dedicated to advancing women's health in the region. A private foundation recently contributed to the expansion and renovation of the hospital's Maternity Center and Interventional Cardiology Suites.
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines K9 Officer Skye to Receive Body Armor Donation
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Public Safety Department will be receiving a bullet and stab protective vest for its K9 Officer Skye thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Skye’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always.” Delivery is expected this summer. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines started its K9 program in 2024. Skye, a black labrador retriever, is the first K9 officer for UnityPoint Health in Des Moines and has completed her training in explosive detection.