South Dakota Hospitals Recognized with 2025 Performance Leadership Awards
As part of National Rural Health Day this month, a number of South Dakota facilities have been recognized with 2025 Performance Leadership Awards for excellence in quality.
Recalls and Warnings: Risk Management Considerations
From time to time, the FDA, manufacturers, and other agencies issue recalls or serious warnings about devices, drugs, instruments and other healthcare-related products. When one of these notices impacts your medical practice, it is important to follow a comprehensive process and document all the steps you have undertaken to avoid potential liability…
Meet a Make-A-Wish Champion of HOPE
Can a granted wish change the trajectory of a child’s illness? Find out why Sioux Falls pediatrician Rick Kooima refers his eligible patients to Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana and why he thinks others should consider it, too.
The Future Is Now: Rural Health Leaders Chart a Path Forward at Annual Summit
On an overcast day in Sioux Falls, some of the most influential voices from across the country came together, full of energy and optimism, to explore solutions to the most complex issues facing rural health care today at the fourth annual Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care.
Primary Focus
At the end of each year, we invite a group of healthcare professionals in our region to share their insights on what's working - and what could be working better - in their practices. This year, we posed two questions to seven primary care providers from across South Dakota, Southwest Minnesota, and Northwest Iowa. From the high cost of care to countering misinformation to preparing for AI, their answers provide a fascinating glimpse into life in rural primary care today.
USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Alex Van Voorhis, MSW, CSW
As an undergrad at UND Fargo, Alex Van Voorhis studied music and communications. But, after a half dozen years in sales and marketing, she realized it wasn't her calling.
Regional West Foundation Grants $7,830 in West Nebraska Blood Center Scholarships
The Regional West Foundation Board of Directors recently announced that $7,830 in scholarships was awarded to six students through the West Nebraska Blood Center, located at Regional West Medical Center.
UnityPoint Health First to Join Mayo Clinic Platform_Insights
UnityPoint Health has announced a new collaboration with Mayo Clinic Platform, a strategic initiative of Mayo Clinic that enables data-driven innovation and healthcare transformation for clinicians across the globe.
Boone County Health Center Recognized as 2025 Cardiac Rehab Program of the Year
Boone County Health Center (BCHC) has been honored with the 2025 Cardiac Rehab Program of the Year by the Nebraska Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Network (NCVPRN). BCHC is the only facility in the state to receive this distinction, which celebrates a Nebraska-based cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program demonstrating exceptional leadership, patient service, and commitment to advancing cardiovascular and pulmonary health.
Don Klepser, PhD, Appointed Dean of UNMC College of Pharmacy
Don Klepser, PhD, professor of pharmacy practice and science and interim dean of the UNMC College of Pharmacy, has been named the permanent Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the college, UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, announced.
Rock from the Heart Unveils 2026 Aortic Ed Sessions and Benefit Concert Weekend
Rock from the Heart is bringing its powerful blend of education, awareness, and music back to the Twin Cities for Heart Month 2026. The two-day event will take place February 13– 14, 2026, at Canterbury Event Center in Shakopee, Minnesota.
UnityPoint Clinic Welcomes New Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner
UnityPoint Clinic is excited to announce Heather Stehr, ARNP, is joining the team of providers at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Sunnybrook. Stehr will offer primary care services conveniently located in Sunnybrook Medical Plaza. She is currently accepting new patients.
Emily’s Hope and Let’s Be Clear Enhance Free Naloxone Availability With New Box at Brookings Health System
Emily’s Hope, in partnership with Let’s Be Clear, is proud to announce the installation of a new community-access naloxone distribution box at Brookings Health System’s emergency entrance. This life-saving initiative expands access to naloxone across South Dakota and supports the mission to prevent opioid overdose deaths.
DHHS Honors Families on National Adoption Day
This year, November 22 is recognized as National Adoption Day – a day to celebrate families who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need of permanent, loving families, and to raise awareness about the ongoing need for adoptive families.
Columbus Community Hospital Earns Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification
Columbus Community Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH) Certification.
Sanford Health Introduces New Family Medicine Physician in Minot
Ashley Kremer, M.D., a family medicine specialist has joined the Sanford Northwest Clinic in Minot and is accepting new patients.
Community Hospital Unveils Aquablation Therapy
Community Hospital is proud to announce the addition of Aquablation® therapy, a cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. This advanced technology offers a new level of precision and safety for men suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH.
Local Food Shortages Prompt Good Samaritan’s Early Outreach, Public Urged to Participate
CHI Health Good Samaritan is increasing its giving goal this year and, for the first time, asking the community to join. In response to increasing local food insecurities, Project Snowflake, the hospital’s annual employee giving drive, is launching early. The expanded effort will provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need and stock local food pantries.
Disrupting Bacterial “Communication” to Advance Human Health
Like all living things, bacteria adapt to survive. Over time, bacteria have been developing resistance to common antibiotics and disinfectants, which poses a growing problem for healthcare and sanitation. However, many species of bacteria are beneficial and even essential for human health. What if there was a way to change the behavior of bacteria in the body to prevent illness and poor health outcomes?
Landmark Gift From Denny Sanford to Support Establishment of Sanford Black Hills Medical Center Campus, Transforming Care in Western South Dakota
Sanford Health announced today another landmark gift from the world’s greatest health care philanthropist that will transform health care in western South Dakota and the Black Hills region for generations to come.