Meet a Make-A-Wish Champion of Hope
Brock Doubledee, DO, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Sanford Children's is this month’s Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana ‘Champion of Hope’": “For the most part, I refer every patient who is eligible. I feel like, if you're eligible, you deserve to receive a wish.”
USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Ashley Rucker, DNP
Ashley Rucker was just 16 when she became a nurse assistant, her first step into a field that would define her professional life. After working on a medical/surgical ward, a cardiac ICU, and in home hospice (and earning as MSN), Rucker was ready to further her education
South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA) Member Spotlight
SDSMA has been a meaningful part of my journey as a resident, offering a platform to connect with peers and mentors. It has actively supported my professional and academic growth through opportunities in publishing, collaboration and advocacy. As I transition to fellowship, I see myself continuing this journey through the help of SDSMA to further contribute to the medical community and patients of South Dakota.
Keeping Healthcare Local: The Crucial Role of Architecture
Access to quality healthcare is a key factor in what makes communities vibrant, livable, and well-positioned for growth.
The Heart of Long-Term Care
Ashley Eastman, RN, a long-term care nurse at Good Samaritan Society - Pine River, shows what it means to have the heart of a caregiver. Her love of service started at a young age, and from there it has blossomed into a career focused on compassion.
USD School of Health Sciences and Southeast South Dakota AHEC Host Disaster Response Training
On Feb. 19, 319 students from the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University gathered at the Andrew E. Lee Memorial Medicine and Science Building on the USD campus in Vermillion for Disaster Training Day, an annual event that provides hands-on disaster preparedness training.
JCH&L Named Among 100 Critical Access Hospitals to Know
Jefferson Community Health & Life has been named by Becker's Hospital Review as one of 100 noteworthy hospitals in its annual “Critical Access Hospitals to Know” list.
North Dakota Introduces Rural Suicide Prevention Initiative for Health Care Provider Support and Training
North Dakota is launching a new rural healthcare suicide prevention initiative aimed at strengthening follow-up care and closing critical gaps after suicide risk is identified. The effort follows recommendations from the North Dakota Suicide Fatality Review Commission and supports the Zero Suicide framework across rural and tribal healthcare systems.
MercyOne Dubuque Earns Iowa’s First Renewal Recognition for Pediatric Readiness
MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center is the first hospital in Iowa to renew its emergency department pediatric readiness recognition through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Iowa Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Care Recognition Program (IPEAC).
Community Cancer Walk and Butterfly Release Event Scheduled
A program to help local cancer patients with items such as hair, wigs, prosthetics, makeup and other concerns is the focus of the 2026 Cancer Walk & Butterfly Release.
Fast Emergency Stroke Care Saves Young Fargo Resident During Stroke Awareness Month
Alex Pierce assumed he was having a bad headache. But when he began vomiting and struggled to stand, the 28-year-old Fargo resident knew something wasn’t right.
Cass County Reports Confirmed Measles Case
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed measles case in Cass County. This is the first case reported in Cass County in 2026.
Lakes Regional Healthcare Begins Transition to New Electronic Health Record Platform
Lakes Regional Healthcare (LRH) will transition to Epic, a new electronic health record (EHR) system, on May 30 as part of the organization’s continued commitment to improving patient care, safety and communication across the healthcare system.
Emergency Medical First Responder Departments Eligible for St. Francis Grant Funding Through June 12
CHI Health St. Francis Foundation invites emergency medical first responder departments across Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties to submit applications for grant funding. Supported by the Foundation’s annual Ticket to Win fundraising raffle, these grants provided resources for emergency medical training, supplies and equipment. The deadline for submission is Friday, June 12.
UNMC and UNK Mark Opening of New Rural Health Education Complex
The University of Nebraska Medical Center and University of Nebraska at Kearney today formally celebrated the opening of the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex in Kearney, the largest rural healthcare teaching facility in the country, and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening Nebraska’s healthcare workforce.
Annual Pony Express Ride Returns for 2026
Volunteer motorcyclists will travel over 1,000 miles across Nebraska, collecting letters written by youth and raising awareness about children’s mental health. The ride will start on Wednesday, May 13, in Scottsbluff and finish on Saturday, May 16, on the North steps of the Nebraska State Capitol, where the riders will deliver these letters to Dr. Thomas Janousek, Division of Behavioral Health Director within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Among Iowa Leaders in Advanced 4D Intracardiac Echocardiogram Procedure
Iowa Methodist Medical Center has become one of the first in Iowa to perform a procedure using 4D intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE) ultrasound technology, marking a significant advancement in cardiovascular care for patients in Iowa.
Iowa Governor Signs Patients First Legislation Supported by Iowa Hospital Association
The Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) today celebrated Governor Kim Reynolds’ signing of HF2635, the Patients First insurance reform bill, a major piece of legislation championed by Iowa hospitals and health systems. The new law is designed to improve patient access to care and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens that delay treatment.
Roger Maris All-Star Week Returns for Its Sixth Annual Celebration on June 15
The sixth annual Roger Maris All-Star Week returns June 15-19 at various locations throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area.
National Stroke Awareness Month Highlights Prevention and Rapid Response
When stroke happens, minutes matter. Similar to how a heart attack blocks blood flow to the heart, a stroke happens when a clot or broken blood vessel stops or limits blood flow to the brain – a brain attack.