Sanford Health

Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System have announced a nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding to combine their complementary assets and capabilities and create an integrated health system dedicated to advancing world-class care in the rural Midwest. Marshfield Clinic Health System is an integrated health system serving Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. “We are excited to combine our common purpose to lead the way for the future, drive innovation and solve the most pressing challenges facing rural health care,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. Read more: https://san.fo/45VfEU5

Navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis can be difficult enough. It's even tougher when English isn't the patient's first language. That's where Erica Lessman comes in. Erica has worked with the Sanford Cancer Center in Sioux Falls since 2010 as a community education and outreach coordinator. Her background in social work and experience with diverse populations made her a natural fit to provide translation, education and advocacy services for non-English speaking populations. Learn more: https://san.fo/3LAKaJT

Jackie Gibbons and Andrea Nelson, clinical educators at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, recently presented "Survive and Thrive: Implementing Post Cardiac Arrest Care in a Rural Regional Hospital" at the 47th World Hospital Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The World Hospital Congress is a global forum connecting leaders and decision-makers of hospitals, health services and healthcare organizations. Health sector leaders and hospital executives come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas and innovations, and network with others from across the international healthcare community. "The experience to meet and network with health care professionals from over 65 different countries was beyond amazing," said Gibbons. "We were proud to share our Sanford story with the world and are also excited to bring our global learnings back to the Sanford community."

Kristin Herrmann, chief financial officer of Sanford Health in Fargo, has been named to Becker's Healthcare's “156 women hospital and health system CFOs to know” list! As part of Herrmann’s role, she has overseen financial planning for major incentives, including the expansion of the Roger Maris Cancer Center and the implementation of the bone marrow transplant program. Her efforts in space consolidation and cost-saving measures have optimized operational efficiency, reinforcing Sanford Fargo’s mission to deliver exceptional patient care. Congratulations, Kristin! Thank you for your commitment to advancing care in our communities!

How do we reinvent America’s health care workforce and keep clinicians engaged with their patients and each other? During last year’s Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care, Dr. Zeke Emanuel sat down with Sanford Health News and the Reimagining Rural Health podcast to discuss opportunities for building a strong workforce, progress, patient experience and more. Conversations like this, and more, will be happening again at the 3rd Annual Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care on October 29, 2024. This year’s event will focus on “pioneering innovation in a shifting landscape,” bringing together some of the most dynamic and influential voices in health care, technology and business. Learn more about the Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care: https://san.fo/3Xukrbb

A group of Sanford Health employees recently volunteered at Wings of Valor, chopping wood, refreshing landscaping and cleaning lodges, all in preparation for the upcoming hunting season. Wings of Valor, a 100% ADA compliant pheasant hunting lodge located 40 minutes from Sioux Falls, partners with Sanford Health and operates on the mission of supporting those who have served by providing a gathering place to motivate and empower veterans in the outdoors.

Sanford Health broke ground Monday on the new Good Samaritan Society – Founder's Crossing, a leading-edge senior living community coming to the east side of Sioux Falls, SD, in 2026. “The convenience for residents at Founder’s Crossing will make the community a destination to live, retire and receive health care,” said Mike Wilde, MD, chief physician at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. “When completed, the Sanford Health clinic and Lewis Drug will allow more than 300 residents and 200 employees access to primary care, lab, radiology, pharmacy, retail and groceries by simply walking down the hall.” Read more about the first-of-its-kind senior living community: https://san.fo/3BtDBXl

Pilar de la Puente is a Jedi when it comes to researching cancer cells. And she's got a comic book to prove it. The Sanford Research scientist was recently featured in the ECUSA "Cancer Wars" comic book, which aims to connect kids with science. ECUSA (Espa?oles Científicos en USA) is an organization where scientists and other technology pros have a tie to Spain. "We wanted to show marginalized or underrepresented groups, or historically disadvantaged groups, that we are role models. We can be role models. So, to pave the way and show the groundwork that it's possible, it's important," said Pilar de la Puente. Find out how the saga unfolds: https://san.fo/4drayAP

This month’s cover story from Provider Magazine highlights the Good Samaritan Society’s successful vaccination efforts, particularly at skilled nursing facilities in North Dakota and South Dakota. DeeAndra Sandgren, chief nursing officer at the Good Samaritan Society, shared how many of our rural nursing home locations outperform national averages for vaccinations by a wide margin. She also emphasized how being part of an integrated health system has been critical in ensuring locations have the resources they need. “These locations have really built trust with residents and families over the course of the pandemic and now. They strive to be the one voice for families, who rely on the staff to get them information," Sandgren said. "We are also part of a larger health care system, Sanford Health [the largest rural health system in the United States]. And they notice when patients need updates on their vaccines and inform us as they are sent out.” Read more: https://san.fo/3XLhi6X

What do a behavioral health care coordinator in Bemidji, a nursing assistant in Vermillion, a PRN in Sioux Falls, a unit secretary in Fargo, and an LPN in Bismarck have in common? All five were recently awarded the Sanford Health Equity in Education Scholarship, a targeted financial scholarship program aiding traditionally underrepresented populations seeking higher education. All five women demonstrate exceptional character and leadership in furthering their own progress and in enriching the lives of others, especially in service, academics, community involvement and impact. Learn more about the recent Equity in Education Scholarship awardees: https://san.fo/4dqKB4m