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

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 (Españoles 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

What can we learn from each other about preparing for the next generation of care? During last year’s Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care, Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, MD, MBA, MHA, former president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare and current president of Sanford Health Plan, sat down with Sanford Health News and the Reimagining Rural Health podcast to discuss future generations and opportunities for building stronger rural health care workforces. 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

In Worthington, Minnesota, Our Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic operates out of a Sanford-owned facility and provides free health care for the uninsured. Sanford Health's Health Care Cooperative registered nurses travel to the free clinic once per week to serve underserved patients with chronic and acute conditions who would otherwise be unable to receive much-needed medical care. The nurses are joined each week by a pharmacist and an interpreter who also help patients with other needs, such as housing or energy assistance. Learn more: https://san.fo/4efSGu7

Meet Ryan: Techie. Snowboarder. Leader. If you want to talk to someone who has seen a lot of different areas of health care, it's Ryan. From studying exercise physiology to working in IT, to now helping lead Sanford Health's virtual care revolution, Ryan has dedicated his career to improving health care that's centered on the patient. His passion for health care drives him to work towards his ultimate goal – "bring the best care possible to people." Learn more about how you can grow the good like Ryan: https://san.fo/3TDVp7G

Sanford Health has been named one of America's Best-In-State Employers 2024 by Forbes in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. "The incredible care and impact on communities our health system provides is only made possible by the remarkable Sanford family and their commitment to their patients and hometowns," said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. "We are proud of the culture we have built at Sanford Health, and for us to be recognized as one of the best employers in the three states that comprise the majority of our footprint means that healthy work environment is shared and embraced throughout our system." Sanford Health was identified based on an independent survey of employees in the U.S. working for companies employing more than 500 people. More than 4.4 million employer evaluations across the U.S. were gathered during the review process. With more than 46,000 employees, Sanford Health is one of the largest employers in the upper Midwest. Learn more about the latest recognition: https://san.fo/47PvwIz