Posts Archive - Sanford Health News

State Farm Women’s Volleyball Showcase Set For Pentagon

May 12, 2026

Contact:
David Brown
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / david.brown@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Intersport has announced event details for the 2026 State Farm Women’s Volleyball Showcase, set for Aug. 28-30 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls.

The five-match showcase will feature nationally televised contests across opening weekend, with FOX or FS1 carrying all matches on Friday, Aug. 28, and Saturday, Aug. 29. Confirmed matchups are below; match times will be announced at a later date.

Tickets for the 2026 State Farm Women’s Volleyball Showcase will go on sale June 11, with a presale beginning June 10. Tickets will be available for purchase via the Sanford Sports website.

“For the second straight year, we’re proud to help kick off the college volleyball season at the Sanford Pentagon,” said Jesse Smith, Sanford Sports vice president. “For years, we’ve been fortunate enough to host some of the best teams in the country in Sioux Falls. We’re grateful to Intersport for their partnership and helping to create what will be another tremendous event.”

Launched in 2024, the State Farm Women’s Volleyball Showcase shines a national spotlight on the start of the college volleyball season through elite competition, premium television exposure and standout non-conference matchups.

The event continues to feature premier programs and compelling early-season matchups in a marquee neutral-site setting, with previous fields including Texas, Penn State, Wisconsin, Stanford and Pitt. The 2026 edition will bring five nationally recognized programs to Sioux Falls for a weekend of high-level competition at one of college volleyball’s signature opening-week events.

“Now in its third year, the State Farm Women’s Volleyball Showcase has quickly become a tremendous early-season tradition, and we’re excited to continue building on that momentum alongside our partners at FOX,” said Mark Starsiak, senior vice president at Intersport. “This year’s field features some of the most recognized and accomplished programs in college volleyball, and the Sanford Pentagon provides a first-class venue in a city that has consistently shown its ability to rally behind major events. We look forward to another exciting atmosphere to help open the 2026 college volleyball season.”

Arizona State
JJ Van Niel has quickly elevated Arizona State into a national contender, leading the Sun Devils to back-to-back Big 12 championships in 2024 and 2025, the only two conference titles in program history. Van Niel also earned conference Coach of the Year honors in each of his first three seasons, becoming one of just three coaches in NCAA volleyball history to accomplish that feat.

Arizona State has reached the NCAA tournament in all three seasons under Van Niel, including two Sweet 16 appearances in the last three years, after the program had never won two postseason matches before 2023.

The 2023-25 stretch represents the best run in program history, producing the top three seasons in ASU history by winning percentage and three of the program’s best win totals, including 30 wins in 2024 and 28 wins in both 2023 and 2025.

The Sun Devils also participated in the 2025 edition of the event, splitting contests against No. 2 Penn State and No. 9 Pitt.

Arizona State owns a 2-1 all-time edge over Minnesota, with the series dating back to 1973. Minnesota won the most recent meeting, 3-1, on Dec. 2, 2000, in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Creighton
Brian Rosen, the AVCA’s 2024 National Assistant Coach of the Year, took over as Creighton’s head coach in 2025 and made immediate history with 28 wins, the most ever by a first-year Big East volleyball coach. Rosen also became the only coach in league history to win multiple NCAA tournament matches in his debut season.

Creighton went 28-6 in 2025, reached a second straight Elite Eight, finished No. 10 in the final AVCA poll and enters 2026 on a streak of 71 consecutive top-25 rankings.

The Bluejays remain one of the nation’s premier programs, with 12 straight Big East regular-season titles, 53 consecutive wins over league opponents, 14 straight NCAA tournament appearances and the nation’s third-most wins since 2021 with 147.

Creighton is one of just nine schools to reach the Sweet 16 in each of the last three seasons, and its 2026 matchup with USC will mark the 12th meeting between the programs since 2014.

Creighton owns a 2-1 all-time edge over Purdue, with the series dating back to Sept. 8, 2017. The Bluejays have won each of the last two meetings, including the most recent matchup, 3-1, on Sept. 20, 2024, in Lawrence, Kan. Creighton trails USC 7-4 in the all-time series, which dates back to Sept. 6, 2014. The Trojans won the most recent meeting, 3-0, on Sept. 7, 2025, in Los Angeles.

Minnesota
Head coach Keegan Cook enters his fourth season at Minnesota in 2026 after being hired Dec. 12, 2022.

Cook has led the Gophers to a 62-34 overall record and a 37-23 Big Ten mark through his first three seasons, with NCAA tournament berths in all three years.

Minnesota went 24-10 in 2025 despite losing four starters to season-ending injuries early in the year, relying heavily on five freshman starters while still finishing sixth in the Big Ten.

The Gophers earned a top-16 seed in the NCAA tournament in 2025, hosted the first two rounds, advanced to the Sweet 16 and finished No. 15 in the final AVCA rankings. Cook was named AVCA Northwest Region Coach of the Year.

Minnesota, which also took part in the 2024 edition of the event, remains one of the nation’s most consistent programs, with 11 straight NCAA tournament appearances, 31 consecutive winning seasons, 21 Sweet 16 trips, 10 Elite Eight appearances and six Final Four berths.

Minnesota owns a 5-2 all-time edge over Creighton, with the series dating back to Nov. 21, 1980. Creighton has won each of the last two meetings, including the most recent matchup, 3-0, on Dec. 2, 2023, in Omaha, Neb.

Purdue
Purdue is coming off a 27-7 season that included a 15-5 mark in Big Ten play, a third-place conference finish, a regional final appearance and a No. 8 final AVCA ranking.

Purdue returns one of the nation’s most decorated groups, including all three of its 2025 All-Americans: Taylor Anderson, Kenna Wollard and Grace Heaney. Anderson, a second-team All-American, led the nation in assists in 2025, while Wollard, also a second-team All-American, was an AVCA National Player of the Year semifinalist and finished seventh nationally in kills with the third-highest single-season total in Purdue history. Heaney earned third-team All-America honors.

The Boilermakers also return four All-Big Ten selections, tied with Nebraska and USC for the most in the conference.

Purdue added sophomore OH Mimi Mambu and senior MB Kate Hansen through the transfer portal and will welcome eight freshmen this fall, including four redshirt freshmen and four true freshmen who could compete for time on the court.

Purdue has been ranked in the AVCA poll for 143 consecutive weeks.

Purdue trails Creighton, 2-1, in the all-time series, which dates back to Sept. 8, 2017. The Boilermakers won the first meeting, 3-1, before the Bluejays took each of the last two matchups, including a 3-1 decision on Sept. 20, 2024, in Lawrence, Kan.

USC
Seventh-year head coach Brad Keller led USC to its fourth consecutive NCAA tournament berth in 2025 and guided the Women of Troy to a No. 14 AVCA midseason ranking, the highest of his tenure. Keller recorded his third 20-win season in four years, reached 100 career wins last fall and enters 2026 with 110 victories at USC.

USC finished 25-7 in 2025, including a 15-5 mark in Big Ten play to tie for third in the conference standings. The Trojans reached 20 wins for the 36th time in program history, posted their most wins since 2017, set a new home attendance record, recorded 18 matches with double-digit blocks and earned 11 Big Ten Player of the Week awards.

USC owns six national championships, including three NCAA titles in 1981, 2002 and 2003, and three AIAW championships in 1976, 1977 and 1980. The Trojans won the inaugural NCAA championship in 1981, claimed back-to-back NCAA titles under Mick Haley in 2002 and 2003, and have appeared in all but four of the NCAA’s 45 annual championship tournaments.

The Women of Troy return a strong core in 2026, led by OH London Wijay, a unanimous All-Big Ten first-team selection. MB Leah Ford and LIB Taylor Deckert return after earning second-team All-Big Ten honors, while OPP Abigail Mullen is back after being named to the 2025 Big Ten All-Freshman Team.

USC owns a 63-14-1 all-time edge over Arizona State, with the series dating back to 1977. The Trojans won the most recent meeting, 3-0, on Nov. 5, 2023, in Los Angeles. USC also owns a 7-4 all-time edge over Creighton, with the series dating back to Sept. 6, 2014. The Trojans won the most recent meeting, 3-0, on Sept. 7, 2025, in Los Angeles.

About Intersport
Intersport is an award-winning agency that fills the empty space between marketing campaigns and consumers—helping brands make more meaningful connections. Its industry-leading team offers expert insights in content marketing, experiential marketing, hospitality, partnership consulting and platform development. The Chicago-based agency also owns and operates events across the professional and collegiate sports landscape, including basketball, football, golf, pickleball and volleyball. Intersport has been headquartered in Chicago since its inception in 1985 and has an additional office in Detroit. Learn more at www.intersport.global and on social media (LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook).

About Sanford Sports
Sanford Sports is the modern athletics arm of Sanford Health, the premier rural health system in the United States. Rooted in science and health care, Sanford Sports offers a combination of programs, services, events, facilities, and partnerships intended to make active lifestyles accessible and rewarding for people of all ages and abilities.

Based on the 500-acre Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Sports has been changing the way athletes play for 25 years. With operations in three states, more than one million athletes use Sanford Sports facilities each year. Visit sanfordsports.com for more information.

About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing FOX Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets.  Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships.  FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats and alerts to iOS and Android devices. Additionally, FOX Sports and social broadcasting platform, Caffeine jointly own Caffeine Studios which creates exclusive eSports, sports and live entertainment content. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venture business Big Ten Network, and a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

 Media Contacts: 
Dan Mihalik, Intersport, dmihalik@intersport.global
Scott Kemps, Intersport, skemps@intersport.global

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Marshfield Clinic donates funds to support local food bank

May 11, 2026
Contact:
Jeff Starck
Marshfield Clinic
715-389-4978 / jeffrey.Starck@sanfordhealth.org

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Marshfield Clinic has donated $85,000 to Feed My People Food Bank (FMP) in Eau Claire allowing the organization to purchase a refrigerated van to distribute food to surrounding communities.

FMP rescues nationally and regionally donated food from manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and growers that might otherwise be thrown away. Most of this nutritious food passes through its 46,370 square foot distribution center in Eau Claire before being distributed to over 250 hunger-relief programs throughout west central Wisconsin. To safely distribute this food, FMP needed a refrigerated van.

“This was a complete collaboration of the Community Benefits team reaching out to community organizations that were involved with food insecurity efforts and a relationship that developed with Feed My People,” said Jill Niemczyk, a health educator for Marshfield Clinic’s Center for Community Health Advancement. “Feed my People works with multiple area food pantries and these pantries could benefit from having a refrigerated van to help recover and transport food to surrounding communities.”

FMP partners with more than 250 hunger-relief programs across west central Wisconsin and distributes over 8.8 million pounds of food each year. This network includes local food pantries, meal sites, and other community-based programs that provide food directly to people in need. FMP sources, stores, and distributes food through its Eau Claire facility, with agency partners ordering products for their programs and receiving regular deliveries through the food bank’s fleet. The refrigerated van will strengthen this network by giving partner agencies flexible access to safely transport perishable food from local donation sites to their own facilities, expanding their ability to recover and utilize fresh food independently.

“Serving people across our 14-county, 15,000+ square mile region means we rely on dependable vehicles to get food where it needs to go safely,” said Brit Heymans, Development Director for Feed My People. “We’re so grateful to Marshfield Clinic for supporting us through a gift of funding that made it possible to purchase a refrigerated van for partner use, and for their commitment to addressing food insecurity.”

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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Sanford in Minot welcomes two familiar faces

May 11, 2026

Contact:
Chelsey Kralicek
Sanford Health Media Relations
701-516-4903 / Chelsey.Kralicek@SanfordHealth.org

BISMARCK, N.D. — Sanford Health in Minot has expanded its family medicine team with two new familiar faces at the Sanford Northwest Clinic.

The two providers offer primary care services to people of all ages, from routine checkups to treatment for a wide range of health concerns and conditions.

Katelyn Richter, FNP, APRN, CNP, is a family nurse practitioner who provides comprehensive family medicine care for patients of all ages including preventive health care, chronic disease management and pediatric care and well child checks. Richter is board certified by the American Nurses Credential Center.

Keri Weick, PA-C, is a physician assistant who offers comprehensive family medicine care for patients of all ages including acute and urgent medical care, annual physicals, cancer screenings, chronic disease management, diabetes care, geriatric care, healthy lifestyle interventions, high blood pressure management, immunizations, preventive medicine, sports physicals and well child checks. Weick is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

“We are thrilled to welcome these new advanced practice providers to the clinic,” said Jerilyn Kersten, clinic director, Sanford Health. “They both bring exceptional clinical expertise, a patient‑centered approach and a deep commitment to compassionate care. We are truly excited to have them on our team.”

To schedule an appointment, please visit sanfordhealth.org or call 701-418-4300.

The Sanford Health Bismarck Region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 26 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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Sanford Health, North Memorial Health plan to combine

May 8, 2026

Contact:
Angela Dejene / Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
218-280-0148 / Angela.Dejene@sanfordhealth.org
605-366-2432 / Paul.Heinert@sanfordhealth.org

Abigail Greenheck
North Memorial Health Media Relations
651-894-4717 / Agreenheck@beehivepr.biz

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. and ROBBINSDALE, Minn.— Sanford Health, the nation’s leading rural nonprofit health system dedicated to transforming the health care experience, and North Memorial Health, a nonprofit health system based in the Twin Cities focused on empowering patients to achieve their best health, have signed a definitive agreement to come together as a single nonprofit health system – advancing their shared commitment to improving health, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and broadening access to care throughout the region.

“Today marks an important step forward as we build on and expand the care we provide across Minnesota – creating more choice for patients and connecting them to a broader network of providers, services and specialized expertise,” said Bill Gassen, president and chief executive officer of Sanford Health. “By coming together as one nonprofit health care organization, with shared Midwest values and a deep commitment to the communities we serve, we will deliver more coordinated, regionally connected care – ensuring patients can access the right services, in the right place, at the right time.”

“Guided by our charitable mission, we are committed to meeting the evolving health care needs of the region – including sustaining Robbinsdale Hospital as a critical safety-net provider of Level 1 trauma and emergency services and investing in expanded capacity and outpatient care at Maple Grove Hospital to meet rising demand in one of the metro’s fastest-growing communities. Our approach is to partner with local leaders, understand community needs and invest for the long term. Together, we will strengthen locally driven care for generations to come,” Gassen added.

“When we first met Sanford Health, it was clear we share the same values – rooted in our communities, putting patients first and being straightforward about the realities health care faces,” said Trevor Sawallish, chief executive officer of North Memorial Health. “We’ve been open about the financial and regulatory pressures and the rising costs that make it harder to protect access to care on our own. Through a deliberate national search, Sanford stood out as a partner who understands our true value and shares our belief that better – not just bigger – is what matters. This partnership is about staying strong for the long term – so our patients can keep getting the care they need close to home and our teams have the support they deserve.”

“As one system we will be better equipped to invest in expanded services and new technologies, navigate unexpected headwinds and build a stronger workforce pipeline,” Gassen added. “Our history of combining with like-minded health systems has shaped who we are today – and demonstrates how we can learn from one another to improve care, strengthen resilience and deliver greater impact for patients and communities.”

Sanford Health has a long-established commitment to serving communities across Minnesota. Today, the nonprofit health system cares for nearly 300,000 patients annually and employs close to 10,000 team members in the state. Sanford Health operates or has affiliation agreements with 20 medical centers and 74 clinics across the western third of the state – from International Falls to Bemidji, Thief River Falls and Worthington.

By coming together, the single nonprofit health system will:

• Modernize and sustain Level 1 trauma and emergency services at North Memorial Health – Robbinsdale Hospital, a critical safety-net hospital and a cornerstone of care in the community, where financial pressures threaten long-term sustainability. Both organizations bring deep expertise in trauma care – collectively operating three Level 1 trauma centers – and, as one system, will ensure continued access to these essential services for the underserved and underrepresented populations who depend on them.
• Double the size of North Memorial Health – Maple Grove Hospital, growing Minnesota’s largest birth center, expanding emergency care and adding inpatient and surgical capacity, while improving access to cardiology and interventional radiology to support minimally invasive procedures. To meet rising demand in the northwest metro and central Minnesota, the combined system will also expand campus access to primary and specialty care for patients of all ages.
• Serve as the backbone of Minnesota’s EMS system connecting patients across rural and urban communities to lifesaving care when and where they need it most – by bringing together both systems’ Level I trauma centers, North Memorial Health’s statewide, hospital-based ground and air EMS program and Sanford Health’s AirMed transport.
• Expand convenient access to expert care, connecting patients to the right specialists at the right time through Sanford Health’s $350 million virtual care initiative across 80 specialties – reducing barriers to care such as travel, time away from work and caregiving responsibilities.
• Expand access to critical mental health services, including integrating behavioral health specialists into primary care and offering self-scheduling options for virtual behavioral health visits, ensuring patients receive timely care when it matters most.
• Accelerate clinical innovation and new care models by advancing personalized medicine – including genetic testing and counseling – to identify and treat cancer and chronic disease earlier, tailor care and improve health outcomes.
• Expand access to cutting-edge therapies and treatments through more than 1,000 active clinical trials led by Sanford Research.
• Deliver greater impact through community partnerships that address social drivers of health – including housing, transportation and access to healthy food – supporting underserved populations and improving health across rural, urban and Indigenous communities, with initiatives like wellness pantries in primary care clinics to address food insecurity.
• Improve affordability by expanding future coverage options through Sanford Health Plan, a nonprofit provider-aligned plan focused on simplifying care, improving outcomes and lowering costs.
• Attract, develop and retain top talent in Minnesota by serving as an employer of choice – fostering a strong culture, investing in well-being and leadership development opportunities and expanding career pathways across the state and the broader organization.

• Train the next generation of physicians and clinicians through Sanford Health’s 40 graduate medical education programs and building on the strong training partnerships at North Memorial Health – growing the workforce locally, with many choosing to stay and practice in the communities where they train.
• Work in close alignment with independent and affiliate providers who play a critical role in delivering specialized care for patients, while fostering a shared sense of purpose and commitment to high-quality patient care.

Post-closing, the single health system will remain a nonprofit charitable organization committed to improving the health of communities.

North Memorial Health will become the anchor of a new care delivery region for Sanford Health in the Twin Cities. The region includes:

• Two leading medical centers, including one of five Level 1 Trauma Centers in the state of Minnesota
• Best-in-class programs in areas such as birth, stroke and trauma care
• Expansive care delivery network of more than 22 clinics offering primary care and more than 45 specialties
• 450 physicians and advanced practice providers and 6,800 team members

Local physician leadership will remain central, with structured representation on governing boards, ensuring clinicians have a strong voice in how care is delivered and the autonomy to shape standards, care pathways and professional practice matters.

The Twin Cities region of Sanford Health will continue to be led by Trevor Sawallish, chief executive officer of North Memorial Health, with a local board of directors representing the broader community to provide oversight, including medical staff matters

Two North Memorial Health board members will transition to serve on the Sanford Health Board of Trustees, the governing body of the combined system. They include Charlie Weaver, a seasoned executive, attorney and public policy leader who served for 20 years as executive director of the Minnesota Business Partnership, and Reuben Moore, a longtime health care executive who currently serves as president and chief executive officer of Minnesota Community Care, one of the largest federally qualified health centers in the state.

Sanford Health President and CEO Bill Gassen will continue to serve as president and chief executive officer of the combined organization, alongside the current executive team.

The partnership is expected to close sometime this year, subject to completion of regulatory processes and other customary closing conditions.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News. 

About North Memorial Health
North Memorial Health delivers unmatched patient experience and empowers its patients to achieve their best health. With specialty and primary care clinics, urgent and emergency care offerings, medical transportation services and two hospitals in Maple Grove and Robbinsdale, North Memorial Health provides access to high-quality, low-cost care in the Twin Cities, across the broader state of Minnesota and surrounding states. The North Memorial Health system includes 1,400+ medical staff and 6,500+ team members who are dedicated to delivering a more connected experience for our patients. Learn more at northmemorial.com.

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4th annual Swing Training returns to Suite Shots

May 7, 2026

Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org

FARGO, N.D. – The fourth annual Swing Training event returns to Suite Shots on Wednesday, May 13, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Swing Training is Sanford Health Fargo’s official kickoff event to the sixth annual Roger Maris All-Star Week.

Teams of up to six players can register to play a custom “61” game where each team can play a variety of games and get 61 swings to accumulate points. 100% of funds raised benefits the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center. Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway, North Dakota State head men’s basketball coach David Richman, North Dakota State head women’s basketball coach Jory Collins and Roger Maris Jr. will be at the event and taking part in the custom games.

The list of events includes:
• 2:30 p.m. – Team check-in
• 2:45 p.m. – Press conference
• 3 p.m. – Ceremonial swing and start of games
• 4:30 p.m. – Social and Q & A

Event goers will also be able to use their phones to sign up for the 42nd annual Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament presented by Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops. This year’s golf tournament takes place on Thursday, June 18, from Rose Creek Golf Course, 150 E. Rose Creek Pkwy S., Fargo. The golf tournament will feature a nine-hole round in the morning and an 18-hole round in the afternoon.

100% of funds raised during Roger Maris All-Star Week will stay local and help support Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center’s vision to expand into a national destination for cancer research, treatment, education and training. In October 2021, Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center launched the region’s first and only Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant Program. Sanford Fargo is performing autologous transplants, meaning the patients donated their own cells for processing and transplant, as well as allogeneic bone marrow transplants, where cells are taken from a healthy donor’s bone marrow for a transplant. In 2023, Sanford Fargo began CAR T therapy, where genetically modified T cells are infused.

The sixth annual Roger Maris All-Star Week takes place June 15-19 and includes free youth sports clinics, Edith 9-hole Golf Tournament, Roger Maris Celebrity Golf Tournament and the Roger Maris All-Star Week Radiothon.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Eight Sanford Health hospitals recognized by ACC

May 7, 2026

Contact:
David Brown
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / david.brown@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. —Eight Sanford Health hospital locations across four states have been recognized for their dedication to heart patients by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in the ACC advertising insert in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” Guidebook.

Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in Watertown were honored in South Dakota, while Sanford Medical Center Fargo and Sanford Medical Center Bismarck were recognized in North Dakota. Sanford Bemidji Medical Center was honored in Minnesota, along with three hospitals in Wisconsin: Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield Medical Center – Weston, and Marshfield Medical Center – Eau Claire.

All eight hospital locations are committed to providing top-level care. Through participation in the ACC’s proven quality programs, they inform their robust quality improvement processes using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart patients.

“We are honored, once again, to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology,” said Dr. Jeremy Cauwels, Sanford Health chief medical officer. “With eight of our Sanford Health hospitals across four states honored by the ACC, it reflects our commitment to deliver world-class care across our regional footprint. This recognition wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our outstanding caregivers devoted to the health, safety, and well-being of our heart patients.”

You can view the entire list of hospitals recognized by the ACC in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” Guidebook here.

For more information about Sanford Health, visit SanfordHealth.org.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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Creighton & South Dakota women’s hoops set for Pentagon

May 5, 2026

Contact:
David Brown
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / david.brown@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Creighton University and the University of South Dakota will square off in a women’s basketball game on Wednesday, November 11 at the Sanford Pentagon. Game time, broadcast information, and ticket sales will be determined at a later date.

“This is a tremendous non-conference matchup early in the 2026-27 season,” said Jesse Smith, Sanford Sports vice president. “Both the Bluejays and Coyotes have passionate fanbases close to the Sanford Pentagon and we’re looking forward to providing another excellent atmosphere for the players, coaches, and fans.”

Creighton has made four of the past five NCAA Tournaments and will be making its second appearance at the Sanford Pentagon. The Bluejays topped North Dakota State 75-52 on Nov. 6, 2023.

“The Pentagon is a tremendous venue and this game represents an opportunity to challenge our team with strong competition,” said Jim Flanery, Creighton head coach. “Both myself and the team are looking forward to our game with the Coyotes.”

South Dakota is coming off its most successful season in four years, earning 26 victories and reaching the Fab Four of the WNIT. This will be the 12^th time USD has taken the floor at Heritage Court inside the Pentagon. The Coyotes are 6-5 in their previous 11 contests.

“We are incredibly thankful for our continued partnership with Sanford and the opportunity to once again compete at the Pentagon,” said Carrie Eighmey, South Dakota head coach. “There is no better stage for our matchup with Creighton. The Pentagon is by far one of the best basketball venues in the country. Sioux Falls is home to many of our alumni and fans, and we expect the Coyote faithful to show up and make it a true home-court advantage for us.”

In a series dating back to the late 1970s, Creighton and South Dakota have squared off 28 times with each side winning 14 games. The Bluejays have won the last two in 2022 and 2023, while the Coyotes took the previous six before that. This upcoming matchup will be their first meeting on a neutral floor.

About Sanford Sports
Sanford Sports is the modern athletics arm of Sanford Health, the premier rural health system in the United States. Rooted in science and health care, Sanford Sports offers a combination of programs, services, events, facilities and partnerships intended to make active lifestyles accessible and rewarding for people of all ages and abilities. Based on the 500-acre Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Sports has been changing the way athletes play for 25 years. With operations in three states, more than one million athletes use Sanford Sports facilities each year. Visit sanfordsports.com for more information.

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Therapy team among best in the nation for patient experience

May 5, 2026

Contact:
Chelsey Kralicek
Sanford Health Media Relations
701-516-4903 / Chelsey.Kralicek@SanfordHealth.org

BISMARCK, N.D. –  The therapy team at Sanford Health in Bismarck has received exceptional 2025 year‑end patient experience results from the National Research Corporation (NRC), demonstrating national‑leading performance and an unwavering commitment to compassionate, patient‑centered care.

According to the latest NRC percentile rankings, Sanford Bismarck achieved remarkable results across key patient experience measures:

• Staff listens: 100^th percentile, placing the team among the very best in the nation
• Staff explains: 96^th percentile
• Had enough input: 92^nd percentile

These outstanding scores reflect the extraordinary care, communication and compassion the team brings to every patient and family they serve. Ranking at or above the 90^th percentile across these measures highlights not only excellence in clinical interactions, but also the meaningful connections staff members build every day.

“Numbers like these do not happen by chance,” said Kori Erikson, director of therapy and rehabilitation, Sanford Bismarck. “They are the direct result of our team’s dedication to holistically caring for our patients the moment they walk through our doors. This performance reflects the respect, empathy and attention our staff shows in every interaction.”

Patient experience measures such as listening, clear communication and patient involvement are critical indicators of quality care. Achieving national‑leading results in these areas highlights the team’s ongoing focus on creating a welcoming, supportive environment where patients feel heard, informed and involved in their care decisions.

“These results should make every member of the therapy team incredibly proud,” Erikson added. “They represent the difference our people make every day and the exceptional experience they consistently deliver. We are grateful for the trust our patients place in us and for the outstanding professionals who make this level of care possible.”

Sanford Bismarck remains committed to building on this success and continuing to elevate the patient experience through the Patient Pledge, consisting of three promises: taking the time to listen, working well as a team to care for patients and ensuring patients know what to do next. Through this pledge, the team is dedicated to improving every patient’s health, well‑being and overall experience.

The Sanford Health Bismarck Region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 26 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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Sanford recognized for commitment to workplace mental health

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Mental Health America (MHA) has awarded Sanford Health the 2026 Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. This is the fourth year in a row Sanford Health has received recognition from Mental Health America and back-to-back years achieving platinum status.

The Bell Seal is a workplace mental health certification that recognizes employers who strive to create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees. Sanford Health underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices in four areas: workplace culture, benefits, compliance and wellness programs. Sanford Health is the only organization that is 2026 Bell Seal-certified in all of North Dakota and South Dakota.

“A genuine interest in caring for the caregiver and an unwavering commitment to mental health is what employees can expect at Sanford Health,” said Ashley Wenger, senior vice president of employee experience, education and workforce relations at Sanford Health. “We know well-being at home affects well-being at work and vice versa, so we offer a variety of resources to help employees and their families navigate challenges and flourish in both areas of their lives.”

Sanford Health has led efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout through resiliency groups, leader training, a clinician assistance program, in-person and virtual counseling, in-the-moment support, a physician wellness council, and a library of comprehensive mental health resources to help employees take care of themselves physically and emotionally while caring for patients, residents, and members.

A majority of Sanford Health employees are frontline staff and non-desk workers, so to help close the communication gap Sanford has implemented regular huddles (daily/weekly) hosted by each department. During these huddles teams review a variety of topics including well-being resources to ensure employees receive regular reminders about the support that’s available. Leaders regularly review data from our employee assistance programs, as well as our employee-wide surveys and make improvements to well-being offerings based on that feedback.

MHA is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being, and illness prevention for all. MHA has spent decades researching mental health in the workplace and introduced the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health in 2019 to recognize organizations that value and implement policies and practices that support employee mental health and well-being.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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Sanford Health named to Fortune’s list fourth year in a row

Contact:

Jon Berg
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / Jon.Berg@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — For the fourth consecutive year, Fortune has named Sanford Health to its list of “America’s Most Innovative Companies.” The 2026 list recognizes 300 U.S.-based companies for leadership in fostering creativity, advancing technology and driving transformational change.

Sanford Health is the only company headquartered in South Dakota or North Dakota to earn a place on the list, which includes some of the world’s most recognized brands including Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Nike, Amazon, Netflix and The Walt Disney Company. Among the 300 honorees, Sanford Health is one of just 20 health systems nationwide to be recognized, joining organizations such as Cleveland Clinic, Houston Methodist, Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Fortune identified Sanford Health’s culture as its strongest dimension, reflecting a commitment to systemwide transformation through technology-enabled care that enhances the patient experience and strengthens the workforce.

“This recognition is a testament to our caregivers and employees, whose ideas and dedication are driving meaningful innovation across our organization,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health.  “Together, we are reimagining how care is delivered – deploying technologies like AI to expand access, support our workforce, improve affordability and deliver better outcomes for the patients and communities we serve, especially across rural America.”

Fortune’s ranking is based on three equally weighted dimensions: product innovation, process innovation and innovation culture. The list was developed in partnership with Statista.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

32 new clinicians to begin practicing at Sanford Black Hills

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Sanford Black Hills region is welcoming 32 new clinicians from a multitude of disciplines to its expanding team serving western South Dakota. Clinicians specializing in gastroenterology, OB/GYN, dermatology, optometry, ophthalmology, family medicine, pediatrics, ENT, audiology as well as general surgery will transition their practices to their new Sanford Health locations by June 15, with most beginning by May 5.

“Welcoming these exceptional clinicians to the Sanford Black Hills region further cements our commitment to expanding care and services in western South Dakota,” said Kyle Wiese, Sanford Black Hills president and CEO. “Not only will they provide an exceptional experience for our patients, but they will help shape the vision we have for what high quality care looks like in the Black Hills.”

These additions follow three major announcements from Sanford Health in the Black Hills region in 2025. In November, Denny Sanford provided a $300 million gift to help establish the Sanford Black Hills Medical Center campus in Rapid City. Black Hills Plastic Surgery and Creekside Medical Clinic joined the region last year. These developments reiterate Sanford Health’s mission-driven approach and commitment to expanding comprehensive, world-class health care services to meet the local needs of patients in Rapid City and the surrounding communities.

Find these new Sanford Health physicians and advanced practice providers at the following locations:

Sanford Health Tower Road Clinic: 3024 Tower Rd., Rapid City, S.D. 57701
Dermatology

• Gregory Wittenberg, M.D.
• Linda Fromm, M.D.
• Alexander Reid, M.D.
• Jessica Rochetto, PA-C
• Melinda Rowe, NP

Gastroenterology

• Oksana Aleksenko, M.D.
• Nathan Jaqua, M.D.
• Blake Jones, M.D.
• Andrew Kelts, D.O.
• Erik Raborn, D.O.
• Emily Baertsch, ANP
• Kristin Bierle, NP
• Colette Gorder, NP
• Kathleen Ingle, NP
• Elizabeth Larson, NP

Ophthalmology

• Carson Eisenbiesz, M.D.
• Gail Bernard, M.D.
• Rebecca Linquist, M.D.

Optometry

• Joseph Hartford, O.D.

Sanford Health Jordan Drive Clinic: 7236 Jordan Dr., Suite 100B, Rapid City, S.D. 57702
General Surgery

• Michael Statz, M.D.
• Robert Miller, M.D.
• Kristin Wempe, M.D.
• Tyler Bergstrom, M.D.
• Brooke Long, NP

Family Medicine

• Darcey Stockland, M.D.

Pediatrics

• Elizabeth Farnsworth, M.D.

 Sanford Health Sheridan Lake Road Clinic: 5410 Sheridan Lake Rd., STE 200, Rapid City, S.D. 57702
ENT

• Rob Schleiffarth, M.D.
• Kristi Larson, NP

Audiology

• Ashley Huerta, Au.D.
• Rachel Dunn, Au.D.
• Tessa McCullough, Au.D.

Sanford Health Haines Ave. Clinic: 1730 Haines Ave, Rapid City, S.D. 57701
OB/GYN

• Miranda Pray-Dede M.D.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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Sanford Fargo hosting forum on future healthcare profession

April 30, 2026

Contact:
Nathan Aamodt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(701) 200-6080/nathan.aamodt@sanfordhealth.org

FARGO, N.D. – Sanford Health Fargo is hosting a community breakfast on building the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The forum is invite only and takes place on Wednesday, May 6, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Sanford Amber Valley Campus, 4840 23rd Ave. S., Fargo. The community breakfast will include a brief presentation, followed by a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session with the audience. A tour of Sanford Amber Valley is available following the presentation, from 9-10 a.m. Tiffany Lawrence, Sanford Fargo president and CEO, leads a panel that will include:

• Theresa Larson, MSN, BSN, RN, Sanford Fargo chief nursing officer
• Dr. David Theige, Sanford Fargo medical director of graduate medical education
• Linda Kirchhevel, Sanford Health senior director of talent and leadership development
• Tony Breding, Sanford Fargo senior director of operations
• Sherm Syverson, Sanford Fargo vice president of operations

As Sanford Fargo continues to bring world-class services close to home, the need for a strong, sustainable healthcare workforce has never been greater. To address this, Sanford Fargo is working to build the next generation of healthcare professionals through strategic partnerships and programming, ensuring high-quality, advanced care remains accessible across the region. Some of the partnerships and programming include:

Aspire Program
This career exploration program introduces students from elementary through college to healthcare careers through hands-on learning experiences, career fairs, classroom visits, camps, coaching and more.

Residency and Fellowship Programs
Through Sanford Fargo’s partnership with the University of North Dakota, the organization has been able to make significant progress in expanding physician residency and fellowship opportunities locally. Today, Sanford Fargo offers 13 residency and fellowship programs, welcoming more than 150 residents and fellows annually.

Nursing Education
Sanford works in partnership with 16 colleges and universities across the tri-state area to support nursing education through programming and hands-on clinical training.

Allied Health Education
Through a combination of internal programs, strong educational partnerships and provided clinical training hours, Sanford is helping build and strengthen allied health pipelines that allow students to train locally and step confidently into high-need positions across the region. These programs focus on critical roles such as laboratory, imaging and other clinical support services.

EMS Education
Sanford Health supports training and education for emergency medical responders, emergency medical technicians and paramedics across the region. In partnership with the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), Sanford also offers a paid paramedic apprenticeship program that creates a direct pathway int this essential role.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Sanford Pentagon to host SD Lottery Volleyball Classic

April 29, 2026

Contact:
David Brown
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / david.brown@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford Pentagon will host two Summit League and two Big Ten volleyball teams in the inaugural South Dakota Lottery College Volleyball Classic. South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, University of Minnesota, and University of Washington will participate in the two-day, four-game event September 18-19.

On Friday the 18^th, South Dakota State will face Washington followed by South Dakota vs. Minnesota. On Saturday the 19^th, South Dakota will square off with Washington, with South Dakota State taking on Minnesota afterwards.

Game times, broadcast information, and ticket sales will be announced at a later date.

“The popularity of college volleyball is at an all-time high and we can’t wait to showcase some of the best athletes from the Big Ten and Summit League this fall,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “From the AVCA First Serve in 2025 to a Nebraska spring game earlier this month, some of our most popular events at the Sanford Pentagon have centered around college volleyball. We’re grateful to the South Dakota Lottery for sponsoring this event and a special thanks to these four schools for committing to play meaningful neutral site games. We know they’ll put on a tremendous show.”

“The South Dakota Lottery is proud to partner with Sanford Sports for the inaugural South Dakota Lottery College Volleyball Classic,” said Norm Lingle, South Dakota Lottery executive director. “The South Dakota Lottery is all about bringing ‘good fun’ to the state, and these great athletes and programs will do just that.”

In its Division I tenure, South Dakota has won five Summit League Tournament championships, making five NCAA Tournament appearances.

“We are very excited to partner with Sanford and the Pentagon to host such a high-level volleyball tournament in Sioux Falls,” said Leanne Williamson, South Dakota head coach. “We have always had a wonderful experience at the Pentagon and we expect another fantastic experience this fall!”

South Dakota State has seen its greatest run of success over the past two seasons, winning the Summit League regular season championship and reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2024 and 2025.

“Our program is very excited to return to the Pentagon to play in front of our Sioux Falls fanbase this fall,” said Dan Georgalas, South Dakota State head coach. “We are grateful for Sanford and South Dakota for agreeing to host this tournament which helps promote and grow the sport of volleyball in our home state. Playing two Big Ten teams in a terrific facility like the Pentagon will be an event you won’t want to miss.”

Washington has been a perennial contender since the turn of the century, reaching 22 of the last 24 NCAA Tournaments and winning the 2005 NCAA Championship.

“The South Dakota Lottery College Volleyball Classic brings together elite competition, which makes it an exciting opportunity for our team,” said Leslie Gabriel, Washington head coach. “It will be our first time in South Dakota and we’re looking forward to the experience and the challenge. We also appreciate the role they’ve played in building excitement around the game.”

Minnesota is one of the most storied volleyball programs in the Big Ten, reaching the NCAA Tournament each of the past 11 seasons. The Golden Gophers made their Sanford Pentagon debut last fall, facing Texas A&M in the AVCA First Serve.

“We are thrilled to join Washington, South Dakota, and South Dakota State at the South Dakota Lottery College Volleyball Classic,” said Keegan Cook, Minnesota head coach. “USD and SDSU have consistently competed at the highest level of the Summit League and are great regional opponents. We’re happy to have our Gopher volleyball program in front of fans and recruits in the upper Midwest.”

Minnesota is 4-0 lifetime vs. South Dakota State, including a 3-1 victory last September at the Diet Coke Classic in Minneapolis. The lone matchup between Minnesota and South Dakota took place in the 1^st round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament, with Minnesota earning a 3-0 sweep.

For Washington, the South Dakota Lottery College Volleyball Classic will represent their first matchups in program history vs. both South Dakota and South Dakota State.

About Sanford Sports
Sanford Sports is the modern athletics arm of Sanford Health, the premier rural health system in the United States. Rooted in science and health care, Sanford Sports offers a combination of programs, services, events, facilities and partnerships intended to make active lifestyles accessible and rewarding for people of all ages and abilities. Based on the 500-acre Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Sports has been changing the way athletes play for 25 years. With operations in three states, more than one million athletes use Sanford Sports facilities each year. Visit sanfordsports.com for more information.

About South Dakota Lottery
Since its inception in 1987, the South Dakota Lottery has provided nearly $4 billion to improve the quality of life in South Dakota. As a division of the South Dakota Department of Revenue, the Lottery’s mission is to remain a viable source of revenue and entertainment for the State of South Dakota. Proceeds from the South Dakota Lottery go the State’s General Fund, which supports local K-12 schools, state universities and technical institutes. Lottery revenues also go to the State’s Capital Construction Fund, which is used to fund the state’s highways, bridges, rural water systems, community drinking water, wastewater improvement projects and more.

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Wis., Mich. schools can apply for behavioral health grants

April 29, 2026
Contact:
Jeff Starck
Marshfield Clinic
715-389-4978 / jeffrey.Starck@sanfordhealth.org

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Marshfield Clinic is now accepting applications for two school-based youth mental health programs open to eligible schools across the Marshfield Clinic service area.

b.e.s.t.® Universal Screening is an innovative online screening tool designed to assist educators in fostering the emotional health of students while identifying those who may require additional behavioral support. Developed by school psychologist Eric P. Hartwig, Ph.D., b.e.s.t. offers educators straightforward, positive strategies to help students thrive in their school environment.

Life Tools is an early-intervention, skill-building program that equips students with practical coping and social-emotional skills through structured, facilitated group sessions with caregiver and school engagement.

The two programs serve distinct but complementary roles: b.e.s.t. Universal Screening helps schools proactively identify students (and provide high level support to teachers and school administration) who may need behavioral health support, while Life Tools provides a targeted, skill‑building intervention for students who would benefit from additional support. Together, they create a prevention‑to‑intervention continuum that addresses needs early and reduces escalation.

This is the 12th year Marshfield Clinic has offered b.e.s.t. and the seventh year for Life Tools.

“For more than a decade, Marshfield Clinic has been a trusted partner with school districts in delivering early, preventive behavioral health support through strong school and community partnerships across the region,” said Jay Shrader, senior director of Marshfield Clinic Community Relations. “The increased the attention on student mental health in recent years amplifies the need for programs Like b.e.s.t. and Life Tools to support students’ well-being.”

School districts eligible to receive the grant are located in Dickinson County, Michigan, or one of the following Wisconsin counties: Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Green Lake, Iron, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, La Crosse, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Monroe, Oneida, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Richland, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Washburn, Waupaca, Waushara or Wood.

For more information

We are pleased to announce that Marshfield Clinic and its partners are offering these two opportunities to support the social, emotional, and behavioral health of children and youth. Both opportunities are now available through one streamlined application.

Apply here: https://redcap.link/bestandLifeTools

For the 2025-26 school year, 37 schools received the b.e.s.t.® platform and 30 schools received Life Tools. The programs include technical support, training, consultation and ongoing assistance

Since 2013, Marshfield Clinic has championed the implementation of b.e.s.t. Universal Screening across 89 school districts, positively impacting more than 600,000 screeners complete and 12,000 educators and staff. During the 2024–2025 school year, the Life Tools program expanded this impact by serving 285 students through 59 completed group sessions.

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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Marshfield Clinic recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month

April 28, 2026
Contact:
Jeff Starck
Marshfield Clinic
715-389-4978 / jeffrey.Starck@sanfordhealth.org

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – While child abuse rates in Wisconsin and Michigan have dropped in recent years, according to state reports, Marshfield Clinic’s Child Advocacy Center is committed to a future where that number is zero.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The governors of Wisconsin and Michigan issued proclamations that highlight the importance of positive childhood experiences and enhanced parental knowledge on child development, both of which are linked to better health outcomes and safety.

The Marshfield Child Advocacy Center is the only medical and forensic child advocacy center model in central and northern Wisconsin, and partners with other advocacy centers in the Upper Peninsula. Marshfield Child Advocacy Center sees children who have experienced many kinds of abuse and neglect including sexual abuse, physical abuse, drug endangerment, teen dating victimization, neglect, child sexual abuse material and witness to violence.

“The ideal model of a child advocacy center is to provide trauma informed care to children who have been through unthinkable things,” said Dr. Margaret Link, Marshfield Child Advocacy Center physician. “Our center can provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for children as this enables them to come to the center to have a forensic interview and medical exam in the same day as well as provide them with valuable community resources.”

The team serves all Marshfield Clinic locations in Wisconsin and Michigan with dedicated teams based in Marshfield, Wausau/Weston and Iron Mountain. In 2025, Marshfield Child Advocacy Center served 31 different law enforcement agencies and 15 different county child protective agencies.

Marshfield Child Advocacy Center offers key personnel in helping children and their families navigate through abuse:

• Forensic interviewers – They specialize in conducting child-focused, trauma-informed conversations, gathering factual information regarding allegations of child abuse and neglect, or witness to a violent crime. Their interviews allow children to tell their story once and not have to be re-exposed to the trauma they have endured by telling their story to multiple people involved in the investigations.
• Physician – Sees pediatric patients in the Child Advocacy Center as well as inpatients consults for children admitted to Marshfield Children’s Hospital with abuse or neglect concerns. A thorough medical exam and evaluation serves as an objective medical view on the case and provides insight into the potential long term effects or harm that can occur with children that endure these traumatic experiences.
• Patient advocate – The advocate’s role is to connect with families and ensure they have all the of resources they need. They have specialized training in Trauma Based Relational Intervention which is an attachment-based and trauma-informed intervention designed to help children who have experienced significant trauma overcome complex emotional and behavioral challenges.

“Our work for the past 25 years addresses a critical health care issue ensuring coordinated, trauma informed care for vulnerable children and families,” Link said. “This care and the team members who work within the child advocacy center continues to have a lasting impact on children and families who are affected by child abuse and more.”

About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes Lewis Drug, a pharmacy and retail chain with 60 locations in three states and nearly 190 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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