Posts Archive - Page 4 of 91 - Sanford Health News

Sanford’s Brad Reimer to speak at national health care forum

September 9, 2025

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health senior vice president and chief information officer Brad Reimer will be a featured speaker at the Newsweek Digital Health Care Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 16 in New York City. The event will gather executives from the nation’s top health systems and explore the impacts and challenges of recent technological innovations.

Reimer will be highlighted on a panel entitled The Business Case for Tech and Innovation, which will explore the financial calculus behind tech investments and reveal how digital information can drive efficiency and reduce costs. Moderated by Newsweek health care editor Alexis Kayser, featured speakers include Reimer along with David Callender, M.D., CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System, James Hereford, president and CEO of Fairview Health Services, and Vick Tipnes, founder and CEO of Blackstone Medical Services.

“I look forward to joining this panel discussion to share how we are investing in digital innovation to strengthen access, quality and financial sustainability in rural America,” said Reimer. “While some investments generate a clear, hard-dollar ROI, we’re focused first and foremost on the “mission case.” With virtual care and AI tools, we have the opportunity to change how care is delivered – making it more proactive, efficient and accessible.”

Reimer was recently named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 list of hospital and health system CIOs to know. Under Reimer’s leadership, Sanford Health has strengthened its information security program, optimized efficiencies and enhanced technical infrastructure to support a $350 million virtual care initiative. Reimer also pioneered a reverse rounding program, connecting IT teams with frontline caregivers to better understand technology’s role in patient care. This initiative, which has brought purpose and meaning to IT roles, has increased recruitment and retention.

Reimer has led several other important transformations, including the implementation of ambient listening documentation, digital registration and check-in, and in-room computer vision AI. Additionally, Reimer launched “ask me anything” virtual sessions to boost communication and engagement, ensuring transparency and team alignment, while also leading partnerships with the CMS, NIH, and Joint Commission.

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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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 Medical Centers ranked top hospitals in Dakotas

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — For the fifth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for 2025-2026 ranked Sanford Medical Center Fargo the No. 1 hospital in North Dakota and Sanford USD Medical Center the No. 1 hospital in South Dakota. In addition, Sanford Bismarck Medical Center is ranked No. 2 on the top hospitals list in North Dakota and is nationally ranked in cardiology, heart & vascular surgery.

The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings are published to help patients decide where to receive care. U.S. News evaluates data on nearly 5,000 hospitals in 15 adult specialties and 21 adult procedures and conditions.

Sanford USD Medical Center received high-performing rankings in two adult specialty areas, including gastroenterology and gastroenterology surgery as well as urology. Sanford USD Medical Center ranks as one of the top in the nation when comparing those specialty services with health care systems across the country.

“Our team of caregivers is what set ourselves apart from the rest by going above and beyond in providing quality health care to our patients,” said Andy Munce, president and CEO of Sanford USD Medical Center. “From our Level 1 trauma team to our valet team who brave the elements to ensure our patients are greeted with a friendly welcome the moment they arrive at our campus, every individual on our team is vital to the care we provide to patients. I am beyond proud and grateful for our team who have an incredible opportunity to provide quality health care to patients in our region.”

Sanford USD Medical Center is also rated high-performing in 11 procedures and conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, colon cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart arrhythmia, pacemaker implantation, back surgery, hip fracture, hip replacement, knee replacement and pneumonia.

Sanford Medical Center Fargo is rated high-performing in geriatrics and 15 procedures and specialties, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, colon cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart attack, heart arrhythmia, aortic valve surgery, heart bypass surgery, pacemaker implantation, kidney failure, stroke, hip fracture, hip replacement, knee replacement and pneumonia.

“This honor is a direct reflection of each and every employee at Sanford Fargo who go above and beyond to provide our patients with world class health care close to home,” said Tiffany Lawrence, Sanford Fargo president and CEO. “We take great pride in being the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, the region’s only blood and bone marrow transplant program and home to an advanced comprehensive stroke center. Sanford Fargo also recently achieved Magnet® designation, the most prestigious credential a health care organization can achieve for nursing excellence and quality patient care. We know that trust is not given, it’s earned, and we will never take for granted being the community’s choice in time of need.”

Sanford Bismarck Medical Center is nationally ranked for cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, rated high-performing in geriatrics and orthopedics in addition to 10 procedures and conditions, including colon cancer surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart attack, heart arrhythmia, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, pacemaker implantation, back surgery, stroke and pneumonia.

“This recognition is a direct reflection of the extraordinary dedication, compassion and expertise of our entire team at Sanford,” said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president and CEO of Sanford Bismarck. “Every day, caregivers bring their whole hearts to the bedside, ensuring our patients receive the highest quality care, close to home. I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the trust our patients and their families continue to place in us. It is an honor to serve this community, and this recognition belongs to every team member who makes that possible.”

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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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 Health honored by AMA for well-being of physicians

September 4, 2025

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health has earned gold recognition in 2025 from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine^® organization.

This is the third time Sanford has received the Joy in Medicine recognition from the AMA and the second time at the prestigious gold level.  The Joy in Medicine program is the country’s leading physician’s association honor of health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors that comes from patient care. Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in the national effort to transform health care work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams.

“We are committed as an organization to continually work to find ways to improve our physicians’ day-to-day practices—so that it is fulfilling to them, they can be at their best, and they can provide the absolute best care to their patients,” said Heather Spies, M.D., physician director of clinician experience and well-being at Sanford. “In a challenging health care landscape, we want to bring the real things to the table that are getting in the way for our physicians to be able to do their job with joy and work to find ways to improve those things.  Some of these things are at the operational or organization level, and we need to commit to investing in solutions.  Some of these things are at the individual level, and we need to be sure we have the available resources in place to support our physicians through those. Being a part of the AMA Joy in Medicine Program helps to further this work, as we are able to utilize AMA resources, tools, and their best practices roadmap, and to collaborate with other top health systems who have also made this a top priority.”

Burnout among U.S. physicians peaked at 62.8% in 2021 during the Covid pandemic, according to research. But thanks to strides made to address burnout at the system level, the national physician burnout rate ebbed to 45.2% in 2023.  With their commitment and focus on clinician experience and well-being, Sanford has a lower physician burnout rate than the national benchmark and has seen significant improvement over the last few years with a drop from 50.3% of physicians reporting burnout in 2022 to 36.5% in 2024.

Despite improvements, physician burnout levels remain much higher than other U.S. workers. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive, achieve national health goals, and be well to care for patients.

“Joy in Medicine recognized organizations are leading the gains made against the physician burnout crisis and help clinicians rediscover the deep rewards and joy that comes from helping patients,” said AMA President Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “The AMA distinction honors each organization’s commitment to not only the health and well-being of the care team, but also to patients. Quality care ultimately originates from a positive and purposeful work culture where health care professionals can flourish both mentally and physically.”

Sanford Health has built a culture of support and well-being through:

• A robust clinician experience team, with liaisons in each market
• An enterprise clinician well-being council
• Onboarding support after clinicians begin their practice, including a mentorship program
• A clinician assistance program that includes free and confidential counseling
• A professional practice support program with free and confidential peer coaching
• Clinician-led focus groups
• Recognition of Clinician Well-being Champions
• The RISES clinician leadership development program rooted in encouraging self-care, wellness-centered leadership, building relationships, and promoting healthy work-family-life integration
• Regular assessment of engagement, job satisfaction and burnout, to continually adjust top priorities for organizational clinician support

Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 200 organizations across the country. Recognition levels are valid for two years. Sanford started in the program with bronze recognition in 2021 and received gold recognition in 2023.  This year, a total of 109 health organizations nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support. Organizations that earned 2025-2026 recognition join a strong group of currently recognized organizations from the 2024-2025 program, bringing the currently recognized cohort to 164 recognized organizations, illustrating the growing momentum and essential nature of this important priority.

Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.

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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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 completes combination with Creekside Medical Clinic

RAPID CITY, S.D. —Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the U.S., headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Creekside Medical Clinic, an independent, physician-owned group based in Rapid City, South Dakota, and specializing in primary care, have completed their combination. The closing was finalized Aug. 29.

Providing care to the Black Hills region for over 25 years, Creekside Medical Clinic’s team includes four family medicine physicians and two advanced practice providers. All staff members have joined Sanford Health. The practice is located at 2822 Jackson Blvd, Suite 101.

“Our new partnership reiterates Sanford Health’s mission-driven approach and commitment to expanding comprehensive, world-class health care services to meet the local needs of patients in the Black Hills area,” said Kyle Wiese, Sanford Black Hills president and CEO. “Sanford Health has a long history of bringing together local, independent physician groups that share our physician-led vision for the future of health care, and we are excited to welcome this team of talented primary care providers to Sanford Health.”

General services at Creekside Medical Clinic include:

• Outpatient medical care for children and adults
• Complete preventive health evaluation and screening
• Referrals for all screening tests including mammograms, colonoscopies, Dexa scans and other tests
• On-site laboratory with many results available during your appointment
• Vaccinations
• Pre-employment physicals
• DOT physicals

Creekside Medical Clinic is the latest independent physician group in western South Dakota to join Sanford Health. In November 2024, Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center (BHOSC), Black Hills Surgical Hospital (BHSH), Black Hills Urgent Care and Black Hills Surgery Center of Wyoming became a part of Sanford Health – with a goal of helping patients easily connect to Sanford Health’s full range of integrated health care, including specialty and subspecialty care, clinical trials, veterans precision medicine and more.

This partnership builds upon the decades Sanford Health has been providing care in the region, including specialty outreach, AirMed transport and other vital services for Rapid City and western South Dakota. Sanford Health also operates a specialty reference laboratory in Rapid City and has provided specialty outreach for families in the area for more than 20 years. Outreach services include specialty pediatrics, reproductive endocrinology, fertility and genetic counseling and maternal fetal medicine.

Sanford Health also provides senior services in the area at Good Samaritan’s St. Martin Village, Echo Ridge and New Underwood senior care communities, as well as through Home Health of the Black Hills.

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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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 Sports Academy inks partnership with Under Armour

September 2, 2025

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford Sports Academy has inked a partnership with Under Armour, Inc. The world-renowned sportswear company is now the exclusive uniform, apparel, footwear and accessories provider for all Sanford Sports Academy teams in Sioux Falls and Fargo.

“As one of the fastest growing youth sports programs in the upper Midwest, we are taking things to the next level,” said Todd Kolb, Sanford Sports Academy director. “We’re proud to announce Sanford Sports Academy will now be outfitted by Under Armour! This exciting partnership allows us to reflect Under Armour’s commitment to empowering athletes, driving innovation, building community, and inspiring the next generation of athletes throughout the region.”

Sanford Sports Academy programs in Sioux Falls that will be outfitted by Under Armour include baseball, basketball, football, golf, softball, and volleyball. In Fargo, the basketball, golf, and volleyball programs will wear Under Armour apparel.

About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer, and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour’s innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit http://about.underarmour.com.

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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Sanford Health announces expanded Lewis Drug partnership

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sanford Health announced today that Lewis Drug, a family-owned pharmacy and retail store chain with 60 locations throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, is joining Sanford Health, ensuring continued access and convenience to pharmacy services and retail items for communities across the region. The partnership is expected to be finalized this fall.

“This partnership is a natural next step in our long-term, trusted relationship and reflects our shared commitment to improving quality of life for our patients and communities and providing the highest quality pharmacy care for those we serve,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “Lewis Drug is a cornerstone in the communities it serves and has built a remarkably strong retail and pharmacy workforce and culture. We look forward to furthering that legacy as part of Sanford Health.”

The two organizations have successfully partnered to serve patients and meet local community needs for more than 25 years.

• This includes the co-location of 11 Sanford Health clinics with Lewis Drug pharmacies to make it easier for patients to access prescription and non-prescription medications.
• Sanford Health has also partnered with Lewis Drug for ambulatory pharmacists located in Sanford clinics in Sioux Falls.
• Lewis Drug has long been the pharmacy provider for a number of Good Samaritan locations.
• Sanford Health has co-owned 44 Lewis Family Drug locations in rural communities outside of Sioux Falls for many years.

“At a time when the health care field is facing a variety of challenges, our partnership provides stability and helps safeguard access to essential health care services for the patients and communities we serve,” said Gassen. “By bringing Lewis Drug into Sanford Health’s integrated health care system, we are helping ensure communities across the upper Midwest continue to have access to medications, vaccinations, screenings and expert support from Lewis Drug’s team of skilled pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.”

Lewis Drug has served as a trusted neighborhood pharmacy and retail destination for more than 80 years, known for its personalized customer service, hospitality and convenience.

“This partnership is built on trust, and our long-term relationship with Sanford Health laid the groundwork for the joint decision to bring Lewis Drug fully into the integrated Sanford Health system,” said Mark Griffin, Lewis Drug CEO. “Customers and patients will continue to have the same great experience when they walk into a Lewis store as they have for the last 80 years – from our name and branding to our outstanding and dedicated customer service.”

Lewis Drug will continue to operate under its current brand, and its team of 188 pharmacists and 1,300 team members will become employees of Sanford Health. There will be no changes to the leadership team at Lewis Drug, and Griffin will continue in a multi-year advisory role once the partnership is finalized to ensure a smooth transition.

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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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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Three Sanford researchers awarded major grants from NIH

Contact:
Jon Berg
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / Jon.Berg@SanfordHealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Research has been awarded more than $8 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study ovarian cancer, binge eating disorders and G protein-coupled receptor (GCPR) signaling.

Dr. Leah Irish, associate professor of psychology at North Dakota State University and adjunct faculty with Sanford Research, received a $3.2 million grant to research the link between sleep disturbance and binge eating. Sanford Research will contribute to the grant from the National Institute of Mental Health with a team including Drs. Lauren Schaefer, Leslie Laam, Stephen Wonderlich, Scott Engel and Kristine Steffen.

Dr. Pilar de la Puente and her lab were awarded a $2.75 million grant to study ovarian cancer. The lab will investigate how chemotherapy triggers changes in the tumor’s surrounding environment, which in turn can worsen treatment resistance. The lab’s goal is to identify new ways to improve chemotherapy effectiveness for women with this devastating disease.

Dr. Ikuo Masuho and his lab have been awarded a $2.1 million grant to study G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), one of the most important targets for drug development. The team aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and structural basis by which GPCR signaling molecules regulate diverse cellular functions, identify the underlying causes of disease, and translate these insights into medical applications. Their ultimate goal is to develop pharmacotherapies with minimal side effects and to pioneer personalized treatments that improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

For more information about Sanford Research, visit Research.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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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 celebrate 100th DI game in November

Aug. 19, 2025

Contact:
Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432 / paul.heinert@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford Pentagon’s 2025-26 events schedule includes a milestone matchup in November marking the 100^th NCAA Division I basketball game played on Heritage Court. The landmark game takes place on Nov. 10 and features Iowa State and Mississippi State.

Throughout the season, the Sanford Pentagon will commemorate the milestone through social media content featuring testimonials from past coaches and players, in-game experiences and fan giveaways.

“As we celebrate the 100^th NCAA Division I college basketball game at the Sanford Pentagon, it is nostalgic to look back on the premier teams and award-winning players who have set foot on Heritage Court. These matchups would not have been possible without our incredible team at Sanford Sports who work tirelessly to build relationships with coaches and teams to bring these games to our campus,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “It has been a privilege to host these events for the Sioux Falls community and for college basketball fans from across the country. We look forward to introducing even more programs and their fans bases to the Sanford Pentagon in the years to come.”

The first NCAA Division I basketball game at the Sanford Pentagon took place on Nov. 8, 2013, and featured the men’s teams from Wisconsin and St. John’s. Since the inaugural game 12 years ago, the Sanford Pentagon has hosted programs from 30 states, 25 teams ranked in the AP Top 25 college basketball poll, 17 first-round draft picks as well as the No. 1 men’s team (Gonzaga in 2020) and No. 1 women’s team (South Carolina in 2020 and 2022).

This season’s matchups begin Nov. 3 with a tripleheader to kick off the men’s college basketball season as part of the Field of 68’s Opening Day Marathon. Omaha plays Murray State; Drake takes on Northern Arizona and South Dakota State battles Merrimack. Nebraska faces Oklahoma in men’s basketball on Nov. 15. The Nebraska women take on North Dakota State on Nov. 16. The South Dakota State women compete with Gonzaga on Nov. 20. The Minnesota men’s team faces off against San Francisco on Nov. 22 and South Dakota State matches up against Wyoming in men’s basketball on Dec. 15.

Tickets for each of this season’s nine NCAA Division I matchups will go on sale starting at 10 a.m. on Sept. 2 via Ticketmaster. For information on purchasing suites, contact Ryan Knudson at 605-312-7902.

Ticket on sale dates

• Sept. 2 – Iowa State vs. Mississippi State, 10 a.m.
• Sept. 3 – Nebraska (Men) vs. Oklahoma, 10 a.m.
• Sept. 4 – Nebraska (Women) vs. NDSU, 10 a.m.
• Sept. 5 – Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon, 10 a.m.
• Sept. 8 – Minnesota vs. San Francisco, 10 a.m.
• Sept. 9 – SDSU (Women) vs. Gonzaga, 10 a.m.
• Sept. 10 – SDSU (Men) vs. Wyoming, 10 a.m.

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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Sanford’s Tiffany Lawrence and Chelsie Falk honored

Aug. 12, 2025

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

FARGO, N.D. – Sanford Fargo’s Tiffany Lawrence and Sanford Wheaton’s Chelsie Falk have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review 2025 edition of its community hospital presidents and CEOs to know.

Community hospital CEOs play a pivotal role in shaping the future of local healthcare by developing and executing strategic plans that elevate patient care, expand services and enhance hospital facilities. In close collaboration with their leadership teams, they actively engage with the communities they serve, ensuring hospital offerings are tailored to local needs.

This list celebrates community hospital CEOs for their commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality care, offering acute care, primary care, rehabilitation, public health services and beyond.

Lawrence is the president and CEO of Sanford Fargo. She has been with Sanford Health for 29 years, becoming president and CEO in March 2022. She is responsible for overseeing North Dakota’s largest health care provider and employer, managing more than 10,200 employees. As president and CEO, Lawrence has worked with her leadership team to increase access to state-of-the-art health care in the Fargo-Moorhead area and surrounding rural communities by introducing new specialized programs, opening new facilities, having specialty clinicians provide outreach services and adding virtual care options. Under her leadership, Sanford Fargo continues to be home to several unique services and programs in North Dakota, including being home to the only Level I Adult Trauma Center, Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, Children’s Miracle Network hospital and blood and bone marrow transplant program in the state. Sanford Fargo is also proud to be an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center and a nationally recognized Eating Disorder Program.

Falk is the chief executive officer of Sanford Wheaton Medical Center, a critical access hospital serving 3,000 residents and locals from surrounding rural areas. The Sanford Wheaton Medical Center is a designated Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, Level IV Trauma Center and offers outreach and virtual care in numerous areas. Falk has a background in nursing and still assists with patient care by frequently helping with trauma codes and picking up shifts as an EMT on the Sanford Wheaton Ambulance Team. Falk values employee development and coordinates local critical education classes, ensuring her team is up-to-date on the knowledge needed to provide the best possible care.

The full list of top community hospital presidents and CEOs to know can be found here.

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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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 Sports in Bismarck to add 6,000 square feet of space

August 5, 2025

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

BISMARCK, N.D. – Sanford Sports in Bismarck is expanding its current space by adding an additional 6,000 square feet of space to include several key enhancements.

Sanford Sports is located in the old Home Depot building at 3451 N 14^th St., Bismarck. The space currently offers more than 10,000 square feet of synthetic turf, strength training equipment, physical therapy rooms, two batting cages and other support spaces. The addition will include a 3,500 square foot turf area, separated by a wall from the existing turf area, three additional batting cages, and an 80-yard, three-lane indoor sprint track that will be used to expand on the highly successful speed camp. The expansion also includes new meeting space and locker rooms.

“We are excited about the additional space for our location,” said Michael Silbernagel, manager, Sanford Sports Bismarck. “This expansion represents more than just extra space and turf; it’s an investment in our community’s health and youth development. With this addition, we’re opening doors to more programs, greater access and stronger connections across all ages and skill levels.”

Construction on the expansion started in July and is expected to be completed later this summer.

“On behalf of Bismarck Youth Baseball (BYB), we are excited about our growing partnership with both Sanford Sports Performance, Sanford Sports Academy and the Ben Berg Baseball Academy,” stated Eric Bartsch, BYB Board of Directors President. Expansion of training opportunities for our players and coaches has been a major priority for BYB, and this facility expansion will give us an opportunity to conduct training all year long. We are looking forward to continuing to develop a high-level off-season training program with Sanford Sports.”

Sanford Sports Performance in Bismarck offers performance training, testing, sports nutrition, mental performance and sports physical therapy. Sanford Sports Academy in Bismarck offers the Ben Berg Baseball Academy, Softball Academy and Hockey Academy.

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.

Sanford’s Kristin Herrmann honored by Becker’s as a top CFO

Aug. 4, 2025

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

FARGO, N.D. – Becker’s Health Review has named Sanford Health Fargo’s Kristin Herrmann to its 2025 “Hospital and Health System CFOs to know” list.

This list honors female chief financial officers who oversee massive budgets, steer complex revenue cycles and craft financial strategies that keep their institutions on solid footing. Recognized for safeguarding the financial wellbeing of their hospitals and health systems, these leaders make it possible for their organizations to prioritize exceptional patient care. Tasked with ensuring financial stability and long-term sustainability, these CFOs are essential to the overall success and growth of their organizations.

“It is humbling to be named to this list amongst my colleagues from across the country,” said Herrmann. “This is a byproduct of the excellent leadership we have at Sanford Health, and we are thankful for every employee who is dedicated to making our patients and the health care they receive their top priority. Being financially diligent and fiscally responsible is critical to our organization. Providing a positive financial foundation allows us to keep up with medical innovations that enables Sanford to continue to be the rural leader in health care. We take immense pride in providing the communities we serve with world class health care close to home.”

Herrmann oversees the financial operations of a premier rural health system with an annual net patient revenue of $1.8 billion and also oversees the finances of Sanford Fargo’s four critical access hospitals. Her strategic leadership has significantly improved Sanford Fargo’s financial performance, achieving a 90% improvement since 2022. Herrmann has overseen financial planning for major initiatives, including the expansion of Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center and the implementation of the blood and bone marrow transplant program.

The full list of all nominees can be read here.

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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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.

Media registration now open for Sanford International

Aug. 4, 2025

Contact:
Paul Heinert
Sanford Health Media Relations
605-366-2432/ paul.heinert@sanfordhealth.org

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford International is now accepting media credential requests online at pgatourmedia.com for the 2025 event, to be held September 8-14 at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Please submit your outlet’s request for media credentials before Friday, Aug. 29. 

If you have never visited the site before, you will need to first register by creating a username and password. Once you have registered, log in using the username and password you created. On the menu bar at the top of the page, select the “credentials” tab.

Please complete steps 1-4 in order to apply for credentials. Once your credential request has been successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.

Media credentials and parking passes will not be sent by mail. Once your credential request has been approved, you will receive an electronic media gate pass via email in advance of the tournament. The gate pass will allow you to park and access the media center the first day you arrive on-site to pick up your credentials.

MEDIA CENTER: The media center, located in the Minnehaha Country Clubhouse, will be open beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9. There will be a limited number of spaces. These spaces will be assigned to your outlet at the beginning of the week.

If you have any questions regarding the credentialing website, please contact Tracey Veal, Communications Manager, at TraceyVeal@pgatourhq.com.

About the Sanford International
The Sanford International, a PGA TOUR Champions event contested in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be played at Minnehaha Country Club the week of September 8-14, featuring a $2.2 million purse. In its eighth year, the Sanford International will continue to focus on charitable giving and making a lasting impact in Sioux Falls. For more information about the tournament, please visit sanfordinternational.com. You can also follow the tournament on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Reimer named to hospital and health system CIO leader list

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Becker’s Hospital Review has named Brad Reimer, Sanford Health senior vice president and chief information officer, to its 2025 list of hospital and health system CIOs to know.

According to Becker’s, the IT leaders featured on the list are driving forward-thinking strategies that create meaningful improvements for both patients and providers. Working closely with their skilled teams, they’re transforming their hospitals and health systems through initiatives like EHR upgrades, advanced cybersecurity solutions and expanded telehealth offerings.

“Health care is the best place to make a difference in people’s lives, and it is an honor to be included among these talented leaders from the health care information industry,” said Reimer. “I have the privilege of working with an incredible team at Sanford Health who consistently raise the bar for how care is delivered to our patients across rural America.”

In his role, Reimer oversees all technology systems, including patient-critical applications, business solutions, infrastructure and information security. With expertise in technology innovation, data analytics and virtual care, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s digital capabilities.

Under Reimer’s leadership, Sanford Health has strengthened its information security program, optimized efficiencies and enhanced technical infrastructure to support a $350 million virtual care initiative. Reimer also pioneered a reverse rounding program, connecting IT teams with frontline caregivers to better understand technology’s role in patient care. This initiative, which has brought purpose and meaning to IT roles, has increased recruitment and retention. Additionally, Reimer launched “ask me anything” virtual sessions to boost communication and engagement, ensuring transparency and team alignment.

Becker’s Healthcare developed this list based on nominations and editorial research. The full list of individual profiles for all chief information officer honorees can be found here.

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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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 Alexandria hosting sports physical events

July 31, 2025

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

ALEXANDRIA, Minn. – Sanford Health Alexandria is offering sports physical events for student-athletes to complete their sports physicals for the 2025-2026 school season. Student-athletes are required to get an annual sports physical when participating in school-sanctioned sports and must have their physicals completed before the first day of practice for their sport.

Student-athletes can receive their sports physical this summer at 1527 Broadway St. on the following days:

• Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Athletes can make an appointment at one of these events by calling the Sanford Alexandria Clinic at 320-762-0399. Sports physicals will be offered $50 and payment is due upon arrival. Please also bring your appropriate state sports physical form.

If unable to attend a sports physical event near you, families may also request to schedule an appointment with their primary care provider for their young athlete’s annual sports physical.

• A sports physical includes a physical exam with a provider to ensure safe participation and completion of the sports physical form.

• A child wellness exam is billed to your insurance and includes a comprehensive evaluation, immunizations, family history review and sports physical requirements.

A well-child exam also offers an opportunity to talk about nutrition, safety, and other age-appropriate topics. Parents are encouraged to check with their insurance provider, as many pay 100% for a wellness exam.

Student-athletes are asked to bring their school physical form to their visit with parent portion completed and signed. Both traditional sports physicals and well-child checks are by appointment only.

Visit sanfordhealth.org to find a sports physical event near you or to schedule a traditional sports physical or well-child exam with your primary care provider at Sanford Alexandria, call 320-762-0399.

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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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.

‘Miracle Treat Day’ returns tomorrow

July 30, 2025

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

FARGO, N.D. – Dairy Queen Miracle Treat Day returns tomorrow at area Dairy Queen and DQ Grill & Chill locations.

Participating locations are coming together to benefit kids’ health by donating $1 or more of the proceeds from the day’s Blizzard® sales to Children’s Miracle Network benefiting Sanford Children’s in Fargo.

Featured Children’s Miracle Network guests:

Moorhead Dairy Queen, 24 8th St. S.
• 11-year-old Jacob Haug, West Fargo, N.D., will be joining the Moorhead DQ team and helping to serve smiles and blizzards from 6 to 7 p.m. Jacob is Sanford Children’s 2025 North Dakota Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion. Jacob suffered a stroke shortly after birth and has also been diagnosed with infantile spasms, epilepsy and ADHD. He has had over 1400 encounters at Sanford Children’s Hospital for continual care, averaging about 100 visits/year.

Minot Dairy Queen, 1924 4th Ave. NW
• 7-year-old Argy Haugen, Minot, N.D, will joining the Minot DQ team from 2 to 3 p.m. Argy was born in Minot and experienced labored breathing shortly after birth. He spent seven days in the NICU in Minot with respiratory distress before being airlifted to Sanford Children’s by the Neonatal Intensive Care AirMed team. Just two days after arriving at Sanford Children’s NICU, Argy underwent surgery to remove the middle lobe of his lung. He remained at Sanford Children’s for an additional two weeks to recover. His official diagnosis is congenital lobar emphysema—a rare lung condition causing an overinflated lobe in his middle lobe.

Since 1984, Dairy Queen has raised more than $185 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through fundraising efforts including Miracle Treat Day, the Miracle Balloon campaign and other local initiatives.

Participating Miracle Treat Day locations include:

Minnesota
Breckenridge – 105 Minnesota Ave.
Crookston – 1740 University Ave.
Detroit Lakes – 900 McKinley Ave.
Dilworth – 1702 Center Ave. W.
East Grand Forks – 1412 Central Ave. NE
Fosston- 400 1st St. E.
Hawley – 1310 Hobart St.
Mentor – 38 County 12 N.
Moorhead – 24 S. 8th St.; 802 30th Ave. S.
Pelican Rapids – 1121 S Broadway
Perham – 802 30th Ave. S.
Roseau – 1102 3rd St. NW
Thief River Falls – 517 Duluth Ave.
Warren – 110 W. Fletcher Ave.

North Dakota
Beulah – 1300 Highway 49 N.
Bismarck – 913 Burling Dr.; 230 W Broadway Ave.; 1804 N. 13th St.
Bottineau – 217 11th St. W
Casselton- 793 19th St. S
Devils Lake – 604 Highway 2 E.
Dickinson – 372 15th St. W.
Fargo – 5131 Prosperity Way S.; West Acres Mall – 3902 13th Ave. S.; 402 N. University Dr.; 3200 20th St. S.; 2401 45th St. S.; 3201 13th Ave S.; 4015 45th St. S.
Garrison – 420 5th Ave NE
Grand Forks – 1209 N. 5th St.; 3600 S. Columbia Rd.; 1205 S. Washington St.
Horace – 7875 Jacks Wy
Jamestown – 210 Business Loop W.
Lakota – 336 4th Ave. SE
Langdon – 1001 9th Ave.
Mandan – 1000 E. Main St.
Minot – 1924 4th Ave NW; 2251 36th Ave SW; Dakota Square Mall – 2400 10th St. SW
New Town – 99 Coop St.
Park River – 305 Park St E
Rolla – 212 Main Ave. W.
Rugby – 101 Hwy 2 SE
Stanley – 301 12th Ave. SE
Valley City – 909 Central Ave. N.
Wahpeton – 1626 Commerce St.
West Fargo – 1110 13th Ave. E.; 3234 Sheyenne St.
Williston – 1022 1st Ave. W.

The Sanford Health Foundation inspires philanthropy to power Sanford Health’s work of health, healing and comfort. 100% of every dollar raised helps deliver compassionate patient-centered care and drive medical research and collaboration to accelerate bold solutions for a brighter tomorrow. Learn more and join us at sanfordhealthfoundation.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 53,000 employees and serves over 2 million patients and nearly 425,000 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 56 hospitals, 288 clinic locations, 147 senior care communities, 4,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 1,500 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to 78 specialties. 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.