Posts Archive - Page 4 of 101 - Sanford Health News

WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury to play at Sanford Pentagon in April

March 23, 2026

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford Pentagon will host an unprecedented event in South Dakota on April 25, when the Phoenix Mercury face the Chicago Sky, in the first WNBA game played in the state.

Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. CT at ticketmaster.com.

“Bringing the WNBA to Sioux Falls and the Sanford Pentagon has been a dream of ours for years,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “We want to thank the WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury for showcasing the league and the Mercury team to the youth basketball players in our region and our passionate fans at the Pentagon.”

The Mercury’s visit to South Dakota marks a homecoming for head coach Nate Tibbetts, who grew up in the Sioux Falls area, played at the University of South Dakota and coached for the University of Sioux Falls and the NBA G League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce. His father, Fred Tibbetts, coached high school girls and women’s collegiate basketball in South Dakota for more than 30 years, winning an unprecedented 11 high school state championships. Mercury assistant coach Megan Vogel also has local ties as a standout player at South Dakota State, finishing her career second on the program’s all-time scoring list.

As part of the trip to bring Mercury basketball to Sioux Falls, the team will host a youth basketball clinic at the Sanford Pentagon on Friday, April 24. The clinic is for girls in grades 3-8 and will be led by Mercury players and coaches in conjunction with the Sanford Sports Academy. Registration is limited to 150 athletes and is open now at https://bit.ly/3NBY5U3. The Sanford Sports Academy has multiple locations across the upper Midwest, offering year-round programming and teams.

Since opening in 2013, the Sanford Pentagon has hosted more than 100 Division I college basketball games along with multiple NCAA DII and NAIA national championships. The Minnesota Timberwolves played the Milwaukee Bucks in a preseason NBA game on Oct. 10, 2013, one of the first events held at the Sanford Pentagon. The Pentagon is also home of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the G League affiliate of the Miami Heat.

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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Marshfield Clinic kicks off citizen tick collecting study

March 23, 2026

Contact:
Jeff Starck
Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health
715-389-4978 / jeffrey.Starck@sanfordhealth.org

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Building on two years of citizen support, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is once again asking Wisconsin residents to send in ticks they find while working and recreating outside this year.

In 2024, the Research Institute launched the Tick Inventory via Citizen Science (TICS) in an effort to identify ticks that are found in the state. This information can be used to assess risk of encountering a tickborne disease and to learn more about who is being exposed to and diagnosed with tickborne diseases.

In both 2024 and 2025, nearly 6,000 ticks were collected annually from nearly every Wisconsin county.

“We had overwhelming support from people are curious and invested in helping better identify the health threats associated with ticks,” said Jennifer Meece, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute executive director. “We had many calls last year from people who told us about the impact tick-borne disease had on their lives.”

Of the ticks collected in 2024, nearly 3,600 or more than 61 percent were the American dog (wood) tick and the majority of the remainder were the deer (blacklegged) tick. Researchers saw almost a 10 percent increase in the number of the much smaller deer ticks submitted in 2025 compared to a year earlier.

“The deer tick’s small size and greater likelihood of carrying illnesses like Lyme disease is what makes it critical to perform tick checks after spending time in wooded or brushy areas,” said Alexandra Linz, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute associate research scientist.

Risk of nasty diseases, seeking personal feedback
Deer ticks carry pathogens that may cause diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. The influx of ticks discovered during the first two years of the study allowed the research team to detect much rarer species in Wisconsin, such as the lone star tick.

“Some of these ticks are typically found in warmer climates are now appearing in the Midwest,” Linz said. “The question is, are they breeding here or are they just catching a ride and we found it by chance?”

At the end of last tick season, the Research Institute reached out to everyone agreed to a post-season survey to learn more about their experiences with Lyme disease or other tick-borne disease. This year, along with ongoing tick collection and surveys, the goal is to understand in more detail experiences with Lyme and other tick-transmitted diseases. Anyone can share their story – a tick submission is not required.

“We’ve had a number of people who have shared their stories of themselves or their loved ones who endured through a tick-borne illness,” Meece said. “Our new study Tick Inventory via Citizen Science-Lyme Experience Narrative Study or TICS-LENS is aimed at engaging individuals who have experienced Lyme or another tick-infection to tell their story. It is open text, so individuals can share as little or as much as they feel comfortable sharing. Responses will be anonymous, unless people want to share their contact information.”

Symptoms of illnesses resulting from a tick bite can include rash, fever, joint pain, and fatigue. Contact your medical provider if you have these symptoms. To reduce the risk of tick bites, spray insecticide such as permethrin on clothing, sleeping bags, and tent fabric. Wear clothing that covers your skin. Finally, check yourself or have someone help you check for ticks after time spent outdoors.

Get your tick kit
For more information, or to request a pre-paid collection kit be sent to you, contact tics@marshfieldclinic.org or 1-715-389-7796 (extension 16462). Parks and nature centers interested in having kits available for their visitors also are encouraged to contact Marshfield Clinic Research Institute. Kits left over from last year may still be used.

Once the tick, dead or alive, has been placed in the collection kit, just drop it in the mail to submit. Any tick found on people or pets is appreciated. Each kit will come with a unique identification number that people can use to look up, via an online dashboard, the species of ticks they submitted.

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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Aberdeen participating in program for rural hospitals

Sanford Health provides cardiology outreach in Valley City

March 18, 2026

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

VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Puneet Sharma, MD, an interventional cardiologist in Fargo, offers outreach services at Sanford Valley City Clinic. He provides outreach at the clinic on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Dr. Sharma performs cardiac catheterizations and interventions with balloon angioplasty and stent placement.

A referral is not needed to set up an appointment with Dr. Sharma. To schedule an appointment, call (701) 234-4800.

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 Sports launches in Black Hills region

March 18, 2026

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sanford Sports, the modern athletics arm of Sanford Health, is now available in the Black Hills region, helping people improve their athleticism and skills through research-backed programs and services.

The initial home of Sanford Sports will be located inside the Sanford Health Fifth Park Clinic when it opens later this year. Sanford Sports Performance coaches will offer year-round strength and conditioning services to help athletes reach and maintain peak performance. Athletes will also have access to Sanford Sports’ wide range of services including performance lab, sports nutrition, mental performance, recovery and performance testing.

“The addition of Sanford Sports to the Black Hills region is a true game changer for athletes of all ages and abilities in western South Dakota,” said Kyle Wiese, president and CEO of Sanford Black Hills. “Healthier people lead to healthier communities, and the access to the experts at Sanford Sports is transformational for our region.”

Sanford Sports is already working with local athletes in the Black Hills. Sanford Sports has partnered with Rapid City Central High School and Rapid City Stevens High School to lead strength conditioning programs with their athletic teams.

Sanford Sports Academy coaches will provide outreach programs for kids to improve sport-specific skills beginning this summer. The academy is bringing basketball and volleyball clinics to the Black Hills region on June 10. More details will be released soon regarding registration and location.

“Launching Sanford Sports in the Black Hills region is another example of how Sanford Health is investing in the community and bringing its services and programs to where people are at,” said Steve Young, president of Sanford Sports. “Our purpose is to create experiences that encourage transformation and enhance community wellbeing, and athletes across the state should have the same opportunities and access. We are excited to not only help support their athletic goals, but also a healthy lifestyle.”

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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MMC-Ladysmith seeks applications for community health funds

March 18, 2026

Contact:
Jeff Starck
Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health
715-389-4978 / Jeffrey.Starck@SanfordHealth.org

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith is accepting funding applications for projects that address health challenges in priority areas, including alcohol and substance use, behavioral health, social health needs, and increasing access to community health resources. A total of $50,000 is available for distribution.

The Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith Community Advisory Board’s Community Health Funding program supports local not-for-profit organizations in Rusk, Chippewa, Taylor and Sawyer counties actively working to develop new ideas or enhance existing projects that improve the health of residents.

Applications are due by April 13.

“We have many community organizations that truly care about the people and communities they serve and are working diligently to provide solutions to address health challenges,” said Michele Seator, administrator and chief nursing officer at MMC-Ladysmith. “It is important for our hospital to support these organizations and their employees and volunteers who contribute to the wellbeing of our community.”

The application can be found at https://bit.ly/4s9Xat8. Completed applications can be emailed to tammy.koger@sanfordhealth.org or mailed to Marshfield Medical Center-Ladysmith, 1200 Port Arthur Road, Ladysmith, WI  54848 ATT: Volunteer Services/Tammy Koger.

The Community Advisory Board distributed $100,000 split among 13 organizations earlier this year.

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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Construction moving along on new Dakota Dunes clinic

Contact:

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A new Sanford Health clinic is being built along Interstate 29 in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, near Two Rivers Golf Course. The new building, located at 400 Oak Tree Lane, will replace the existing Sanford Health Dakota Dunes Clinic, currently next to the new clinic site on Oak Tree Lane.

Sanford provides a handful of specialty services in Dakota Dunes and is expanding space to offer additional services. The more than 4,600 square foot clinic will feature eight exam rooms and a treatment room.

Specialties being offered at the new clinic include:

• Adult and pediatric Nephrology
• Gynecological Oncology
• Adult and pediatric Pulmonology
• Urogynecology
• Vascular
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Neurology
• Kidney transplant

The new clinic will begin seeing patients in July. To schedule an appointment with a provider at Sanford Health Dakota Dunes Clinic, call (605) 242-4750.

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.

SD HS All-Star Basketball Returns to Sanford Pentagon

March 17, 2026

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The top senior boys and girls basketball players in South Dakota will meet at the Sanford Pentagon for the annual South Dakota High School All-Star games on Sunday, April 12. Rosters will be announced at a later date.

The girls game starts at 2:00 p.m. with the boys game following at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and provides entry to both contests. Tickets will be available at the Pentagon box office on the day of the event only.

Midwest Sports Plus will be the exclusive streaming home for both games. You can subscribe to the service online for either $10.99 per month or $100 per year.

Rosters for the games will be announced at a later date. Starting Tuesday, March 24, Player of the Year candidates will be unveiled daily on the Sanford Sports Complex social media channels. Winners will be announced at halftime of each game.

Previous Girls Player of the Year winners include:

2025: Ashlyn Koupal, Wagner
2024: Katie Vasecka, Tea Area
2023: Kami Wadsworth, Hamlin
2022: Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, Sioux Falls Washington
2021: Caelyn Valandra-Prue, White River
2020: Emma Ronsiek, O’Gorman
2019: Karly Gustafson, Ethan
2018: Paiton Burckhard, Aberdeen Central
2017: Myah Selland, Sanborn Central
2016: Ciara Duffy, St. Thomas More
2015: Alexys Swedelund, St. Thomas More

Previous Boys Player of the Year winners include:

2025: Griffen Goodbary, Sioux Falls Christian
2024: Alec Squires, Sioux Valley
2023: Isaac Bruns, Dakota Valley
2022: Kalen Garry, De Smet
2021: Matthew Mors, Yankton
2020: Matthew Mors, Yankton
2019: Noah Freidel, Tea Area
2018: A.J. Plitzuweit, Vermillion
2017: Ethan Friedel, Tea Area
2016: Ty Hoglund, Dell Rapids
2015: Deng Geu, Sioux Falls Washington

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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Home Delivered Meals program continues to serve Marshfield

March 17, 2026

Contact:
Jeff Starck
Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health
715-389-4978 / Jeffrey.Starck@SanfordHealth.org

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Home Delivered Meals, a food delivery service operated out of Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, will continue to support local residents in need. The program was recently approved to receive United Way grant funding through March 31, 2027.

“We’re thrilled with the ongoing support from the United Way and our collaboration with Marshfield Clinic,” said Kristin Hughes, Home Delivered Meals coordinator. “Marshfield Medical Center has been the foundation for the program since we started serving individuals in 1986.”

Meals are available to anyone living in the city of Marshfield, although most participants are older or disabled adults. Deliveries operate 365 days a year.

A Marshfield Clinic dietitian oversees the nutrition of the meals. Trays are made specifically for each recipient, taking into consideration all health and dietary needs (diabetic, low cholesterol, edentulous, gluten free, 2GNA, no MSG, pureed, ground, soft, heart healthy). Food and Nutrition Services team members at Marshfield Medical Center prepare the more than 21,000 meals made annually. Volunteer drivers deliver them to homes, at times accompanied by Marshfield Clinic residents and interns.

“This is an incredibly valuable resource for our community,” said Hughes. “It keeps people living independently in their homes, can bridge them after hospital stays and helps give their families peace of mind.”

If you’d like to learn more about the program or are interested in helping volunteer, email kristin.hughes@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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Sanford Health offering child and adult psychiatry outreach at Park Rapids Clinic

March 17, 2026

Contact:
Jillian Johnson
Media Relations Specialist –Bemidji Region
(218) 333-6090 / jillian.johnson@sanfordhealth.org

PARK RAPIDS, Minn. – Sanford Health is now offering child and adult psychiatry services at the Sanford Health Park Rapids Clinic, 110 Seventh St. W, with the addition of two outreach providers.

Kalya Schenheit, MD, will provide psychiatric care for pediatric patients on the fourth Tuesday of each month and Hannah Moussa Vines, MD, will provide psychiatric care for adults on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Dr. Moussa Vines is a board-certified psychiatrist who supports individuals in managing emotional, behavioral and psychological challenges. She uses a patient-centered approach to help individuals achieve stability, wellness and an improved quality of life.

Dr. Schenheit treats many different conditions in pediatric patients and aims to provide compassionate care that is also accessible, equitable and culturally competent. She believes that excellent psychiatric care involves the entire family and makes use of all available support resources.

Psychiatrists provide medical and psychiatric evaluations, treat disorders, provide psychotherapy and prescribe medications. Sanford Health psychiatrists have education and training to understand how physical health, genetics and family history affect mental health.

No referral is needed to see either provider. To schedule an appointment as a new patient for psychiatry in Park Rapids, call (218) 699-7912. Existing patients can call (218) 699-3121 for scheduling.

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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Becker’s names Justin Reisenauer top CMO

Mar. 12, 2026

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

BISMARCK, N.D. — Becker’s Healthcare has named Justin Reisenauer, M.D., Sanford Bismarck’s chief medical officer, to its 2026 list of hospital and health system chief medical officers to know, recognizing leaders across the country who are driving excellence in clinical care, innovation and organizational strategy.

Dr. Reisenauer plays a critical role in advancing patient safety, maintaining the highest quality standards and fostering strong collaboration between executive leadership and medical staff. As a dedicated champion of clinical excellence and continuous improvement, his leadership has driven meaningful progress across Sanford Health’s Bismarck Region – contributing to noteworthy achievements in quality and patient safety.

Dr. Reisenauer has served as an emergency medicine physician with Sanford Health for 14 years, during which time he has held key leadership roles in clinical operations, staffing and schedule management. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, he serves as a clinical professor of emergency medicine at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where he oversees the education and training of residents and medical students.

“This honor is a testament to Dr. Reisenauer’s commitment to advancing high‑quality patient care, strengthening clinical teams and driving innovation across our organization,” said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president and CEO, Sanford Bismarck. “Becker’s highlights leaders who are shaping the future of health care, and Dr. Reisenauer embodies that standard every day within Sanford Health and across the broader health care landscape.”

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 Halstad welcomes family medicine provider

March 12, 2026

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

HALSTAD, Minn. – Christina Torgerson, FNP, APRN, CNP, is now seeing patients at the Sanford Halstad Clinic. Her addition will further improve access to quality health care.

Torgerson specializes in family medicine, and she will provide services at Sanford Halstad on Mondays and Thursdays. Torgerson graduated from The University of North Dakota and is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

The Sanford Halstad Clinic is located at 445 First St. E. To contact the clinic, please call 218-456-2158.

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.

Iowa State to play Memphis at Sanford Pentagon next season

March 11, 2026

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Iowa State Cyclones and Memphis Tigers are returning to the Sanford Pentagon next fall when the two men’s programs face off in a non-conference matchup on Nov. 2 to open the 2026-27 college basketball season.

Ticket information will be released later.

“Two historic programs facing each other at the Sanford Pentagon, vying for an important neutral-site win, is the perfect way to open the college basketball season,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “Thank you to Coach Otzelberger and Coach Hardaway for giving fans in our region the opportunity to see your teams compete. Both programs know how much this fanbase loves basketball, and their coaches, athletes and supporters will feel that electric energy throughout the game.”

Iowa State is currently ranked No. 7 in the AP Top 25 poll as they begin play in the Big 12 Conference Tournament. The Cyclones finished the regular season with a 25-6 overall record which included a 96-80 victory against Mississippi State on Nov. 10 at the Sanford Pentagon. That game marked the 100^th Division I basketball game played on Heritage Court.

“We’re excited to head back to Sioux Falls next season,” said Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger. “Our experience there last year was first class, and we’re looking forward to another great experience there next season against Memphis.”

This matchup will be the third trip to the Sanford Pentagon for the Memphis Tigers and the sixth game overall. On Nov. 18, 2014, Memphis played No. 11 Wichita State in an ESPN-televised game. The Tigers returned to Sioux Falls in November of 2020 for the Bad Boy Mowers Crossover Classic, where they faced Saint Mary’s, Western Kentucky and VCU in a three-day span.

“We’re excited to be part of an event like this and to face a perennial top-10 program like Iowa State,” said Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway. “It’s a great opportunity for our team early in the season to measure ourselves against a really good opponent in a great setting.”

Since opening in 2013, the Sanford Pentagon has hosted more than 100 Division I college basketball games along with multiple NCAA DII and NAIA national championships. The Pentagon is also home of the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the G League affiliate of the Miami Heat.

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 Specialty Pharmacy earns ACHC & URAC reaccreditation

March 11, 2026

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

FARGO, N.D. – Sanford Health Specialty Pharmacy has earned reaccreditation from The Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and The Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC).

The Sanford Specialty Pharmacy first obtained URAC accreditation in June 2019 and ACHC accreditation in November 2019. The specialty pharmacy is licensed in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Arizona. Some roles of the specialty pharmacy include:

• Obtain insurance prior authorizations and secure copay assistance options
• Coordinate medication refills and free delivery
• Work with providers and clinics to streamline care
• Counsel patients and further assist with any medication questions or concerns

URAC is the independent leader in promoting health care quality by setting high standards for clinical practice, consumer protections, performance measurement, operations infrastructure and risk management. By achieving this status, Sanford Fargo Specialty Pharmacy has demonstrated its commitment to quality care, enhanced processes, patient safety and improved outcomes.

ACHC is a nonprofit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. Accreditation by CHCH reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

“I am extremely proud of our Sanford Specialty Pharmacy team for achieving URAC and ACHC reaccreditation, and their continued dedication to going above and beyond for our patients,” said Jill Ostby, Sanford Specialty Pharmacy manager. “As a URAC and ACHC accredited organization, we meet rigorous standards for safety, quality and continuity of care while ensuring our patients are provided an exceptional Sanford experience.”

“Now more than ever, specialty pharmacies are an essential part of the patient care team and patient experience. URAC congratulates Sanford Specialty Pharmacy on their achievement of Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation. This achievement demonstrates excellence in pharmacy operations, product handling, patient education and patient management. When an organization achieves URAC accreditation, they demonstrate their commitment to improving their quality of care, which is important to patients, providers and payers,” said URAC’s President and CEO Shawn Griffin, MD.

Since 2018, the Sanford Specialty Pharmacy has expanded access to more than 250 specialty medications. For more information on the Sanford Specialty Pharmacy, 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.

Sanford International, MCC reach three-year extension

March 11, 2026

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford International and the Minnehaha Country Club Board of Directors have reached an agreement on a three-year extension to keep the tournament in Sioux Falls at Minnehaha Country Club through 2030.

“We are thrilled to receive the support from the Minnehaha Country Club members and Board of Directors to extend this community event through 2030. MCC is a tremendous host venue, and we look forward to working with their team to continue bringing the legends of golf to Sioux Falls for the next five years,” said Davis Trosin, tournament director of the Sanford International. “Our team is also incredibly grateful to the leadership at Sanford Health for their unwavering commitment to making this event possible. The TOUR players consistently share how much they enjoy playing a championship-level course in front of the enthusiastic support of our community and tournament partners. This is great news for Sioux Falls, and everyone involved with this event.”

“Minnehaha Country Club is proud to extend our commitment to host the Sanford International through 2030,” said Bret Coad, Chief Operating Officer of Minnehaha Country Club. “This tournament extension would not be possible without the generous support of our members and their families; thank you. We would also like to thank Sanford Heath, First PREMIER Bank, PREMIER Bankcard, Mastercard, and the many dedicated sponsors, volunteers, and staff who make the Sanford International such an incredible event for our community. It is my great privilege to lead our extraordinary team, and together we look forward to proudly showcasing Minnehaha Country Club to the players and patrons here at home and around the world.”

“Sanford Health is proud to continue its full support of the tournament and would like to thank the leadership, staff and members at Minnehaha Country Club and Pro Links Sports for their commitment to ensuring the Sanford International stays in Sioux Falls and continues to be one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR Champions,” said Steve Young, president of Sanford Sports. “We’d also like to thank our presenting sponsors First PREMIER Bank, PREMIER Bankcard and Mastercard for their ongoing partnership and dedication to this community event that is truly one of one in our region. We can’t wait for everyone to get out and walk the course with their family and friends again this September.”

During the first eight years of the tournament, some of golf’s greatest players have participated in the tournament and corresponding events, including Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo, Hale Irwin, Ernie Els, Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Davis Love III, John Daly and Steve Stricker.

Since 2018, the tournament has been responsible for more than $160 million in economic impact to the Sioux Falls region. During that time, the Sanford International has also provided memorable experiences for children who have received care at Sanford Health through the Sanford Children’s Hospital Ambassador program. In 2023, the Sanford International was the recipient of the PGA TOUR Champion’s Fan First Award. The honor is presented to the PGA TOUR Champions event that goes above and beyond to create an elevated experience for every type of fan.

Tickets for the 2026 Sanford International will go on sale May 15 and can be purchased at sanfordinternational.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 7-13, featuring a $2.2 million purse. In its ninth 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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