Posts Archive - Page 4 of 100 - Sanford Health News

Jac McTaggart honored as Top Critical Access Hospital CEO

March 3, 2026

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

HILLSBORO, N.D. – For the third consecutive year, Becker’s Health Review has named Jac McTaggart, chief executive officer of Sanford Mayville and Sanford Hillsboro Medical Centers, to the 2025 edition of its “103 Critical Access Hospital CEO’s to Know.”

The CEOs recognized on this list are steadfast in their commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety and financial sustainability. These leaders ensure their hospitals remain trusted community resources by bringing essential services close to home, attracting top physicians and collaborating with larger health systems to enhance care capabilities.

“I am honored to receive this nomination,” said Jac McTaggart, Sanford Hillsboro and Sanford Mayville chief executive officer. “This recognition is a true testament to our dedicated staff who make it their top priority to provide world-class health care close to home. We take great pride in being the leader in rural health care.”

Under McTaggart’s leadership, Sanford Hillsboro Medical Center was recognized in 2025 as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital by the National Rural Health Association, a prestigious honor that highlights the outstanding quality delivered to their patients. Also, in 2024, Sanford Mayville Medical Center was recognized by the Chartis for Rural Health as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital.

McTaggart has been with Sanford since 2012, overseeing operations of both Sanford Mayville and Sanford Hillsboro Medical Centers since 2018. These facilities provide a wide range of essential health care services, including critical care, lab services, long-term care, orthopedic care and rehabilitation. His dedication to improving patient outcomes and providing high-quality care has been instrumental in the continued success of both medical centers, ensuring they remain vital health care providers for their communities.

The full list of all nominees 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 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.

Tyler Ust honored as Top Critical Access Hospital CEO

March 3, 2026

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

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. – For the second consecutive year, Becker’s Health Review has named Tyler Ust, Sanford Thief River Falls chief executive officer, to the 2025 edition of its “103 Critical Access Hospital CEO’s to Know.”

The CEOs recognized on this list are steadfast in their commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety and financial sustainability. These leaders ensure their hospitals remain trusted community resources by bringing essential services close to home, attracting top physicians and collaborating with larger health systems to enhance care capabilities.

“Bringing world-class health care close to home is at the forefront of our daily work,” said Ust. “Two strong examples of how Sanford Thief River Falls reduces barriers to care are our expanded partnership with the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center and our continued commitment to high emergency care standards, including maintaining our stroke-ready hospital designation. I am deeply grateful for the entire Sanford Thief River Falls team, who take tremendous pride in earning the trust of the communities we serve. That trust is something we will never take for granted.”

Sanford Thief River Falls Medical Center, a critical access hospital, provides 24/7 emergency care. The hospital plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality care, ensuring patient safety and maintaining financial stability for the greater Northwest Minnesota region.

Ust, who joined Sanford in 2014 and previously served as clinic director, now oversees all medical center and medical clinic operations in Thief River Falls. In recent years, Sanford Thief River Falls has been recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital and has earned Top 10% Quality Performance honors from The Chartis Center for Rural Health—reflecting the team’s consistent commitment to excellence.

The full list of all nominees 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 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.

Nebraska to play Iowa State in spring VB match at Pentagon

March 2, 2026

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team will make its Sanford Pentagon debut in April with a spring match against Iowa State.

First serve is set for 1 p.m. on April 11. Big Ten Network will televise the match. Tickets will go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

“This announcement rivals any of the epic events in the history of the Sanford Pentagon that we’ve had the privilege to host. Bringing this match to Heritage Court continues our commitment to delivering the best experiences for fans in Sioux Falls,” said Jesse Smith, vice president, Sanford Sports. “Thank you to Nebraska and Iowa State for taking their programs on the road and giving fans in South Dakota the opportunity to watch volleyball played at the highest level.”

The Huskers are coming off a 33-1 season and their third straight Big Ten Championship with a perfect 20-0 conference record. Iowa State, under head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch, who played at Nebraska from 1991-95, finished the 2025 season 23-8 (12-6 Big 12), reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

“We are very excited to play at the Sanford Pentagon,” Nebraska Head Coach Dani Busboom Kelly said. “I know our basketball programs have enjoyed their trips to Sioux Falls in recent seasons, and have had great things to say about their experiences. We’re looking forward to taking our volleyball program there for the first time and playing against a great team in Iowa State.”

“Thank you to the folks at the Sanford Pentagon for their support in making this happen,” Johnson-Lynch said. “We are excited to play a great team in a great environment, and it will be a good measuring stick for where we are. We’d love to see Cyclone fans make the trip to Sioux Falls for the opportunity to see some high-level volleyball.”

The last time Nebraska and Iowa State met was Sept. 9, 2018, a 3-0 Husker victory at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln. Nebraska and Iowa State have a history playing each other in the spring, as they met three straight years from 2012-14. The April 19, 2014, spring match at Iowa State’s Hilton Coliseum is the last time the Huskers played a spring match outside the state of Nebraska.

The Sanford Pentagon hosted two NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball AVCA First Serve matches in 2025, featuring eventual national champions, Texas A&M. The Aggies defeated Minnesota, and defending national champions Penn State defeated Kansas.

The Sanford Pentagon also hosted nine Division I basketball games in 2025, including three games featuring Nebraska and Iowa State. The Nebraska men defeated Oklahoma at the Pentagon on Nov. 15, 2025, while the Husker women were victorious over North Dakota State the following afternoon. The Iowa State men’s basketball team defeated Mississippi State on Nov. 11, 2025, marking the 100^th NCAA Division basketball game at the Sanford Pentagon.

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 to address solutions to strengthen rural workforce

 SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health is joining national health care leaders this week in Texas for one of the country’s premier health care leadership events to focus on real-world strategies to address today’s most pressing challenges.

ACHE 2026 Congress on Healthcare Leadership takes place today through March 4 in Houston and gathers together more than 7,000 leaders from the health care community. Congress offers attendees countless opportunities to innovate, collaborate, grow and transform by having access to world-class thought leadership, insights and perspectives from a wide array of interprofessional leaders on a variety of hot topics and industry trends.

Jeremy Cauwels, M.D., chief medical officer at Sanford Health, is a featured panelist in a session that focuses on identifying and addressing critical workforce shortages in rural health care. Attendees will examine current challenges, explore scalable solutions and discuss ways to optimize existing resources and roles. The session entitled, Leadership Insights: Strengthening the Rural Healthcare Workforce—Strategies for Sustainable Growth, will highlight real-world examples of capacity-building efforts that improve care access and delivery in underserved rural areas.

Joining Cauwels on the panel are John Fryer, FACHE, chief growth and corporate development officer at Lumeris and Charlene MacDonald, president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals. Moderating the discussion is Richard Greenhill, DHA, FACHE, principal and founder of SmartSigma AI.

“We serve patients across 320,000 square miles, and nearly all of them live in counties that are federally designated shortage areas. That is why we are investing in deliberate workforce initiatives and innovative care delivery models,” said Cauwels. “We are focused on bringing care closer to patients through virtual models, strengthening the workforce pipeline and using technology to extend clinical capacity.”

Through a $300 million philanthropic investment from Denny Sanford, Sanford Health will have a total of 40 residency and fellowship programs by 2027, training more than 400 residents and fellows annually.

AI tools are also helping to support Sanford Health providers by improving job satisfaction. Sanford Health currently has physicians participating in an ambient listening technology pilot program, with 95% reporting reduced cognitive burden and 100% reporting they would be disappointed if they could no longer use the tool. Reducing documentation time allows clinicians to focus more fully on patient care — and in some settings, see more patients

Born in South Dakota and raised in northwest Iowa, Cauwels has bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biology from the University of Northern Iowa and a medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He completed his residency and a chief resident year at the University of Kansas in Kansas City, Kansas. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Society of Hospital Medicine.

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 Futures Championship moves to SF public golf courses

March 2, 2026

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Sanford Sports Futures Championship, which brings together some of the best high school and college golfers in the country, is moving to Sioux Falls public golf courses for the 2026 championship August 4-5. This year’s invitation-only event will also add a new 7^th/8^th grade division for both boys and girls.

Prairie Green Golf Course will host the college men’s and women’s divisions, along with the high school boys and girls divisions. Elmwood Golf Course will host the new 7^th/8^th grade boys and girls divisions.

The college men’s competition will consist of a 2-day, 54-hole showdown with 36 holes on day 1 and 18 on day 2. The 7^th/8^th grade boys and girls divisions will be 2-day, 18-hole contests with 9 holes each day. All other divisions will be 2-day, 36-hole events with 18 holes each day.

“We’re excited to expand the Sanford Sports Futures Championship,” said Sam Vosler, manager of Sanford Sports Academy golf. “The Championship has built up an exceptional reputation over the years as a premier junior and college event in the Midwest. With feedback from the golfing community and higher demand, the move to Prairie Green and Elmwood allows us to add two new divisions and expand our field.  The more quality, competitive opportunities we can provide for golfers to showcase their skills, the better.”

Golfers interested in the event can apply online at the Sanford Sports website. All golfers must apply to be considered by the Sanford Sports Futures Championship committee.

All net proceeds from the event will benefit the Sanford Sports Scholarship Fund, which supports sports experiences for local youth.

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 hospitals named to Forbes hospitals list

Feb. 27, 2026

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

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Marshfield Clinic hospitals in Weston, Minocqua and Iron Mountain, Mich., recently were named to the inaugural Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list.

The Forbes Top Hospitals rating system evaluates general acute care hospitals throughout the United States to offer consumers unbiased information on which hospitals can offer top-notch, high-value medical services, while also giving hospitals a benchmark to compare their performance to that of their peers.

Healthcare measurement experts, an advisory panel comprised of clinicians, scientists, health policy researchers, and patient advocates, and a healthcare data and analytics firm used Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider Data Catalog data to produce the Forbes Top Hospitals list. Forbes identified healthcare quality measures that assess patient outcomes, hospital best practices, value, and patient experience. These measures were chosen specifically because they have been developed and regularly tested by leaders in the healthcare community to meet rigorous national standards.

From an initial pool of 5,400 hospitals nationwide, Forbes identified 2,600 that met its criteria including Marshfield Medical Center-Weston, Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua and Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson.

“It’s an honor for our organization to be recognized by Forbes as having three highly recognized hospitals serving those communities,” said Marshfield Clinic President and CEO Dr. Brian Hoerneman. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our leadership team, providers, nurses and support staff who provide compassionate and world-class care for our patients.”

Two of these three hospitals, Minocqua and Dickinson, serve rural areas and are critical access points to advanced care provided by other Marshfield Clinic hospitals.

“All three hospitals are key leaders in their communities helping patients and their families be their healthiest,” Hoerneman said. “We continue to add resources at our local hospitals to keep care local and provide access to the greater Marshfield Clinic resources when more complex medical matters arise.”

A full list of the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list 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 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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15th annual Miracle Maker Radiothon starts march 5

Feb. 25, 2026

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

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The 15th annual Miracle Maker Radiothon, presented by Hugo’s Family Marketplace, takes place March 5 and 6 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Radio stations 96.1 The Fox (96.1 FM) and XL93 (92.9 FM) are joining forces to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. Last year, over $60,000 was raised during the 24-hour broadcast.

Money raised during the radiothon is used to support special programs, purchase high-tech medical equipment and fund education for Sanford Children’s Hospital, the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in North Dakota. 100% of funds raised stay local to help children throughout North Dakota and northwest Minnesota who receive care at Sanford Children’s.

“You never know when your family or someone you know may need the care of Sanford Children’s Hospital, so we encourage everyone to be a part of the story of helping local children,” said Hillery Mork, Children’s Miracle Network program director for the Sanford Health Foundation. “Every dollar goes to help children who are dealing with serious illness or injury.”

On-air personalities will broadcast live from the iHeart Media studios in Grand Forks. Individuals are encouraged to participate by calling in or stopping by the station to make a donation. The radiothon provides a great opportunity to help children, share inspiring stories and meet and greet with local radio personalities.

To donate, call (701) 757-GIVE (4483), donation in person at iHeart Media, 505 University Ave., Grand Forks or donate online.

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.

PFL returns to Pentagon in May featuring Logan Storley

Feb. 25, 2026

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Professional Fighters League returns to the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Saturday, May 2 featuring two of the state’s most decorated homegrown fighters.

Headlining the event, former Bellator Welterweight Interim Champion and No. 4-ranked Welterweight Logan Storley (18-4) takes on No. 7-ranked Florim Zendeli (11-1-1). In a women’s flyweight bout, PFL debutant Cheyanne Bowers (7-2), former LFA Champion, enters the PFL cage against Brazil’s undefeated No. 9 ranked Sabrinna de Sousa (5-0).

Pre-sale tickets are available to Sanford Sports Complex subscribers and PFL newsletter subscribers now with all tickets available to the general public on Friday at 10 a.m. CT at Ticketmaster.com. For more information on tickets, visit pfl.info/siouxfalls. Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

“The energy a Logan Storley crowd brings is unmatched at MMA everts. Combine that with the debut of Chey Bowers, and fans are in for an unforgettable night at the Sanford Pentagon,” said Jesse Smith, vice president, Sanford Sports. “We want to thank the PFL team for returning to Sioux Falls and bringing another world-class event to the Pentagon.”

Storley returns to the cage in Sioux Falls for the first time since 2024, following a semifinals run in the 2025 Welterweight World Tournament. The four-time NCAA Division I All-American has never been defeated at the Pentagon. Zendeli is the 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight Champion.

The Main Card will be available in the United States on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. CT. The early card will begin at 6 p.m. CT on the ESPN App for fans with access to the ESPN Unlimited plan.

PFL Sioux Falls Announced Bouts:
Welterweight Main Event: #4-Logan Storley (18-4) vs. #7-Florim Zendeli (11-1-1)
Women’s Flyweight Bout: Cheyanne Bowers (7-2) vs. #9-Sabrinna de Sousa (5-0)

About Professional Fighters League
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global mixed martial arts organization and one of the world’s leading combat sports properties. PFL produces live, premium MMA events broadcast and streamed to fans in more than 170 countries through an extensive network of international media partners. The organization features a roster of professional fighters representing the highest levels of international mixed martial arts competition.

Headquartered in the United States, PFL holds events across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with continued global expansion underway. PFL is backed by leading institutional investors and professional sports team owners, reflecting the accelerating growth of MMA as a mainstream global sport.

For more information, visit PFLmma.com and follow PFL at Facebook.com/PFLmma and @PFLMMA on X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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 Pentagon to host The Invitational in 2026 & 2027

February 24, 2026

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

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The women’s basketball programs at the University of Nebraska, University of Minnesota, University of Kansas, and Kansas State University have agreed to play a doubleheader at the Sanford Pentagon in November 2026 and November 2027.

On Nov. 14, 2026, Nebraska will face Kansas while Minnesota squares off with Kansas State. On Nov. 6, 2027, Nebraska will take on Kansas State and Minnesota will face Kansas. Broadcast information, game times, and ticket information will be determined at a later date.

“These four programs represent some of the best women’s basketball in the country,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “All four schools have tremendous players, coaching staffs, and fanbases within driving distance of Sioux Falls. We’re grateful to be able to host them for the next two years at the Sanford Pentagon.”

The doubleheaders in 2026 and 2027 are the renewal of “The Invitational,” which the Sanford Pentagon has hosted twice previously. In a 2021 doubleheader, South Carolina defeated South Dakota, while Arizona topped Louisville. 2022 featured a single game where South Carolina returned to Sioux Falls and defeated South Dakota State. Those two events featured six future WNBA first round draft picks and four nationally ranked teams.

For Nebraska, The Invitational will mark their 3^rd and 4^th straight season playing a non-conference game at the Pentagon. The Cornhuskers defeated South Dakota 113-70 on Nov. 16, 2024, and topped North Dakota State 82-70 on Nov. 16, 2025.

“We are thrilled to return to the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls again the next two seasons. It is an incredible basketball venue, and Husker fans have proven that for both men’s and women’s basketball games the past two seasons,” said Nebraska head coach Amy Williams. “Playing quality opponents and old conference rivals like Kansas and Kansas State the next two years should give Husker fans some great reasons to be excited about following us to the Pentagon.”

The Invitational will be the 2^nd and 3^rd appearance at the Sanford Pentagon for Kansas. The Jayhawks previously lost to Iowa 71-58 on Nov. 20, 2024.

“We are excited to take our team back to the Sanford Pentagon the next two years,” said Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider. “It is a terrific venue, and we will have a chance to compete against two Big Ten programs. We always set out to schedule strong non-conference games to help prepare our team for Big 12 play, and there’s no doubt that games against Nebraska and Minnesota will do that for us.”

The Kansas State women’s basketball program will be making its first two appearances at the Sanford Pentagon during The Invitational.

“This is a great opportunity for us to play good competition in a really good basketball venue,” said Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie.

For Minnesota, The Invitational will also represent their first two appearances at the Sanford Pentagon. While it will be the team’s inaugural debut, head coach Dawn Plitzuweit is very familiar with the building from her time leading the University of South Dakota. Plitzuweit went 5-3 in Pentagon games during her tenure with the Coyotes, which includes capturing the 2021 Summit League Tournament championship to clinch an NCAA Tournament berth.

“We’re excited to bring our program to the Sanford Pentagon for The Invitational next season!” Coach Plitzuweit said. “This doubleheader showcases some of the best women’s basketball in the region, and it’s a great opportunity for our players to compete at a high level. We’re excited to be part of this event!”

The Sanford Pentagon hosted nine Division I basketball games in 2025 and celebrated its 100^th D-I game overall on Nov. 10 as Iowa State defeated Mississippi State 96-80 in men’s basketball.

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 reaches virtual care milestone

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health has reached a virtual care milestone, expanding access and improving affordability for rural patients, while equipping the health care workforce for a technology-driven future. Accelerated by a transformative $350 million virtual care investment in 2021, the program has saved patients hundreds of millions of dollars in travel costs, reduced more than 60.5 million miles of travel to date and expanded virtual graduate medical education rotations across specialties – advancing a scalable model for rural care delivery.

Virtual care is one of Sanford Health’s most established care delivery capabilities, expanding access, strengthening workforce sustainability and improving health outcomes. Sanford Health’s virtual services span nearly 80 specialties – from behavioral health to oncology and pediatric pulmonology – and support patients across clinics, hospitals, long-term care settings and home environments. By delivering advanced clinical services through technology-enabled models, Sanford Health allows patients to receive timely care where they live, reducing travel burden and care delays that are more acute in rural communities.

“For many of our patients, it’s virtual care or no care at all,” said Dave Newman, M.D., chief medical officer of virtual care at Sanford Health. “That reality has pushed us to innovate out of necessity. By bringing care closer to patients and staying more connected between visits, we’re building new models that work better for both patients and providers – and helping lead the way in reimagining how care is delivered.”

Newman will discuss how virtual care is poised to make even further breakthroughs for patients at ViVE, Feb. 23 in Los Angeles. The four-day health care innovation event brings together leaders to accelerate strategy, evaluate technology and collaborate on solutions.

Each virtual care visit saves patients an average 176-mile round trip and $273 in travel-related costs. In 2025, patients saved an estimated $41 million by reducing the need to take time off work and pay for fuel, meals and other out-of-pocket expenses.

In September 2021, Denny Sanford gifted Sanford Health $350 million to advance a landmark Virtual Care Initiative designed to fundamentally change the way care is delivered. The opening of Sanford’s Virtual Care Center in late 2024 significantly expanded that effort, creating a centralized hub for telemedicine, hospital-at-home programs, remote monitoring, decentralized clinical trials and specialty consultation. From this hub, Sanford supports care teams across its footprint, enabling consistent clinical standards, streamlined workflows and efficient use of specialty expertise.

Sanford Health’s virtual care model integrates education and workforce development to prepare clinicians for the future of technology-enabled care. Through the Sanford Health Education Institute, the organization supports virtual graduate medical education rotations, immersive VR-based simulation training and interdisciplinary learning designed to equip care teams for high-acuity scenarios and just-in-time procedural support in rural settings.

Psychology interns have completed year-long virtual care rotations serving patients across North Dakota and Minnesota, expanding access to behavioral health while gaining hands-on telehealth experience. Neurology residents participate in virtual reality-based case simulations that strengthen clinical decision-making and readiness for complex, real-world scenarios. A virtual operating room further advances training, enabling surgical and procedural teams to practice with advanced technologies, collaborate across distances and develop the skills needed to lead the next generation of rural care delivery.

Sanford Health’s Innovation Center operates innovation labs within the Virtual Care Center focused on patient-centered solutions, particularly for rural care. Through its Accelerator Space, Sanford is exploring potential technology partners and startups to co-develop solutions aligned with clinical needs, care models and scalability. Makerspace and 3D printing capabilities enable clinicians and frontline staff to design and test medical devices – several of which have received FDA approval – while the Patient and Family Experience Lab ensures digital tools are tested and refined with real users before systemwide deployment. Together, these capabilities allow Sanford to refine innovations prior to scale, while reimagining how physical space, technology and workflows can improve patient experience, safety and efficiency.

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 leaders to discuss next generation of care

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health leaders are joining top industry experts next week at one of the most prestigious health care events of the year to discuss how the business of health care is meeting the future of technology.

ViVE takes place Feb. 22-25 in Los Angeles. The four-day health care innovation event brings together leaders to accelerate strategy, evaluate technology and collaborate on solutions to transform the patient experience.

Dave Newman, M.D., chief medical officer of virtual care at Sanford Health, Brian Hoerneman, M.D., president and CEO of Sanford Health Marshfield and Brad Reimer, chief information officer at Sanford Health, will take part in a series of panels and presentations during the conference.

Newman has two appearances at ViVE, including a featured panel entitled, No Signal to No Limits, where he will discuss how virtual care is poised to make even further breakthroughs for patients. Additional panelists include Halima Ahmadi-Montecalvo, Ph.D., MPH, vice president of research and evaluation at Unite Us and Emily Chen, senior advisor, officer of the administrator at CMS. Michael Banyas, SBIR program manager at the NIH, will moderate the session.

“I’m incredibly excited about what we’re building with virtual care,” said Newman. “We’re meeting patients where they are — expanding access, improving affordability and helping them stay engaged in their health — while leveraging technology to deliver high-quality care no matter the zip code. This is a blueprint for the future of health care — and rural America is leading the way.”

Newman will also present on how Sanford Health physicians are empowered to enhance patient care using safe and effective AI and digital tools during a luncheon sponsored by the American Medical Association. He will be joined by Margaret Lozovatsky, M.D., vice president, Digital Health Innovations, Center for Digital Health and AI, at the AMA and Barbara Levy, M.D., vice chair, CPT editorial panel. Jared Augenstein, senior managing director at Manatt Health, will moderate the presentation.

Hoerneman’s panel focuses on the mission to ensure rural communities have reliable, high-quality care close to home. This panel dives into what is at stake, and the policies, care delivery and innovation strategies needed to stabilize rural health care. Hoerneman will be joined by Gulshan Mehta, chief digital and information officer at Blanchard Valley Health System and Joe Dunn, chief policy officer at the NACHC. Katie Adams, associate editor at MedCity News, will moderate the panel.

Hoerneman will share how coming together with Sanford Health has expanded rural access, accelerated financial turnaround and strengthened the workforce. Last year, Sanford Health Marshfield hired more than 1,500 people, including over 120 providers. Marshfield recruited 32 primary care physicians — the highest number of recruits in recent history — along with anesthesiologists, surgical subspecialists, pediatric specialists and other hard-to-fill specialties. Since combining with Sanford Health, Marshfield has cut physician turnover in half and made meaningful investments into programs and practices.

“Rural health is entering a new chapter — one defined by innovation, stronger partnerships and long-term sustainability — and we are actively helping to build that future,” said Hoerneman. “Strong, sustainable health care supports the health of a community — and that drives growth, opportunity for all and quality of life.”

Reimer’s panel examines the United States’ health care system’s soon-to-be digital renaissance. Entitled, Make Health Tech Great Again, the panel will discuss how the Administration and tech giants are rallying to build a smarter, safer, and truly patient-centric health ecosystem. Reimer will be joined by Pallavi Ranade, Ph.D., M.S., FAMIA, Director of Research Informatics and Genomics at Intermountain Healthcare, and J.D. Whitlock, MPH, MBA, CHCIO, chief information officer at Dayton Children’s Hospital. The session will be moderated by Dr. Aaron Miri, DHA, executive vice president and chief digital & information officer at Baptist Health.

At Sanford Health, large language models are already strengthening the patient experience by scaling preventive engagement and supporting earlier identification of health risks, particularly for health plan members.

“Sanford Health has made sustained investments in data infrastructure, analytics, interoperability and security to support responsible AI deployment,” said Reimer. “We often say what we do will never change – our mission to deliver world-class care no matter the zip code – but how we do the work must continue to evolve. AI allows us to meet patients where they are and rethink how work gets done – strengthening access, enhancing the patient experience and supporting our teams as patient demand and care needs continue to grow.”

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

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Marshfield Clinic using new heart arrhythmia technology

Feb. 19, 2026

Contact:

Jeff Starck
Marshfield Clinic Media Relations
715-389-4978 / starck.jeffrey@marshfieldclinic.org

MARSHFIELD, WIS. – Marshfield Clinic is using the newest technology to help treat dangerous heart arrhythmias for patients. Marshfield Clinic performed the first implant in Wisconsin of the Medtronic OmniaSecure, the world’s smallest Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) lead to achieve cardiac resynchronization therapy, in January for a patient at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

This new technology brings patients’ heart rhythms back to their natural patterns while being less invasive. This is the smallest and thinnest defibrillator lead. The procedure marks a significant milestone for cardiac care in the state and positions Marshfield Clinic among the earliest adopters of this new technology nationwide.

“Performing a first‑in‑state, launch‑day implant requires precision, coordination, and a team ready to rise to the moment,” said Electrophysiologist Dr. Weijia Wang, who performed the procedure. “I’m incredibly proud of the expertise and readiness our staff demonstrated — and most importantly, we delivered an excellent outcome for our patient.”

An ICD lead is a specialized, insulated wire that connects an ICD generator to the patient’s heart. This wire plays a critical and delicate role in monitoring heart rhythms, providing pacing, and delivering life‑saving therapy for dangerous arrhythmia.

Medtronic launched the OmniaSecure™ ICD lead commercially in the United States on Jan. 8. On the same day, Marshfield Clinic was the first in Wisconsin — and among the first nationally — to use the device for left bundle branch area pacing. Using this advanced pacing approach, Marshfield Clinic electrophysiologists successfully corrected a patient’s left bundle branch block (LBBB) and delivered “Single‑Lead cardiac resynchronization” to treat heart failure.

Traditional cardiac resynchronization therapy typically requires two or three leads. This new approach with fewer components means less trauma to vessels during implantation, a quicker post-procedure recovery and reduced long‑term maintenance issues.

“Patients who have their conduction problem fixed may experience more energy, perform daily tasks better, have fewer heart failure-related hospitalizations,” Wang said.

Dr. Wang said the first patient is “doing excellent,” and her energy level has improved since the procedure. Marshfield Clinic has now performed the procedure on a total of six patients.

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

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Marshfield Clinic’s Wisconsin Rapids hospital opens March 1

Feb. 16, 2026

Contact:

Jeff Starck
Marshfield Clinic Media Relations
715-389-4978 / starck.jeffrey@marshfieldclinic.org

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – Marshfield Medical Center-Wisconsin Rapids Campus will open to patients at 7 a.m. March 1.

Marshfield Medical Center-Wisconsin Rapids Campus includes the soon-to-open hospital, 440 24th Street South, and Marshfield Clinic Wisconsin Rapids Center, 220 24th Street South.

The hospital will include inpatient beds, emergency department, exam and procedure rooms, radiological services that include general x-ray, computed tomography and ultrasound, as well as on-site lab testing.

“We are bringing hospital and emergency services to Wisconsin Rapids to combine with our ambulatory medical group practice,” said Chris Soska, president of Marshfield Medical Center Wisconsin Rapids Campus. “Marshfield Clinic has provided care in Wisconsin Rapids for decades, and now we can offer access to comprehensive care closer to home for the community.”

Wisconsin Rapids Center currently offers urgent/walk-in care, cardiology, family medicine, optometry, cancer care, pediatrics, physical therapy, podiatry and nephrology, as well as outreach services in other specialty areas, lab, X-ray and optical services. Urgent Care will be combined in the Emergency Department and is extending hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

“This investment in the community is part of our commitment to help solve the issue of access and support patients when they need care,” said Brian Hoerneman, M.D., president and CEO of Marshfield Clinic. “With this hospital, patients gain a front door into a broader, integrated network across Marshfield Clinic. If someone needs advanced cardiac care, complex surgery, or specialized treatment, this campus becomes the bridge that connects them to nearby facilities, including those in Marshfield, Stevens Point and Weston. This is the true power of our system – local access supported by regional strength.”

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

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Marshfield Clinic opens no-cost lodging for trauma patients

Feb. 12, 2026

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

MARSHFIELD, WIS – Family and patients who are receiving care for trauma injuries at Marshfield Medical Center have a new place to call their temporary home.

Cattails Cottage, which is part of the Marshfield Medical Center campus, is an 11‑room lodging facility that provides safe, temporary housing for families of trauma patients and seriously injured patients receiving acute care at Marshfield Clinic.

Cattails Cottage opened this week. Rooms are offered at no cost on a first‑come, first‑served basis for eligible patients and families who live more than 40 miles from Marshfield. Staffed hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday with 24/7 key‑card access for guests. Linens, kitchen supplies and laundry facilities are provided.

“Cattails Cottage is an invaluable support for patients and their families as they receive care in Marshfield,” said Marshfield Medical Center President Bob Chaloner. “Having easy access to treatment with a no-cost lodging option removes one burden during this challenging time.”

Marshfield Medical Center is a Level II Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center.

Cattails Cottage formerly housed oncology patients until 2024 when Cattails Place opened across the street. Marshfield Clinic Foundation used donor funds and community support to renovate and make necessary facility improvements, including many furnishings donated by Lang Furniture of Marshfield.

“All operations and costs for Cattails Cottage and Cattails Place are funded through philanthropy,” said Teri Wilczek, Marshfield Clinic Foundation Chief Development Officer. “Donors are the reason we can have this space open to patients and their families to stay at no cost. We are incredibly thankful for the support to create this beautiful home away from home.”

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 Bismarck to host Doc Talk on protecting your heart

Feb. 12, 2026

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

Event is free, but registration is required

BISMARCK, N.D. – An expert from the Sanford Bismarck region will host a Doc Talk next week on heart health.

Tuesday, Feb. 17 – Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence

• 4 p.m.  Social and light appetizers
• 5 p.m.  Presentation

Nayan Desai, M.D. will discuss strategies for preventing heart disease including effective habits for preventing heart disease, like heart-healthy diets, how lifestyle, genetics and daily choices impact long-term heart health, new tools and evidence-based strategies that support a stronger heart and simple changes to make the biggest difference at any age.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Join in person at 1200 Schaffer St. in Bismarck or virtually via Webex.

Sanford Health is dedicated to providing the communities it serves with relevant and up-to-date health information. Doc Talk is a free education series where Sanford physicians present and answer your questions on a wide variety of topics.

To register visit sanfordhealth.org/classes-and-events/doc-talk-bismarck. For more information or questions, call 844-362-6330.

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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