Thursday, July 20, 2023
USD Nursing Mobile SIM Unit Coming to PLHS
The University of South Dakota mobile simulation unit will be parked at Prairie Lakes on Monday, July 24 from 3pm-5pm. The unit is open for public tours and we encourage anyone interested in the nursing field to walk through and learn about becoming a nurse.
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Friday, July 21, 2023
Prairie Lakes Adds Physician Assistant to Urology Clinic Staff
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes licensed and board-certified Physician Assistant, Joseph Bretschneider, PA-C, to the Urology Clinic staff. He joins Dr. Henri Lanctin, Dr. Keegan Maxwell and Abby Wookey, PA-C in the expert care of patients with conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Bretschneider received his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. He completed several of his clinical rotations at Brown Clinic and at Prairie Lakes. Bretschneider received his undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in chemistry from South Dakota State University in Brookings. He relocated to Watertown with his wife and two-year-old son from Tracy, MN where he served the role of a primary care provider in addition to covering their emergency department for the past seven years. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and riding motorcycle. He is an avid NASCAR fan and a classic car/hot rod enthusiast.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to specialize within my profession after spending the past several years in general practice. I look forward to getting to know patients while helping them understand and improve their urological conditions,” Bretschneider said. “Watertown is a wonderful community and my family and I are excited to be part of it.”
Prairie Lakes Urology is located at the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic in Watertown, SD. To schedule an appointment, call 605-882-7777.
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Friday, July 14, 2023
Clinical Nutrition Manager, Becky S., Earns 2023 Hero of Everyday Life Award from Sodexo
Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation announced its 2023 Heroes of Everyday Life®. Five Sodexo employees, including our own Becky S., received a $5,000 grant to continue their work to fight food insecurity within their communities.
The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation awards Sodexo employees who invest time, talent, and resources to fight hunger in their communities. These employees, recognized as Heroes of Everyday Life®, are honored for their efforts raising funds and awareness, coordinating food drives, volunteering in food pantries, and supporting food recovery programs among other outreach.
Becky shared her experience both with Sodexo and the Watertown PACH program, "I have been a Clinical Nutrition Manager with Sodexo at the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System for the last 16 years. In 2011 I became involved with the PACH (People Against Child Hunger) program. Due to my career as a registered dietitian, I was asked to plan the menus for PACH and I have been in several different roles since. From a volunteer board member to now president of the board for the last 3 years it has really allowed me to see how this program helps families in our community. During our pilot program in 2011 we were packing about 100 bags of food and this year we averaged 521 bags a week. PACH is 100% volunteer-based and I have also been honored to work with amazing board members and volunteers who share the same passion as me, stopping child hunger."
Becky also added, "In June, Sodexo held their annual Charity Classic presented by PepsiCo in Colorado Springs where they celebrated this year’s Heroes of Everyday Life. I was one of five heroes in the United States to receive this recognition." Becky and her husband earned a vacation, along with the four other 2023 Hero of Everyday Life award winners, where they were able to network, attend various festivities, and meet with national Sodexo leaders.
Families shared the following thoughts about how the local PACH program has benefitted their family:
- "It has helped my family by ensuring we have food. There have been times when it got us by until we were able to buy groceries again. This is one of the best programs this community has."
- “We struggle monthly, the PACH program has helped my kids when we were low on food."
- “This is a wonderful program. This has helped us because we don't receive food assistance. Being a single mom, money is always tight."
Thank you, Becky, for your devotion and commitment to the families in need in the region. Another incredible example of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Sodexo employees serving as a keystone of our community. You are definitely a Hero of Everyday Life!
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Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Kidney Dialysis Patient Receives Surprise Send Off from Prairie Lakes
Prairie Lakes patient, Stacey K., alongside her husband, Dan K., walked out of her last kidney dialysis appointment on July 12th before her kidney transplant day that is scheduled for July 13. She was surprised to find Prairie Lakes staff and some of her family and friends lined up in the hospital lobby to send both Stacey and Dan off with well wishes, roses, and applause.
Earlier this year, the couple found out out that Dan's kidneys were a perfect match for Stacey and he decided he was going to be her kidney donor. It's not often that a spouse is able to give such a life saving gift, so the send off was special for both of them. The emotions and hugs being shared while Stacey and Dan walked to the door was a testament to the true care, compassion and relationships that Prairie Lakes staff develops with their patients.
Stacey and Dan's story was recently covered on Keloland News.
Well wishes for safe and successful procedures and recovery for Dan and Stacey!
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Friday, July 07, 2023
Prairie Lakes Welcomes New Radiology Director, Megan Gilbertson
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) announces Megan Gilbertson as the new Director of Radiology. Her responsibilities include managing radiology services, including, X-Ray, CT Scanning, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, and Ultrasound.
Gilbertson comes to Prairie Lakes with 27 years of experience in the Radiology field with over 20 of those years in leadership roles. She was most recently the Regional Director of Radiology at Avera in Marshall, MN.
Gilbertson grew up on a cattle ranch in Todd County, South Dakota. She earned her formal education from Sioux Valley Hospital School of Radiologic Technology and has advanced credentials in mammography and computed tomography (CT). In the Fall of 2024, Gilbertson is set to graduate from Ottawa University with her bachelor’s degree in healthcare management.
In her spare time, Gilbertson enjoys spending time with family and friends. In the summer months, she is active on golf leagues, plays softball, sand volleyball and coaches her daughter’s softball team. When she’s not at her children’s activities, she enjoys the outdoors, camping, and boating.
"I look forward to working with a great team of healthcare professionals at Prairie Lakes”, said Gilbertson. “Leading the radiology department in providing high-quality, patient-centered care to the community is one of my top priorities.”
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Monday, July 03, 2023
Prairie Lakes to Host Blood Drive on July 24th
Your Blood Matters.
What can be done to make sure your friends, neighbors, and family receive the blood they need? It’s simple – donate blood to the Community Blood Bank.
The Blood Mobile will be parked outside of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. on Monday, July 24th.
UPDATE: All donors will receive a $5 gift certificate to Dairy Queen.
Ten reasons why you should give blood:
- You can save up to 3 lives!
- Not everyone is eligible to donate blood. Only 38% of the population can donate, so if you're able, you are a selected minority.
- Your body will make new blood. It takes about 24 hours to replace plasma and about 4-6 weeks to replace red blood cells.
- Giving blood is not painful. You may feel a slight prick initially but it doesn't last long.
- Donating blood burns calories! Your body will burn approximately 650 calories just by donating.
- You get a free well-check. Before you give, the phlebotomist will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin levels. You may also be screened by HIV, Hepatitis, and other diseases.
- It takes only 30 to 40 minutes of your time.
- You feel a boost in confidence and your emotional well-being knowing that you have done a good deel and are a part of saving lives.
- There is no substitute for human blood. Blood can not be manufactured in any way and it always in high demand.
- You may be one of the 25% of people who need blood donation one day.
Donation times are available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Check-in is in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic main lobby.
To schedule your appointment, click the link below and select an available time. You can also call Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222.
Guidelines to Donate:
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Blood donors must be at least 16 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org) weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health.
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Donors exhibiting COVID-19, cold or flu symptoms are unable to donate.
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Valid identification is required at the time of registration.
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It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating blood. Avoid energy drinks.
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Walk-ins will be accepted, if there is room or a cancellation – staff on event day will manage this process
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Thursday, June 22, 2023
Terry Redlin Canvas Raffle Benefiting Individuals with a Life-Threatening Illness
This beautiful Terry Redlin Canvas was donated to the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation in an effort to help raise funds for the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund, benefitting individuals diagnosed with alife-threatening illness, who have financial needs.
For your chance to win this canvas, raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each or 3 tickets for $25. You can purchase tickets by:
- Calling the Foundation office at: 605-882-7631
- Stopping into the Foundation office, located inside the Main Entrance of the Hospital, anytime M-F, 8am-5pm
The drawing will be held on Monday, June 30, 2023.The winner will be contacted and arrangements made for pick up at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Lifetime Companions by Terry Redlin
Sportsmen and others who roam nature’s wild places will appreciate what is about to occur in this landscape canvas. After hours of hunting, a father and son rest on the hillside as the retreating sun burnishes the landscape with its golden rays. They are hidden from the approaching geese by an oldwagon. The geese will suddenly veer away. The man, boy, and dog will look up in startled surprise. The father and son will silently share in one of nature’s memorable experiences. “It is one of those times I love best,” the artist remembers, “a magical moment that has the power to create lifetime companions.”
The Museum Canvas is an open, unsigned canvas edition that replicates the look and feel of the original at a more affordable price with an image size of 23” x 39-1/2”. The value of this canvas, new, in store is $750.00.
For questions, contact the Prairie Lakes Heathcare Foundation at 605-882-7631.
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Monday, June 12, 2023
26th Annual Hospital Hill Run Results & Photos
The 26th Annual Hospital Hill Run took place on Saturday, June 10 with a 5K run, 5K walk, and a one-mile walk for all ages. There were 75 timed 5K runners, 24 5K walkers, and 40 one-mile walkers.
Fastest 5K male runner was Tucker Lunde with a time of 20 minutes 13 seconds. The fastest 5K female runner was Kaylie Hoftiezer with a time of 23 minutes 21 seconds.
Download the 5K results: Hospital_Hill_Run_Results_2023.pdf
Thank you to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who helped make the event such a success. Because of your generosity, we were able to donate $3,500 to the Prairie Lakes Caring Club House to help further our mission to provide safe, affordable, and convenient accomidations to patients or their loved ones receiving treatment at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
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Monday, June 12, 2023
Prairie Lakes Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. Prairie Lakes is one of only 262 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.
The award recognizes Prairie Lakes' commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Prairie Lakes has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.
To receive the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Prairie Lakes has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.
“We are honored to receive this national award,” said John Allen, CEO of Prairie Lakes. “The receipt of this award exemplifies the quality of care our team of experts provide to heart patients at Prairie Lakes through care in the Cardiology Clinic, Cardiac Cath Lab, Emergency Department, and rehabilitation process.”
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others.
Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.
The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 56,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.
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Friday, June 02, 2023
Abby Gietzen PA-C in the Dermatology Clinic Recently Completed SDPA Diplomate Fellowship
Abby Gietzen, PA-C in the Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic recently completed her Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) Diplomate Fellowship.
The SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™️ is the premier training program for PAs in the field of dermatology. The program is an all-encompassing, online, didactic training program for PAs working in the field of dermatology who are also SDPA Fellow Members. The full program offers 64.5 hours of AAPA accredited Category 1 CME training, spread out across 22 modules.
Abby is now one of only five Dermatology PA's in the state of South Dakota to earn this prestigious designation.
Congratulations Abby on this incredible accomplishment! PLHS thanks you for your committment to your ongoing education in order to better serve our patients with excellence each and every day.
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Friday, June 02, 2023
The Watertown Healthcare Community Works Together on the 26th Annual Hospital Hill Run
Since its inception, the Hospital Hill Run was created as an opportunity for various Watertown healthcare organizations to come together and encourage families to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and move their bodies to improve their health and quality of life. To further reward our local healthcare employees that lead by example and participate in our event, we are offering a 25% discount on the registration fee.
In addition to PLHS, medical providers from Brown Clinic, Consulting Radiologists, Ltd., Watertown Police Department, and Sanford have worked together over the years to pull resources to promote the Hospital Hill Run and increase registrations year over year. In our 26th year, our sponsors now include Community Blood Bank, Lewis Drug, Huron Regional Medical Center along with significant cash donations from the Reiffenberger and Beaudry families. In addition, for the second year in a row, First PREMIER has sponsored a team of up to 50 of their employees to run the 5k race!
Caring Club House
All proceeds from the 26th Annual Hospital Hill Run will be donated to Caring Club House. Caring Club House is a convenient, comfortable, and affordable place to stay while either a patient or a family member is receiving medical care at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Guests are asked for a donation of $10 per person and $3 for each additional guest per family per night. The donation is waived for those who are unable to provide it.
If you’re interested in supporting the 26th Annual Hospital Hill Run and Caring Club House with a donation, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Register For The Hospital Hill Run Here
Registration Details:
$15: Local Health Care Employees- $25: Registration After June 1
- Free: Children 12 and under
- Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome
- Please, no pets, rollerblades, bicycles, etc
Registration includes a comfortable running shirt (pictured right). Registrants 12 and under will receive a youth t-shirt.
Event Day Agenda:
- Event Date: Saturday, June 10th
- Check-in 7:00 am - 7:45 am
- Check-in will be at Caring Club House
- 220 9th Ave NW, Watertown
- Check-in will be at Caring Club House
- The race will start at 8:00 am
- Award ceremony, refreshments, and festivities immediately following the race
- A route map will be included in every registration packet for those interested in spectating
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Thursday, May 18, 2023
New Summer Strength & Conditioning Program Registration
MAKE THE OFF-SEASON COUNT
The new Prairie Lakes strength and conditioning program is designed to take you to the next level. Our experienced coach, Aaron Jung, will guide athletes through a 7-week strength and conditioning program that will focus on speed, strength, and agility to optimize sports performance and prevent injuries.
Program Information:
- Who: 7th Grade - 12th Grade (any level of experience)
- When: June 5 - June 29, July 10 - 27 (complete schedule and times TBD)
- What: 35 Hours of Coaching from PLHS Strength & Conditioning staff with pre & post testing data
- Where: Watertown High School Weight Room & Turf
- Cost: $150 (scholarships available by calling 605-882-7700)
Program Principles:
- Reduce or limit the likelihood of athletic related injuries
- Improve athletic performance
- Educate and improve nutritional understanding as it relates to athletic performance
- Create confidence and healthy habits
Schedule:
- Every Monday - Thursday
- June 5 - July 27 (no workouts July 3-6)
- Five different time slots available
Workout Time Slots:
- 6:45am - 8:00am | Grades 9-12 | Girls & Boys
- 8:00am - 9:15am | Grades 9-12 | Girls & Boys
- 9:15am - 10:30am | Grades 7-8 | Girls & Boys
- 10:45am - 12:00pm | Grades 9-12 | Girls Only & Boys Cross Country
- 1:00pm - 2:15pm | Grades 7-8 | Girls & Boys
It is preferred that athletes stick to the same time slot for every workout. We will work with athletes on a case-by-case basis to accommodate schedules.
Meet Coach Aaron Jung
Aaron Jung MS, SCCC, CSCS, USAW, FMS is a 2008 graduate of Watertown High School. He went on to be a 3-year starter as defensive tackle for Augustana University and was an All–American in Division II Men’s Shot Put. He graduated from Augie with a degree in Exercise Science and went onto the University of Mary to earn his Master’s Degree in Kinesiology.
Since 2015, he has been the head Strength and Conditioning coach at Morningside University where he designed and implemented strength and conditioning programs for successful men’s and women’s programs. He is certified through the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He has attained the status of a Level 1 Coach through USA weightlifting and Functional Movement Systems.
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Friday, May 12, 2023
Prairie Lakes Celebrated Their Employees During Hospital Week 2023
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System celebrated their staff during Hospital Week which ran May 8th - May 12th!
National Hospital Week is an opportunity to highlight our hospitals, health systems and health care workers and the innovative ways they are supporting and connected to their community. Initially established on May 12th, Florence Nightingale's birthday, National Hospital Week began as just a single day in 1921. During the Crimean War, Nightingale took it upon herself to nurse wounded soldiers and eventually become known as the mother of modern nursing. Now, National Hospital Week is a seven day event to recognize the 5,000 hospitals, health systems and networks, as well as the more than 6 million people, who provide care to individuals and communities.
Employess and volunteers enjoyed activities, awards, and events throughout the week including Circle of Excellence Platinum Awards, a pancake breakfast, cake and cookies, root beer floats, an employee picnic, daily Bingo numbers, games, and so much more. One of the week's more popular events is the annual Service Awards in which employees are honored for committing many years of service in Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. This year, we congratulated Cynthia R. and Julie T. that both celebrate 45 years at PLHS in 2023!
Take this year’s National Hospital Week as an opportunity to thank all of the dedicated individuals – physicians, nurses, therapists, engineers, food service workers, volunteers, administrators and so many more – for their contributions.
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Friday, May 12, 2023
Yellow Rose Week: June 5th - 9th, 2023
Help the Foundation raise funds for the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund! Support those within our region with life-threatening illnesses.
Yellow Rose Week, running June 5th - 9th, is the primary fundraiser for the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund, a service of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. This fund provides grants to people with life-threatening illnesses in need of financial assistance.
Since its inception, the fund has provided over $480,000 through 849 grants.
To order bundles of roses, decals, or yard signs click the link below:
Deliveries are available in the Watertown area with an order of 6+ roses.
Buy individual roses for $5 June 5th - 9th at the following locations:
Angels Attic Thrift Store
Applebee’s Grill & Bar
Avanti Federal Credit Union
Cashway Lumber, Inc.
Cowboy Country Stores
Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services
Dacotah Bank
Dairy Queen Gril & Chill on Hwy 212 (SPECIAL: for this week only, pick up a rose and get a FREE Mini-Blizzard)
Dan O’s Marine
ddr books
Edward Jones – Cory Herzog
First Interstate Bank
Freimark & Associates Inc.
Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC
Hy-Vee Floral Department
Kranz Insurance
KXLG Radio
Lake Stop 20
Watertown
Lew’s Fireworks
Little River City
Miller Electric
Modern Ag, Inc.
Moffatt Products
Mount Marty University – Wtn.
Northwestern Mutual – W. Keller
Phillip Matthews State Farm
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Professional Hearing Services
Reliabank
Robertson Crop Insurance
Root Function Wellness
VanLaecken Orthodontics
Watertown Bobcat
Watertown Development Company
Watertown Ford Chrysler
Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel
Wishard Insurance
Surrounding Communities
Clark Flower & Gift Shop, Clark
Jeffrey’s Supper Club & Lounge, Kranzburg
Tip Top, Kranzburg
Meyers Rec, South Shore
Scotty's Tavern, South Shore
Milbank Country Friends Community Club
The Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund was created in memory of Suzanne Jacobson, a Watertown physician’s assistant and community healthcare advocate who lost her life to cancer in 1998.
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We can help you find a doctor. Call 605-882-7000 or search online.