According to the American Cancer Society breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 36.  Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular health exam. Early detection saves lives by using an approach that lets breast cancer get diagnosed earlier than otherwise might have occurred. The goal of screening exams for breast cancer is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms (like a lump that can be felt). 

Dr. Bipin Amin, medical oncologist and hematologist at Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, will offer a free community talk at noon, October 30. He will explain the different types of tests used to detect breast cancer and answer audience questions. Bring your girlfriends or mother and learn together about breast cancer. Register here. 

News from the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations: 

President and CEO, Jill Fuller, of Prairies Lakes Healthcare System, was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Trustees of the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) during the 88th Annual Convention in Rapid City.

Fuller is part of a 12-member board that provides leadership and direction for a unified voice in health care across South Dakota on a state and federal level. SDAHO Board Chair, Kent Olson said. “Jill’s leadership skills and experience are an excellent addition to our board. While there are challenges in health care, there are also many opportunities and I know that because of Jill’s background, we are a better board because she is on it!"

Fuller has been with Prairie Lakes Healthcare System since 2000, prior to becoming president and CEO in November of 2009, she was the chief nursing officer. She is known for building relationships with health care providers and while maintaining strong ties with the community. Before coming to Watertown, Fuller was a hospital administrator in Minot, ND and Winona, MN.

Over 600 health care providers attended the convention representing administration, governance and 18 affiliated health care professional membership societies. SDAHO represents 54 hospitals and 33 long term care facilities across the state. Numerous health care issues were discussed at the convention including quality of care initiatives, health reform, leadership, reimbursement and the future of health care.

Being an expectant parent is scary enough, let Prairie Lakes Hospital ease those nerves. Join us for one of our many classes designed to prepare expectant parents for things like birth to sibling preparation.

Here is a list of birthing classes available this month:

• Cesarean Birth Class: Thursday, October 9th at 7 pm

• Breastfeeding Class: Thursday, October 16th at 6:30 pm

• Sibling Preparation Class: Wednesday, October 22nd at 1:30 pm

• Childbirth Class (Series 9): Thursday, October 30th at 7 pm

To see our full calendar of events, click here.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomed Senator John Thune on Thursday, October 2^nd. Senator Thune visited with staff and patients as he toured the facility.  The growth of PrairieLakes and current healthcare challenges were discussed.

Senator Thune recently assisted Prairie Lakes resolve a dialysis reimbursement issue with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The issue affected Prairie Lakes dialysis units located in Watertown, Sisseton, and Ortonville, MN.  Senator Thune requested to see the Watertown dialysis unit during his tour.

Senator Thune inquired about the history and success of Prairie Lakes.  Hospital administration described strategies to develop services and partnerships on the basis of mission alignment rather than corporate alignment, supporting the organization’s independent status. 

Growth strategies were also discussed. PrairieLakes has established 14 specialty outreach clinics in the region, most of which have been developed in recent years.  These clinics allow patients access to care close to home.  Rural community hospitals in Milbank, SD and Dawson, MN received support from Prairie Lakes to develop chemotherapy services. The organization’s medical staff has grown from employing one physician in 2003 to 22 physicians today.

Senator Thune was able to interact with cancer center staff and patients and inquire about radiation oncology services.  Cardiac catheterization lab staff and Dr. Evelio Garcia, Interventional Cardiologist, visited with Senator Thune.  He was shown catheterization lab images and recognized the benefits of having heart care services provided locally with rapid response times.