Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation was lucky enough to be selected to decorate a tree for all to enjoy – and they need your support by selecting their tree as your favorite!

Each year the Watertown Area Community Foundation randomly selects fifteen (15) area non-profit organizations to be featured in their “Oh, Christmas Tree” annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser as a way to raise awareness of the agency’s cause and provide them an opportunity to raise funds.

How the Voting Works

• Members of the community are encouraged to visit the Watertown Regional Library from now until December 31st
• Attendees can cast their vote for their favorite(s) tree(s) with a monetary donation
• Each $1 counts as one vote
  • If paying via check, please make payable to Watertown Arean Community Foundation
• The Watertown Area Community Foundation matches the donations made to each organization up to $300
• On December 31^st, the agency with the most “votes”, or dollars raised, will earn an additional $500 from the Watertown Area Community Foundation

Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 6:30 pm, the lights in the library are turned off allowing guests to enjoy the glow of the lighted trees. 

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation Tree 

The Foundation tree was created using décor and trimming to reflect various aspects of our organization: 

• Wheat Stalks: “The Staff of Life” represents our commitment to improving the health and quality of life of our patients, while recognizing the culture and heritage of our region
• Stethoscope: Healthcare
• Black Stars: PLHS Core Values
• Blue Velvet Ornaments: PLHS Departments (63)
• Gold Ornaments with Red Bows: counties in the PLHS service area (10)
• Lights: Hope & healing for our patients
• Gifts Undre the Tree: PLHF Funds (5)
  • Give Hope (Christy Kinney Pay it Forward Fund)
  • Give Shelter (Caring Club House)
  • Give Help (Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund)
  • Give Comfort (Hospice)
  • Give Tomorrows (General Fund)

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) runs December 2nd - December 6th!

This week is a critical opportunity to remind everyone 6 months and older that there's still time to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this flu season by getting their annual flu vaccine if they have not already. 

CDC data shows that flu vaccination coverage was lower last season, especially among certain higher risk groups, including children. When you get a flu vaccine, you reduce your risk of illness, and flu-related hospitalization if you do get sick. This week is meant to remind people that there is still time to benefit from the first and most important action in preventing flu illness and potentially serious flu complications: get a flu vaccine today!

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is here to make it as convenient as possible by offering influenza vaccines at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Main.

Reminders about Influenza Vaccinations

• Please call ahead and schedule a vaccination appointment
• Cost is $0 (insurance will be billed)
• Both regular and high-dose vaccines are available

  • Adults 65 and older should get the high-dose version for stronger protection. (The CDC estimates that 70 to 85 percent of flu-related deaths occur among people 65 and older.)
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests an influenza vaccine every year

Influenza and Children

The CDC warns that flu can be more dangerous than the common cold for children. Children younger than 5 years old—especially those younger than 2—and children of any age with certain chronic health conditions, are at higher risk of developing potentially serious flu-related complications. Parents can help children fight flu by getting themselves and their children vaccinated against flu each year.

• Talk to your child's doctor about the flu vaccine
• Get them a vaccine if you haven't yet
• Avoid people who are sick
• Cover coughs

The holidays can be a difficult time for families and friends remembering a lost loved one.

Prairie Lakes Hospice invites you to join us on Thursday, December 5th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Prairie Lakes Chapel for our "Hope for the Holidays" Memorial Service.  

Prairie Lakes Hospice will host this memorial service to remember those who have died, celebrate those who are living, and accept the changes and transitions that are occurring in our own lives.

The program will include a brief, nondenominational spiritual dedication. You will have an opportunity to honor your loved one’s name and receive an ornament, symbolizing transformation, love and hope.

This free event is open to the community.

To register, please call 605-882-7714.

For more information on Prairie Lakes Hospice and the services we provide, please call 605-882-7745 where somebody is always available to answer your call.  

What is antimicrobial resistance‎?

Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs, like bacteria and fungi, develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global public health threat that is estimated to cause more than 1.27 million deaths around the world and nearly 35,000 deaths in the United States each year. 

What can we do to prevent antimicrobial resistance?

Preventing infections in the first place is our first line of defense against antimicrobial resistance. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation, vaccination coverage, and access to quality health care can prevent infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Improving appropriate antibiotic and antifungal use is also critical. Appropriate use of antibiotic and antifungal drugs helps improve patient outcomes by optimizing the treatment of infections, avoiding drug-related side effects, and slowing the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Know the Facts About Antibiotic and Antifungal Use