The 27th Annual Hospital Hill Run took place on Saturday, June 8th with a 5K run, 5K walk, a 1-mile Kids Race, and a 1-mile walk for all ages. There were 79 timed 5K runners, 23 5K walkers, eight children signed up for the Kids Race and 32 one-mile walkers. 

Fastest 5K male runner was Tucker Lunde with a time of 17 minutes 41 seconds. The fastest 5K female runner was Grace McElroy with a time of 20 minutes 54 seconds.

overall fastest men and ladies

5K Race Results

Thank You! CCH check edit

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who helped make the event such a success. Because of your generosity, we are able to donate $2,650 to the Prairie Lakes Caring Club House to help further our mission to provide safe, affordable, and convenient accommodations to patients or their loved ones receiving treatment at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. 

The Hospital Hill Run Committee awarded Lisa Dahl, Executive Director of Prairie Lakes Foundation and her team with a check on the steps of the Caring Club House. The Hospital Hill Run Committee includes Shannon B., Jaidison T., and Lydia Newman from Marketing along with Dr. Dan Reiffenberger from Administration, Chief Tim Toomey (WPD) and volunteers Tom & Sue Beaudry.

The new Prairie Lakes Dialysis Unit is now open on the first floor, in the area that was most recently the CCU Unit. The CCU Unit was moved to second floor earlier this year. The new unit can be accessed through a new entry near the North entrance designed specifically for dialysis patients. Now, our dialysis patients no longer need to walk down long hallways and ride the elevator to receive their treatment.  dialysis treatment room

Dialysis patients were welcomed into the new unit Monday, June 3rd and they are already appreciating the new space. Jan Hansen, Director of Dialysis shared, "Patients have a more private space which allows for a more comfortable setting while receiving dialysis treatment. The privacy also allows providers and staff to have more delicate conversations if needed while they are dialyzing verses having to wait until treatment is complete and then having to find a private space."

In addition to a more pleasant environment for the patients, the remodel design focused on our staff's needs as well. Jan added, "There is more working space, each nurse has a designated space to work at each day, providers, dieticians, and social workers have a designated working space as well." Dr. Tina Melanson, Nephrologist, shared, "There are computers in every dialysis room so documentation of their treatments can happen efficiently. It also allows an at-the-ready view of past dialysis treatments to review any prior dialysis complications."

In addition, the remodel allowed the Dialysis Unit to grow from an 8-chair unit to a 10-chair unit meaning we can now treat additional patients in need.  

Dr. Melanson stated, "The new dialysis unit is definitely more modern and up to date than the previous unit. This shows Prairie Lakes’ commitment to keeping up with changing times and striving for state-of-the-art care."

dialysis team

WATERTOWN, S.D. – June 3, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic is excited to announce the launch of Convenience Care at our Northridge location, offering a walk-in clinic service for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. This service is designed to provide high-quality, quick, and efficient care, ensuring that patients can receive the medical attention they need without needing to call for an appointment.

Important information about Convenience Care at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Northridge:

  • Location: Northridge Clinic, 511 14th Ave NE, Watertown, SD 57201
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Services: Treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, including but not limited to:
    • Colds and flu
    • Minor cuts and abrasions
    • Sprains and strains
    • Allergies and asthma
    • Infections (e.g., ear, sinus, throat, urinary tract)
    • Minor burns and rashes

Dr. Dan Reiffenberger, Chief Medical Officer at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, shared, "We understand that life's minor medical issues often arise unexpectedly and can disrupt your day. With Convenience Care, we aim to provide a reliable and accessible healthcare option for our community, allowing patients to receive prompt care without the hassle of scheduling an appointment or debating on going to the Emergency Room or not."

Patients at Convenience Care can expect:

  • No Appointments Needed: Simply walk in during our operating hours for prompt care.
  • Physician Guided Care: Our team of skilled healthcare professionals is equipped to handle a variety of minor health concerns.
  • Quick, Efficient, High-Quality Service: Designed to get you back to your daily routine as soon as possible with onsite labs and imaging.
  • New Patients Accepted: You do not need to be a previously established patient at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic to visit Convenience Care.

Convenience Care is part of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access and providing high-quality, patient-centered care to the community. Whether you have a busy schedule or need immediate attention to a minor health issue, our Convenience Care clinic is here to serve you.

For more information about Convenience Care and other services offered at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic, please click here or call 605-886-8482.

WATERTOWN, S.D. – May 31, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce Prairie Lakes Dermatology is now offering Mohs Micrographic Surgery, a highly effective and precise procedure for the treatment of skin cancer. This advanced technique provides patients with the highest cure rates for skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

Mohs surgery, performed by Dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Smith, involves the systematic removal and examination of thin layers of cancer-containing skin until only cancer-free tissue remains. With on-site pathology, there is immediate examination that ensures all cancerous cells are removed while sparing the maximum amount of healthy tissue. This leads to smaller scars and better cosmetic outcomes.

Dr. Smith, who is double board certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery, said, "We are dedicated to offering our patients the most advanced and effective treatments available.” He added, "This procedure represents the gold standard in skin cancer treatment, providing unparalleled precision and efficacy. Our goal is to deliver the best care possible close to home right here at Prairie Lakes, and Mohs surgery allows us to achieve just that."

The introduction of Mohs surgery at Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic underscores the commitment to providing state-of-the-art care to our local communities.

For more information about Mohs surgery or to schedule a skin consultation, please contact Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic at 605-882-7777.

Want to view our list of available Dermatology treatments?

Each May, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) members in providing life-altering treatment.

PLHS has three incredible Speech-Language Patholgists: Kirsten Blackwell, Danielle Meyer, and Mariko Oro, who are available to treat disorders that affect speech, language, voice, cognition and swallowing. To learn a bit more about speech pathology and how this form of therapy works to support a patient's continuum of care, we recently sat down with Mariko Oro to hear her perspective. Click the link below to watch her video.

If you or somebody you know is interested in more information, please call Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services at 605-882-7700. Referral is necessary for appointments. 

   

WATERTOWN, S.D. – May 20, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is excited to announce the offering of iovera° treatment, an innovative approach to reducing pain. The iovera° treatment, often referred to as cryotherapy, is a clinically proven, non-opioid, pain management solution that uses the body’s natural response to cold to reduce pain.

Austin Dale, CRNA and Pain Management Specialist at Prairie Lakes Pain Science Center said, “I’m thrilled to offer this innovative treatment to patients in our region.” He added, “We work closely with your orthopedic surgeon to develop a comprehensive plan to manage your pain. With iovera°, we can provide a pain relief option that can be done prior to joint replacement to enhance your recovery.”

Dr. Casey Johnston, Prairie Lakes Orthopedic Surgeon said, “we are excited to add iovera° to the pain relief measures we utilize for our joint replacement patients.  Our team of surgeons at Prairie Lakes Orthopedics have always provided advanced pain management measures with minimally invasive techniques, rapid recovery programs, peripheral nerve blocks, and multimodal pain medication regimes. Cryotherapy with iovera° will be yet another great option to make joint replacement surgery as comfortable as possible.”

The iovera° system uses an innovative process from a targeted cold zone surrounding peripheral nerve tissue to immediately block the nerve from sending pain signals. The system is specifically designed to create a temporary, reversible nerve block. The iovera° treatment does not contain medicine and does not damage or destroy any surrounding tissue. The iovera° treatment is available by referral only.

To find out if the iovera° treatment is right for you, click the blue button below or call Prairie Lakes Orthopedics for a knee pain consultation at 605-882-2630.

Learn more about iovera° here!

Did you know... the Prairie Lakes Laboratory Department offers a variety of lab tests on-site?

These tests are not meant to take the place of regular medical care. Participants are encouraged to share their test results with their healthcare provider. Test expense can not be filed with insurance or Medicare. PLHS Lab will not forward any results to the participant's physician.

Available Tests:

Beta hCG - $15.00

Beta hCG is routinely used to confirm pregnancy. 

Cholesterol - $10.00 Direct Access Lab 2400x1600 2

Cholesterol testing is recommended as a screening test to be done on all adults at least once every five years. It may be ordered alone or with another test called a lipid profile. 

Lipid Panel - $25.00

A full lipid panel is performed if details are needed about your cholesterol levels. This test includes an HDL level, LDL level and triglycerides level. An overnight fast is required for this test.

Glycated Hemoglobin - $15.00

The test screens for A1C, which indicates how well you have controlled your diabetes over the last few months. 

Hemoglobin/Hematocrit - $5.00

This test is used to determine your general health status and to screen for the following:

  • Anemia and infection
  • Nutritional status
  • Exposure to toxic substances

Complete Blood Count (CBC) - $15

A CBC test helps determine general health status and screens for anemias and viral/bacterial infections.

PSA - $35.00

This test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. High PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer. 

TSH - $25.00

A TSH test measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. 

Free T4 - $15

This test is normally used in conjunction with the TSH test to help differentiate between hyper- and hypo- thyroidism.

Urinalysis - $10.00

Urinalysis can be used to reveal diseases that have gone under the radar because they do not produce obvious signs or symptoms. Urine is collected in the lab and tested for an array of disorders, including urinary tract infection, kidney disease and diabetes. 

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - $35

This is a general wellness test that screens for many diseases related to the kidneys, bones, liver, GI tract, and nutrition levels. An overnight fast is required for this test.

Basic Metabolic Panel - $25Direct Access Lab 2400x1600 3

A Basic Metabolic Panel screens for many diseases related to the kidneys and GI tract. An overnight fast is required for this test.

Glucose - $10.00 

Glucose testing can be used to screen healthy individuals for diabetes. Another reason for the screening is a temporary type of diabetes called gestational diabetes, which can develop when a woman is pregnant. An overnight fast is required for this test.

Walk-ins are welcome during business hours Monday through Friday or by appointment. For more information on the Prairie Lakes Direct Lab Access program, please contact the Prairie Lakes Laboratory Department at 605-882-7750.

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 Brown Clinic - Main location from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday, June 3rd

Update: All donors will receive at $10 gift card to Subway!

Ten reasons why you should give blood:

  1. You can save up to 3 lives!
  2. Not everyone is eligible to donate blood. Only 38% of the population can donate, so if you're able, you are a selected minority.
  3. Your body will make new blood. It takes about 24 hours to replace plasma and about 4-6 weeks to replace red blood cells.
  4. Giving blood is not painful. You may feel a slight prick initially but it doesn't last long.
  5. Donating blood burns calories! Your body will burn approximately 650 calories just by donating.
  6. 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. 
  7. It takes only 30 to 40 minutes of your time.
  8. 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.
  9. There is no substitute for human blood. Blood can not be manufactured in any way and it always in high demand.
  10. 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 10:50 a.m. Check-in is in the Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic registration area. 

To schedule your appointment, click the link below and select an available time. You can also call Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222.

  Sign Up Here

Guidelines to Donate:
  • 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.
  • Donors exhibiting COVID, cold or flu symptoms are unable to donate. 
  • Valid identification is required at the time of registration. 
  • It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating blood. Avoid energy drinks.
  • Walk-ins will be accepted, if there is room or a cancellation – staff on event day will manage this process

Download Blood Drive Poster

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 3rd - 7th, 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 $523,000 through over 881 grants.

Deliveries are available in the Watertown area with an order of 6+ roses. To order bundles of roses, schedule a delivery, and purchase decals or yard signs click the link below:

Order Roses Today! 

During Yellow Rose Week, you may purchase individual roses at various local businesses and events:

  • Dairy Queen Grill & Chill on Hwy 212 (SPECIAL: for this week only, pick up a rose and get a FREE Mini-Blizzard)
  • Hy-Vee Floral Department
  • Root Function Wellness
  • Avanti Federal Credit Union
  • Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Gift Shop
  • "Thursday Night Live" on Thursday, June 6th
  • Wishard Insurance
  • Check back soon for a complete list

Yellow Rose Raffle: "Sit in Solitude" Patio Package Sit In Serenity Package

Purchase a ticket for a chance to WIN this incredible package valued at $720! Package includes this beautiful chic egg chair, cozy table-top fire pit, and comfortable yellow throw blanket. Everything you need to sit in peace & solitude as you relax and unwind this summer.

  • Ticket prices: 1x for $10 or 5x for $40
  • All proceeds will go to Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund
  • Tickets can be purchased online or in the Prairie Lakes Gift Shop
  • Winner will be drawn on Friday, June 28th!

"Thank You" to Our Corporate Sponsors

  • First Interstate Bank
  • Gas & Goodies
  • The Wheel Inn
  • Crawford Osthus Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services
    • Special thanks to Chad Osthus for donating this year's water tubes
  • Mount Marty University
  • Edward Jones
  • Van Laecken Orthodontics
  • Holley Graphics, Inc
  • First PREMIER/PREMIER Bankcard
  • Modern Ag - Jason Woods
  • Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, Inc.
  • Dacotah Bank
  • Green Oviatt Law Firm, LLP
  • Gray Construction

A Special Thanks to Hi-Line Capital for donating yellow roses to patients at the Prairie Lakes Hospital year after year!

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.

For more information or to donate to the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation in support of the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund, call Ashlyn at 605-882-7716 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Remember those who have passed, celebrate those who are living, and accept the changes and transitions that are occurring in our own lives.

About this event

This year's "Love Takes Flight" program will include a brief, nondenominational spiritual dedication followed by the release of the butterflies. You will have the opportunity to honor your loved one's name and release a butterfly which symbolizes transformation, love, and hope. 

Date and Time

Thursday, May 22nd at 6:00 p.m.

Location

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Courtyard, 401 9th Ave NW, Watertown, SD 57201

Registration

Early registration is required to ensure we have adequate amount of butterflies for each participant. You may register online by clicking the button below or call 605.882.7714. To help cover the cost of this event, please feel free to donate via the form below or the night of the event. For each gift of $5 participants will receive one butterfly. 

Register for "Love Takes Flight" Today!