Tuesday, April 16, 2024
BASH 2024 “Labor of Love” Raises Funds for Labor & Delivery Upgrade!
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) 2024, which was held Saturday, April 6th, at the Watertown Event Center, was a huge success. 
Due to the generous support from all our donors, the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation raised more than $99,550.00. All proceeds raised will be used to enhance the Maternal Child Health (Labor & Delivery) Unit into a first-class experience where expectant parents will become VIPs enjoying top-of-the-line amenities, services, and technologies.
BASH is an annual fundraising gala hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers.
With more than 350 reservations, the evening started with a social hour and silent auction, followed by a gourmet meal, program, and live auction, and concluded with the Breaking BoB Band, who entertained the crowd with chart toppers in the country, rock, and pop genres.
Click HERE to Access the Photo Gallery
Thank you to all those who supported and attended this successful event. Construction on the Labor & Delivery floor is scheduled to start in Summer 2024.
To learn more about the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, visit our website or call the foundation office at 605-882-7631.
BASH 2024 Committee members include:
Alison Gilbertson, Ashlyn Lemme, Audra Dornbusch, Barbara Fjeldheim, Caitlin Broek, Elicia Holien, Heather Pearson, Janelle Miller, Jessica Kruse, Kris Munger, Lisa Dahl, Mandi Pugsley, Micki Cordell, Dr. Miranda Pray-Dede, Phyllis Wiles, Sarah Bruning, Shannon Allen, Shantel Ries, Shaun VerDouw, Sherri Brindle, and Trista Dunsmoor.
The mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is, “Healthcare is a vital component of a community’s quality of life. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation exists to raise funds with which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.”
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Friday, April 05, 2024
PLHS Provides Specialty Outreach Services to Surrounding Communities
Providing exceptional patient care, each and every day in each and every interaction, is our mission at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
We like to make receiving that care as convenient as possible for our patients in outlying areas. To that end, Prairie Lakes provides outreach throughout northeastern South Dakota and northwestern Minnesota providing several of our most needed services to patients living in those areas.
Medical Oncology:
- Dawson, MN – Dr. Rao
- Madison, MN – Dr. Rao
- Milbank – Dr. Amin
- Webster – Dr. Amin
- Sisseton – Dr. Amin
- Montevideo, MN – Dr. Rao
Nephrology:
- Ortonville, MN – Dr. Melanson and Stefanie Roby, PA-C or Chelsey Sundberg, CNP
- Sisseton – Dr. Melanson and Stefanie Roby, PA-C or Chelsey Sundberg, CNP
- Huron – Dr. Melanson and Stefanie Roby, PA-C or Chelsey Sundberg, CNP
Dermatology:
- Milbank – Dr. Jeffrey Smith
- Huron – Dr. Smith or Abby Gietzen, PA-C (rotate every other month)
- Brookings – Abby Gietzen, PA-C
- Aberdeen – Dr. Smith or Dave Feist, PA-C (rotate every other month)
Urology:
- Milbank – Dr. Maxwell or Joe Bretschneider, PA-C (rotate every month)
Cardiology:
- Dawson, MN - Jacklyn Karli, DNP
General Surgery:
- Ortonville, MN – Dr. Schaeffer & Dr. Gerrish
- Milbank - Dr. Schaeffer
Orthopedics:
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Madison, MN – Dr. Vener
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Milbank – Dr. Rieber
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Ortonville, MN – Dr. Johnston and Dr. Vener (rotate)
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Sisseton – Dr. Rieber and Dr. Johnston (rotate)
Podiatry:
- Milbank, SD – Scott Torness, DPM
- Ortonville, MN – Scott Torness, DPM
- Madison, SD – Eric Woolley, DPM
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Tuesday, April 02, 2024
Director of ER Chosen for Codington County Team Participating in "Reaching Rural"
Monica Everson, Director of Emergency Medicine, has been selected among six Watertown community members to participate in Reaching Rural.
The Reaching Rural: Advancing Collaborative Solutions campaign was developed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP). This highly selective group is comprised of only 10 teams and 13 individuals across the country. 
Other Watertown members chosen are: Judge Carmen Means, Circuit Court Judge, 3rd Judicial Court; Kari Johnston, Executive Director, Human Service Agency; Alexis Buysse, Mental Health Officer, Watertown Police Department; Sara Foust, Director, Codington County Community Services; and Stacy Hendricks, Executive Director, Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars.
The team will be able to develop innovative solutions to substance use and misuse issues for individuals and the community. During this year-long collaborative project, they will work closely with sought-after rural justice experts and national organizations, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and some of the best and brightest rural justice leaders to bring solutions back home.
Thank you Monica for stepping up on behalf of PLHS to support our community!
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Tuesday, April 02, 2024
Primary Care Recognized for Patient-Centered Medical Home Achievement
Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic has been recognized by the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program for the past 8 years and again for 2024!
Organizations that are recognized by the PCMH program are found to have a better patient experience, better managed chronic conditions, improved care coordination, improved staff satisfaction, lower health care costs, and align with state and federal initiatives. This is a yearly submission of reports/data and recognition of Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic. The PCMH model has positive effects on quality care and holds our organization accountable to maintaining best practice and evidence-based guidelines with the patient at the forefront.
To qualify for PCMH recognition, the practice must meet a minimum number of requirements in six areas including:
- Patient-Centered Access
- Team-Based Care
- Population Health Management
- Care Management
- Care Coordination and Care Transitions
- Performance Measurement and Quality Improvement
Practices must submit supporting data and documentation to fulfill the requirements of each quality category.
What does this recognition mean to patients?
- Patients who receive their care in PCMH organizations tend to receive preventative services and screenings at higher rates to help keep them healthy, reduce the risk of disease, and improve quality of life. Clinics with a PCMH model and focus provide exemplary communication to their patients and their families/caregivers along with a priority to optimizing patient access to clinicians and care coordination. Research shows that patients receiving care with a PCMH provider have better managed chronic conditions and a superior patient experience.
What does this recognition mean to staff?
- Organizations with a Patient Centered Medical Home model have been shown to result in higher staff satisfaction as they are able to streamline processes and allow staff to work in their highest scope of practice. Working within a practice that is upheld to PCMH standards ensures the highest level of care, strong infrastructure, and robust quality improvement initiatives.
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Monday, April 01, 2024
North Central Heart Providing Vascular Services in Watertown
North Central Heart - a Division of Avera Heart Hospital will be providing Vascular and Electrophysiology Services to area patients at Prairie Lakes Outreach Clinic.
Dr. Mark Fleming and Dr. Dustin Weiss will be in the Vascular Outreach Clinic at Prairie Lakes every Tuesday and Thursday. The Outreach Clinic is located on the second floor of Prairie Lakes Hospital.
Dr. Fleming and Dr. Weiss specialize in vascular surgery to address varicose & spider veins, narrowing of the arteries, wound concerns, blood clot/blood flow issues, dialysis access conditions, and more. In addition to seeing patients in the outreach clinic, they will perform procedures in the OR/Cath Lab and provide consults for wound care patients.
Dr. Paul Olson will provide Electrophysiology services to patients in the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic. He will be in Watertown the 4th Monday of each month. Dr. Olson will consult cardiology patients for cardiac devices and more complex heart rhythm issues. Patients seeing Dr. Olson will check in at the Specialty Clinic front desk.
To learn more, please call North Central Heart directly at 605-977-5000.
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Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Take the Northeast SD Community Health Survey Today!
As we strive to meet the health needs of our communities, receiving input from our residents is vital. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Human Service Agency have partnered to conduct a community health survey open to all residents in Watertown and the surrounding communities.
This survey is designed to gather valuable insights into the health needs and concerns of our diverse community. By participating in the survey, you contribute to shaping the initiatives and programs that ensure our community's health services align with the real needs of its residents.
Your responses will be kept confidential, and the information gathered will only be used for the purpose of improving community health services. The more voices we have, the better we can tailor our efforts to meet the unique needs of each individual and group within our community.
We appreciate your time and commitment to the well-being of our communities. Your perspective matters, and together, we can build a healthier and more resilient community for everyone!
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Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Prairie Lakes Welcomes New Director of Surgical Services
WATERTOWN, S.D. – March 26, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is pleased to welcome Jason Zukosky as the new Director of Surgical Services. He oversees the surgery team and surgical services which include pre-operative, anesthesiology, post-operative, and operating room.
Zukosky comes to Prairie Lakes with 12 years of experience in the medical field with the last 4 of those years in surgical leadership roles. He started in the healthcare industry by selling specialized lasers and equipment to surgical units. He enjoyed the hospital environment so much that he went to school and got his bachelor’s degree in nursing and later went on to get his master’s degree in health care management. Zukosky was most recently the Director of Surgical Services for Northwest Medical Center in Tucson, AZ.
Zukosky grew up in Detroit, MI. He has spent most of his career in Colorado where he was also a ski instructor, but recently moved to Watertown to pursue this new surgical services role.
In his spare time, Zukosky enjoys DIY projects, restoring cars, skiing, and playing with his dog.
"I'm excited to get to know the community of Watertown and join the Prairie Lakes family. I look forward to leading the Surgical Services team, ensuring the highest quality care and outcomes for every individual we serve."
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Friday, March 15, 2024
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Earns National Recognition as Top Rural and Community Hospital
WATERTOWN, S.D. – March 15, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) has once again been recognized as one of the Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals in the nation by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), for the seventh time since its inception eight years ago. In addition to this recognition, PLHS holds a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital designation, a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and received an achievement award in 2023 for outstanding care provided to heart attack patients.
“Being recognized on a national scale for our dedication to excellence in healthcare is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire team delivering exceptional care to our community every day,” said John Allen, Prairie Lakes CEO. “This accolade reaffirms our mission of making a positive difference in the health of our patients and communities we serve. We are grateful for the trust and support of our patients, staff, and partners that all play a part in our high quality of care with positive outcomes.”
The NRHA announced the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospitals are identified using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural PPS hospital performance. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will be recognized on May 9th during NRHA’s Rural Hospital Innovation Summit in New Orleans, LA.
About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Located in Watertown, S.D., Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent healthcare organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. The system is focused on meeting the needs of the rural region with a mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities they serve. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers exceptional care every day in 30 medical specialties/services with over 800 physicians, caregivers, and professionals on staff to serve their communities.
About NRHA
NRHA is a nonprofit organization working to improve the health and well-being of rural Americans and provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research. NRHA’s membership consists of diverse individuals and organizations, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health.
About the Chartis Group
Chartis is a comprehensive health care advisory firm dedicated to helping clients build a healthier world. Work is facilitated across the health care continuum with more than 600 clients annually, including providers, payers, health services organizations, technology and retail companies, and investors. Through times of change, challenge, and opportunity, Chartis advises the industry on how to navigate disruption, pursue growth, achieve financial sustainability, unleash technology, improve care models and operations, enhance clinical quality and safety, and advance health equity. Teams convened bring deep industry expertise and industry leading innovation, enabling clients to achieve transformational results and create positive societal impact. For more information, visit www.chartis.com.
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Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Phone Issues - March 13
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is experiencing phone issues and is working promptly to resolve them. If you need to reach the hospital, please dial 605-882-7000.
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Monday, March 11, 2024
BASH 2024 - Labor of Love Event
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is excited to announce BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) 2024 will be held on Saturday, April 6th at the Watertown Event Center. BASH is an annual fundraising gala hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers.
About BASH 2024
BASH 2024 "Labor of Love" aims to raise funds to transform our Maternal Child Health Unit into a class-leading experience. Expectant parents will become VIPs- enjoying top-of-the-line amenities, services, and technology.
About 600 babies are welcomed into the world at Prairie Lakes Hospital each year. We specialize in making the birthing experience happy and memorable for everyone involved. Currently, our Maternal Child Health all-in-one birthing suites are specially equipped to accommodate the entire labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum (LDRP) process. This creates a relaxed atmosphere where parents can welcome their new child in a comfortable setting.
All proceeds raised from BASH 2024 "Labor of Love" will be used to provide even more amenities to create this state-of-the-art, 5-star experience for our expectant VIPs.
Event Details
- 5:30 pm: Social Hour and Silent Auction
7:00 pm: Gourmet Dinner-
7:45 pm: Program and Live Auction
- 8:30 pm: Entertainment Featuring "Breaking BoB" - a band that plays a wide variety of hits, including chart-toppers in the Country, Rock, and Pop genres.
Buy Tickets and Support the Cause
- Ticket sales have now ended
- Support the cause by participating in the Silent Auction
- Visit GalaBid
- Click on the 'Register' button
- Follow the instructions to complete registration
- Silent Auction will close at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 6th
Sponsorships
Corporate sponsorships are appreciated as the Foundation works to cover the cost of the event so all dollars raised are allocated towards the cause. Sponsorship inquiries may be made by calling the foundation office at 605-882-7631 or emailingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other exciting event details.
Donate to Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation Causes
The mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is, “Healthcare is a vital component of a community’s quality of life. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation exists to raise funds with which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.”
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Monday, March 11, 2024
Registered Dietitian Day is March 13th
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day is March 13!
At Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, we'd like to celebrate by showcasing our team of Registered Dietitians and thank them for helping our patients and community live healthier lives through nutrition.
What is an RDN?
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts with a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program and who completed a supervised practice requirement, passed a national exam and continue professional development throughout their careers. 
Recently, our Registered Dietitians were in the PLHS Café offering employees and visitors education on the amount of sugar in our favorite beverages. They also included a short written quiz that covered basic nutritional concepts.
Anybody that completed the quiz was included in a drawing to win a Sodexo prize pack. Linda J. from Sodexo's Environmental Services Team (pictured below) won the drawing. Special recognition also goes to Penny B. for getting the most trivia questions right with 4 out of 5 guessed correctly.
Download a Copy of the Nutrition Quiz Answer Key
Tips to aim for better health:
- As a family, commit to trying a new fruit or vegetable each week during National Nutrition Month®.
- Give family members a role in meal planning and let them pick out different recipes to try.
- Plan to eat more meals together as a family during National Nutrition Month®.
- Explore food recovery options in your community.
- If you watch TV, take breaks during commercials to be physically active.
- Practice mindful eating by limiting screen time at mealtime — including phones, computers, TV and other devices.
- Try more meatless meals — choices like beans and lentils are versatile plant-based protein sources that work in a variety of dishes.
- Let everyone help with food preparation — a skill for people of all ages. If you have kids, there are age-appropriate tasks they may enjoy learning how to do.
- Bring out the flavors of food by trying new herbs, spices or citrus fruit such as lemon or lime.
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Thursday, March 07, 2024
Prairie Lakes Continues to Warn Public of Scam Calls
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is receiving reports about scammers calling and texting people in the Watertown area claiming to be from Prairie Lakes while asking for personal information. The calls and texts are showing up on Caller ID with local area codes.
It is important to know that Prairie Lakes does NOT ask for personal information such as full social security number, insurance information, and/or Medicare ID number over the phone or through text message.
If you receive a call or text that is unexpected or the person on the line is asking for personal information, you should simply hang up or delete the text message and call your provider to verify. It is not recommended to share personal information over the phone or through text messaging.
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Tuesday, March 05, 2024
Registration Now Open for Spring Grief Support Group Starting April 9
The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Grief Support Group will begin a new six-week session on Tuesday, April 9th.
Our support group offers an opportunity for those that have lost a loved one to find comfort, support, and hope. We provide a safe environment to learn about the process of grief, meet others who are dealing with losses, and share stories of your loved one. Grieving is always less painful when you know you aren’t alone.
Informal presentations from 'Understanding Your Grief' by Alan Wolfelt are used to support those grieving and offer hope as we journey forward.
The Spring session will be offered from April 9th through May 14th. An additional session will be offered in the fall running from October 1st to November 5th. Each group meeting will run from 4:30 - 6:00 pm in the Specialty Clinic Conference Room.
The grief support group meetings are open to the community and are free of charge, but registration is required. Please RSVP here or by calling 605-882-7714.
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Friday, March 01, 2024
Spring Explore Camp Registration is Now Open
Explore Camp is back for a second time this school year due to last Fall’s overwhelming response! This day of exploration is for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who were unable to attend last fall’s Explore Camp and are curious about the healthcare industry and want to learn more. The first half of the camp will feature patient treatment processes in different departments of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System along with a tour. The second half of the camp will take place at Lake Area Technical College with a provided lunch and tour. The camp is limited to 60 students.
- Date: April 24, 2024
- Time: 9am - 2pm
The camp is limited to 60 students.
Please send this link to anyone you know who may be interested.
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