Friday, March 01, 2024
Prairie Lakes Hosted Another Successful Ladies Night Out!
Last Friday, February 23rd, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System held our largest community event of the year - Ladies Night Out 2024 - at the Watertown Event Center.
We welcomed over 325 attendees to connect with our healthcare providers and care teams. Ladies had their questions answered and learned about new services and resources available to them. Our guests also enjoyed appetizers, door prizes, and promotional giveaways. Our first-ever Prairie Lakes Provider Panel was also very well received!
One of the most popular areas of our event is always the recipe samping from Sodexo. This year, our Nutritional Services team offered three healthy and delicious recipes and provided recipe cards for attendees to take home. To access each of those recipes, click the links below:
We would like to thank the following for helping us create such a successful event:
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- Our Doctors & Providers for providing such relevant, timely, and useful information in their break-out sessions
- Lindsey Barthel, DNP - Primary Care
- Joe Bretschneider, PA-C - Urology Clinic
- Abby Brown, PharmD - Pharmacy
- Haley Ellis, CNP - Pulmonology
- Kari Fleming, PA-C - General Surgery Clinic
- Dr. Greg Gerrish - General Surgery Clinic
- Abby Gietzen, PA-C - Dermatology
- Todd Hodenfield, DPT - Rehabilitation Services
- Rachel Leiseth, PA-C - Ear Nose & Throat Clinic
- Stefanie Roby, PA-C - Nephrology Clinic
- Dr. Eric Woolley - Podiatry
- Our Doctors & Providers for providing such relevant, timely, and useful information in their break-out sessions
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- Our Prairie Lakes Provider Panel participants:
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- Staff volunteers from 29 various departments within Prairie Lakes Healthcare System - 110 total volunteers were in attendance!
We have already begun making plans for 2025 - we look forward to seeing you there!
Published in
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Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Blood Mobile is Pulling into Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic on March 13
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 Wednesday, March 13th.
Update: All donors will receive a $10 Dairy Queen gift certificate!
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 10:50 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.
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, 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, February 22, 2024
Hospice Patient's Family Donates Engraved Stethoscopes to Hospice Team
The family of hospice patient, Ardyce Gackstetter who recently passed away, donated twenty Littmann Stethoscopes to the Prairie Lakes Hospice team.
Gary Gackstetter, the oldest of his siblings, along with his wife Jeanne drove up from Sioux Falls to deliver the donation and personally thank the Hospice staff. Jeanne is a retired nurse and understands the importance of a good stethoscope in a nurse’s day-to-day life as they care for their patients.
With their mother's passing, the four Gackstetter siblings were looking for a unique way to show their appreciation to the team of hospice nurses who cared for their mother in her final months. They included a lovely letter, noting, “We wanted you to know that we genuinely appreciated all the kindness and excellent care provided by the Prairie Lakes Hospice Team.”
Each stethoscope is engraved with “Thx Hospice ♥ Ardy G.” The family’s hope was that the heart would signify their mother’s “big-hearted spirit” living on in the “impressive care you provide all your patients.”
Gary’s siblings include Wendy, Tim, and Todd Gackstetter. Each of them currently resides in the Sioux Falls area.
Published in
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Thursday, February 22, 2024
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Earns Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital Award 2024
WATERTOWN, S.D. – February 23, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) has been recognized as a 2024 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™. PLHS has received this award every year since it was introduced in 2016.
“The designation of being a top rural and community hospital validates the exceptional care and commitment Prairie Lakes provides to the communities we serve,” said John Allen, Chief Executive Officer at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. “Being one of six South Dakota hospitals to receive this award gives great perspective to the dedicated efforts our employees and medical staff deliver every day.”
“During an era of profound uncertainty for rural healthcare, the Top 100 rural hospitals continue to provide a unique lens through which we can identify innovation and inspiration for how to deliver high-quality care to increasingly vulnerable populations,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We’re delighted to be able to recognize all this year’s Top 100 but especially the more than 40 first-time recipients across both categories. It’s wonderful to see so many new facilities join the ranks of our Top 100 alumni.”
Now in its 14th year, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Featuring a methodology utilizing publicly available data, the INDEX is leveraged nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.
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 region with a mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities they serve. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers close to 30 medical services/specialties with over 800 professionals, physicians, and caregivers on staff to serve their rural communities.
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Wednesday, February 21, 2024
High School "Explore Camp" Set for April 2024
Save the Date for "Explore Camp" hosted in part by PLHS!
Last semester's Explore Camp was so popular, that we're bringing it back to allow more students to attend!
On April 24, local high school Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who are curious about a career in healthcare will have the opportunity to "explore" the programs and services provided by PLHS.
The first half of the day will include tours of the PLHS campus along with extended visits to various departments to learn about patient treatment processes within that specialty. These patient case simulations will take place in Radiology, ER, Lab, Rehab Services, MSP, Home Health, CCU, and Surgical Services. Ideally, this experience will highlight healthcare careers these students may not have ever heard of before. The students will then go to Lake Area Technical College for lunch and additional education.
The goal of Explore Camp is to introduce various career opportunities to students in Watertown and surrounding communities that exist within the medical field and increase interest around the healthcare industry in general.
Registration will open on Friday, March 1st and will be limited to 60 participants. https://buff.ly/3vyTiaB
This program is sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Health, Scrubs Camp, LATC and PLHS.
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Monday, February 19, 2024
Keeping Hope Alive - Prairie Lakes Cardiology
Prairie Lakes Cardiology is running a campaign to bring awareness to the comprehensive cardiology services we have available right here in Watertown.
Keeping Hope Alive
We hope you never have to face heart complications or conditions like heart failure, vascular disease, or heart disease. But if you do, Prairie Lakes Cardiology is right here to ensure you receive the most advanced care and ongoing support that keeps hope alive.
Learn More: www.prairielakes.com/cardiologyhope
Published in
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Monday, February 12, 2024
Prairie Lakes Warns Community of Scam Calls
WATERTOWN, S.D. – February 12, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System warns patients and nonpatients of a calling scam in which someone who claims to be calling on behalf of Prairie Lakes, Medicare, or a credit card company is asking for personal information.
The call appears to show up on Caller ID as “Brown Clinic” with local phone number prefixes. It is important to know that Prairie Lakes does not ask for personal information over the phone such as your full social security number or Medicare ID number. If you receive a call that is unexpected or the person on the line is asking for personal information, simply hang up and call your provider to verify. Do not share personal information.
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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 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.
Published in
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Friday, February 02, 2024
Prairie Lakes to Host Blood Drive on February 27th
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 Tuesday, February 27th.
Update: All donors will receive a $10 Hy-Vee gift card!
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:
-
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
Published in
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Monday, January 29, 2024
Heart Month Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Heart?
February is American Heart Month, a time when all people—especially women—are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. 
Kahley Meyer, PA-C; Travis Erickson, DNP; Dr. Richard Howard; Dr. Ravi Kalaga; Jacklyn Karli, DNP
Women in the United States are experiencing unacceptable and avoidable heart-related illness and death, and nearly half of U.S. women do not recognize that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.
The Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic created a quick quiz to test how well you know your heart facts. Click the link below to take our short quiz and be automatically entered to win a Prairie Lakes Prize Pack! Winners will be announced in early March.
Good Luck!
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Monday, January 29, 2024
Hear From Dermatology on KXLG Mondays this Winter
Join Dr. Jeffrey Smith and Dave Feist, PA-C from the Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic on KXLG Monday mornings at 7:25 am and hear about medical trends, updates, and common concerns in Dermatology.
You can hear either of them live on February 5th, 12th, and 19th.
Listen in this Monday morning and let us know what you think by sending comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Friday, January 26, 2024
Hear From Prairie Lakes Providers at the 79th Annual Winter Farm Show
The 79th Annual Watertown Winter Farm Show is taking place at the Codington County Extension Office and Fieldhouse Wednesday, February 7th through Saturday, February 10th. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is excited to once again participate in educational sessions led by our providers.
Class Schedule
Thursday, Febraury 8th
11:00 a.m.: "Men's Prostate Health" by Joe Bretschneider, PA-C: Urology Clinic (Classroom A)
12:00 p.m.: "Exercise for the Health of It" by Dr. Reiffenberger, Primary Care (Classroom A)
1:00 p.m.: "Stop the Bleed!" by Monica Everson, Director or Emergency Services (Classroom A)
Friday, February 9th
11:00 a.m.: "Farmer's Lung" by Dr. Senne, Pulmonologist (Classroom C)
12:00 p.m.: "Skin Safety & Annual Screenings" by Dr. Smith, Dermatologist (Classroom C)
1:00 p.m.: "Acid Reflux Relief" by Dr. Schaeffer, General Surgeon (Classroom C)
In addition, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will have a booth in the Fieldhouse which is open daily from 9 am -4 pm! We are offering free blood pressures, providers and services information, and more.
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Thursday, January 18, 2024
Register Today for Ladies Night Out 2024 Featured
Join Prairie Lakes Healthcare System on Friday, February 23rd for our Ladies Night Out event at the Watertown Event Center!
Attendees will be able to visit with 29 of our patient care departments to gather information, enjoy interactive games, and pick up various treats and promotional items. Providers will be on hand throughout the event to connect with our community members, answer questions, and provide education on medical trends, concerns, or advancement in their area of expertise.
Our event will also provide a series of small-group educational seminars covering a broad range of topics from menopause, to gut health, to pain science, to the importance of sleep, and more.
Breakout Session Schedule:
- 4:30 pm - 4:50 pm
- "Strategies for Managing Menopause" by Lindsey Barthel, DNP (Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic)
- "Chronic Rhinitis" by Rachel Leiseth, PA (Prairie Lakes ENT Clinic)
- "Sleep Hygiene" by Todd Hodenfield, DPT (Rehabilitation Services)
- "Pain is Weird" by Eric Fjeldheim, DPT (Rehabilitation Services)
- 5:00 pm - 5:20 pm
- "Foot Health" by Dr. Eric Woolley (Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic)
- "Sleep Hygiene" by Todd Hodenfield, DPT (Rehabilitation Services)
- "Rectal Cancer" by Dr. Greg Gerrish (Prairie Lakes General Surgery Clinic)
- "Chronic Kidney Disease" by Stefanie Roby, PA (Prairie Lakes Nephrology Clinic)
- 5:30 pm - 5:50 pm
- "Gut Health" by Kari Fleming, PA (Prairie Lakes General Surgery Clinic)
- "Pain is Weird" by Eric Fjeldheim, DPT (Rehabilitation Services)
- "Urinary Incontinence" by Joe Bretschneider, PA-C (Prairie Lakes Urology Clinic)
- "Smoking Cessation" by Haley Ellis, CNP (Prairie Lakes Pulmonology Clinic)
- 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm
- "Skin Concerns" by Abby Gietzen, PA (Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic)
- "Narcan Demonstration - Opioid Overdose Remedy" by Abby Brown (Pharmacy)
- "Strategies for Managing Menopause" by Lindsey Barthel, DNP (Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic)
- "Foot Health" by Dr. Eric Woolley (Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic)
Locations for each breakout will be provided in the event program distributed at the registration desk.
Prairie Lakes Provider Panel:
The featured message is "Live Well, Be Well" and will be delivered through our first-ever Prairie Lakes Provider Panel. Four of our providers will come together on one stage to discuss healthcare trends and topics as well as answer questions submitted by attendees. Upon registration, each attendee will have the option to include a question or concern they would like our panel to cover.
Prairie Lakes Provider Panel Participants:
- Dr. Dan Reiffenberger, Primary Care Physician & Chief Medical Officer
- Dr. Mian Javaid, Internal Medicine Hospitalist
- Eric Fjeldheim, Pain Specialist & Physical Therapist
- Megan Block, Registered Dietitian
Event Details
Schedule of Events:
- 4:00 pm - Doors Open
- 4:30 - 6:30 pm - Educational Break-out Sessions and Interactive Booths
- 4:30 - 6:30 pm - Light Appetizers Served in the Grand Ballroom
- 6:50 pm - Program Begins with Light Stretching & Warm-Up from Prairie Lakes Rehab
- 7:00 pm - Prairie Lakes Provider Panel "Live Well, Be Well"
- 8:00 pm - Door prizes announced and close of the event
The first 400 adults to RSVP by Friday, February 9th will receive a complimentary welcome gift!
In addition, just by signing up for Ladies Night Out 2024, you will be entered to win a chance for a stylish, designer bag! You must be present at the end of the event to win- the prize will not be mailed.
NOTE: By registering for Ladies Night Out 2024, you give us permission to use any photographs we may capture of you for our own marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the registration desk know upon check-in.
Published in
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Wednesday, January 17, 2024
BASH 2024 Registration is Now Open!
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
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7:00 pm: Gourmet Dinner
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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 Prices:
- Single Ticket: $75
- Platinum Reserved Table for 8: $750
- Includes one complimentary drink per guest and additional surprises
- Reserved seating & gourmet dinner for 8
- Black Diamond VIP Table for 8: $1,000
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- Includes two complimentary drinks per guest and several additional surprises
- Reserved premium seating & gourmet dinner for 8
- Black Diamond VIP Table for 10: $1,250
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- Same as above, but seating for 10
Reservations are required for BASH and may be made online at EventBrite or by calling the Prairie Lakes Foundation office at 605-882-7631.
Deadline to purchase BASH tickets will be Friday, March 8th.
Reserve Your Seat at BASH 2024
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.
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.”
Published in
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Friday, January 12, 2024
Prairie Lakes Announces New Director of Supply Chain
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) announces Michael Moore as the new Director of Supply Chain. His responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and supervising the delivery of supply chain products and services provided by the Materials Management department. Moore has been serving as the Interim Director of Materials Management since October 2023.
Moore comes to Prairie Lakes with 25 years of experience in the supply chain industry and the last 15 years as a supply chain director in the healthcare industry. He was most recently the Supply Chain Director at several LifePoint Health facilities in Arkansas.
Moore calls Arkansas home where he graduated from High School and earned his business administration degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. He is a dad to four children, ages 16-29, and in his spare time he enjoys reading, riding his bicycle, hunting, and playing a little golf.
"I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be here at Prairie Lakes. It has already been a great experience getting to know the amazing people and seeing the great teamwork everyone is putting in to making this community healthier and a better place to live. I’m excited to be a permanent part of the amazing PLHS team.”
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