Avera Health

💪We are stronger together! 💚 Avera Careflight assisted the Sioux County Sheriff's Office in the search for a missing person in Sioux Center, IA, this week. When the alert was issued, hundreds turned out to help search, including fire department and EMS teams, drone operators, deputies and volunteers who just wanted to lend a hand. Thankfully, the individual was found safe thanks to the support of all involved.

The Benedictine Sisters of Yankton were honored as Yankton's 2023 Citizens of the Year at a recent reception. They were nominated by their community for their lasting and profound contribution to the city of Yankton. The Sisters have been serving the Yankton community for more than 135 years and co-founded Avera with the Presentation Sisters of Aberdeen in 2000.

Flood cleanup at YMCA Leif Ericson Day Camp is in full swing and the camp's nurses and patient care technicians from Avera jumped in to help! They tackled the Nurse's Hut, pulling up carpet, painting, moving furniture and sanitizing. Thankfully, all medical equipment was saved from damage. Their efforts brought relief to the Leif Ericson staff, helping cross one major task off the cleanup checklist. Our team was thrilled to support the camp's recovery.

Avera is pleased to announce a new Avera Cancer Institute site in Yankton that will offer comprehensive oncology services in one location. The current Avera Surgical Hospital will undergo a $16 million renovation this summer. The new institute will offer services that are currently split between two Avera Sacred Heart Hospital locations. The state-of-the-art facility will offer medical oncology, radiation oncology, chemotherapy infusion, clinical research, genetic counseling and other support services at one location. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4cPomp0.

In a health system that spans multiple states, employees come and go over the years. But at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center's Cafe 1325, three women have been a familiar face for decades. Learn why they have dedicated years to serving Avera patients with a smile at https://bit.ly/4cgZWF3.

Avera is pioneering rural health care in the Midwest with innovative solutions to help keep patients close to home as much as possible. Our virtual care options include video chatting with a doctor, extending specialty health services across long miles, virtual nursing, telemedicine and more. Learn more about our commitment to rural medicine at https://lnkd.in/g_ekFEpk.

With severe flooding across the Midwest, many communities and homes have been significantly impacted. Understand how such events affect mental health and find supportive insights from Larry Ling, an Avera Social Worker, at https://bit.ly/4cyvzd4. For immediate assistance, contact Avera’s Farm and Rural Stress Hotline at 800-691-4336 or their 24/7 urgent care line at 605-322-4065.

From all of us at Avera, our thoughts are with all those impacted by the recent flooding. Safety remains our top priority during this challenging time. Here are key safety tips to consider during flood cleanup: ✔️ Stay hydrated in excessive heat. Watch for symptoms and seek help if needed. ✔️ Wear protective gear like gloves and sturdy shoes to avoid injuries. ✔️ Protect open wounds from flood waters to prevent infections. ✔️ Even for minor injuries, getting prompt first aid can prevent complications. ✔️ Seek medical evaluation for serious wounds and consider a tetanus vaccine if necessary. More details: https://bit.ly/3VVwpei

Today might be National Take Your Dog to Work Day, but here at Avera, dogs are often at work! We're thankful for our therapy dogs who bring joy to both patients and staff, creating a supportive environment across our health ministry. 🐶💚

“It was nice to learn from surgery staff who had a lot of experience, who were veterans of the profession. In the Avera OR, we're like a big family. We learn from each other and teach one another, too.” 💚 - Bailey Peterka, CST, surgical tech, Avera Sacred Heart, Yankton (right) If you'd like to work for an organization like this, check out what Avera has to offer at Avera.org/Careers.