[ˈprerē] [strôNG]
ADJECTIVE
Definition: resiliency sustained by a community supporting each other.
Synonyms: 1) tough-team 2) agile-community
Give to the Prairie Strong initiative and show your support for doctors, nurses, and front-line healthcare workers. Donate $10 to the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, and you can send an e-card by email to your friends and family working in healthcare.
To send the e-card, click the DONATE button below to go to PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account you can choose to donate with a debit or credit card. Once you complete the donation, you must click on 'Go back to Prairie Lakes Foundation Website' and you will be redirected to a page you where can select one of two images to send.
Over the last few months, the life we once understood changed dramatically. As the situation with the pandemic frequently changes, we are left searching for a new normal and yearning for some control.
During these times of rapid change, one thing has remained consistent and that is the commitment from Prairie Lakes Healthcare System to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and the communities we serve.
While some employees at other healthcare entities have received pay cuts, been furloughed or laid off, the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors and leadership have kept our employees whole and have been dedicated to keep our patients and the communities we serve safe.
The Prairie Lakes Cares plan ensures staff members receive their wage and benefits. This was especially important when a department’s workload was decreased to safe guard supply last spring. Staff members worked in other areas in the organization and these cross-training opportunities left us well prepared should a surge in COVID patients arise while giving staff members hours.
Coming into my role of the Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation was an easy choice. I feel blessed to be part of a high caliber team that is committed to each other and to the communities we serve.
My role as Foundation Director is to “raise funds for which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown Area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.”
I welcome conversations with Prairie Lakes’ patients, patients’ families, volunteers, employees and physicians to learn how Prairie Lakes has made a positive impact. Share with me how Prairie Lakes affects your life. It is my hope that these stories will cultivate philanthropic success, benefiting Prairie Lakes, its patients and the community.
There is no better time than now, to join me in helping to keep Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, PRAIRIE STRONG.
Lisa Dahl
Executive Director
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation
Phone: 605-882-7631
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
401 9th Avenue NW
Watertown, SD 57201
“I am grateful for the opportunity and to not have to have been in fear of a lay off or furlough.”
Becki, Cath Lab Tech
“It was nice to work with others because it gave me a chance to connect with them and see Prairie Lakes from their perspective. Prairie Lakes cared enough to make sure we would get our hours.”
Jason Hoot, Respiratory Care Practitioner
Generous gifts not only help build Prairie Lakes Healthcare System into what we are today but it helps us provide the support and services which make our community strong. Click the link below make a donation.
Generous gifts not only help build Prairie Lakes Healthcare System into what we are today but it helps us provide the support and services which make our community strong. Please consider donating to one of our funds listed in the drop down box.
All gifts received without a specific designation will be donated into the general fund, to be used in the area of the greatest need.
Once you click the yellow Donate button, this page will open to a PayPal form, you may fill in your credit card information on PayPal to complete the donation. A PayPal account is not required.
For more information contact the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation at 605/882-7631 or send us an email atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
If you are making a donation in memory of someone, please let us know the name of the person your gift is in memory of. You can do this by including the name in the notes section, located under the section titled “write a note” located under the check box asking if you would like your gift to be a monthly donation.
If you would like acknowledgement of you gift to be sent to the family, please also include their name and address in the notes section.
When something doesn’t feel right in your ears, nose, or throat, it can affect everything you do—including sleeping and breathing. Prairie Lakes Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic can provide answers AND relief.
Dr. Dorrity and Dr. Mancell are here to help you regain your quality of life.
Call the clinic today: 855-215-5327
There is a high frequency of sanitation using approved cleaners through-out all facilities.
Please keep six feet from other patients during your time in our facilities. This includes while checking in at registration and time in waiting rooms.
Everyone is screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry. Learn More
This policy is to protect everyone entering our facilities. There are a few exceptions for patients like minors. Learn More
The HydroWorx 2000 Series aquatic therapy pool is a part of Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services. The therapy pool is designed to reduce pain, improve range of motion and enhance rehabilitation outcomes. The pool’s technology and low impact environment benefits patients young and old.
For more information, please call the Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Department at 605-882-7700.
Prairie Lakes offers rehabilitation therapy and services to individuals who have undergone orthopedic surgery or trauma. Whether in the hospital setting, outpatient clinic, or home therapy environment, therapists develop a comprehensive individualized rehabilitation program that assists patients with:
Preoperative instruction is available to all individuals who will be undergoing joint replacement surgery. To ensure a smooth recovery, the therapy staff will discuss equipment needs, home environment issues, the hospital rehabilitation program, and transitional care options for post hospital rehabilitation. Talk to Prairie Lakes Orthopedics to assist you in obtaining an appointment or attend a free Your Total Joint Journey class.
Your Total Joint Journey - Class Dates
After your surgery, physical therapists develop an individualized exercise program which helps you achieve the quickest optimum functional level. Physical therapy services focus on improving gross motor skills such as walking, joint motion, strength, and transfer skills.
To schedule an appointment please call Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services at 605-882-7700.
Your body is stronger than you know. You need a team of therapy and rehab experts dedicated to helping YOU get back to your best. The team at Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services offers a wide range of services including physical therapy, occupational therapy and specialty rehabilitation. Helping you become healthier, happier, stronger.
There is a high frequency of sanitation using approved cleaners through-out all facilities.
Please keep six feet from other patients during your time in our facilities. This includes while checking in at registration and time in waiting rooms.
Everyone is screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry. Expect for your temperature to be taken and to answer a few questions. Learn More
This policy is to protect everyone entering our facilities. There are a few exceptions for patients like minors. Learn More
Join our team and be a part of our mission to deliver accessible, high quality, affordable, and compassionate healthcare.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent, non-profit healthcare system serving northeastern South Dakota and west central Minnesota. We provide care to a rural region around Watertown, SD; our neighbors, friends, and family. Our team at Prairie Lakes makes a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.
And we want you to be a part of the Prairie Lakes family. We're currently searching for registered nurses (cath lab, CCU, dialysis and OR), surgical technicians, and more. Some of these positions qualify for a sign-on bonus. We offer competitive compensation and a hefty benefits package.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is licensed to operate 81 acute care hospital beds including labor and delivery, telemetry, critical care, and general hospital. Hospital services also include a 24-hour emergency department, surgery capabilities, interventional cardiology, and services providing diagnostics and imaging services.
Prairie Lakes also operates Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, Prairie Lakes Mallard Pointe Surgical Center, dialysis units in Sisseton, SD, Watertown, SD and Ortonville, MN, rehabilitation services, and specialty services. Specialty services are a focus of PLHS to bring needed care to the region. These specialties include cardiology, dermatology, ear, nose & throat, general surgery, hospice, home care, nephrology, pulmonology, urology, and wound care.
Read more: Medical Services | Awards | Patient Testimonials
Watertown, SD is a family friendly town with a population of approximately 25,000 people located in northeastern South Dakota. The city has excellent K-12 private and public schools, along with a technical college and branch college campuses. Outdoor recreation is an important part of the community's identity, which is why Watertown has 33 designated parks, two lakes, three golf courses, fitness trails, an outdoor aquatic center, a new wellness center, and the Bramble Park Zoo. Watertown Regional Aiport has daily air service to Denver, CO, and Chicago, IL.
Learn more about Watertown: Watertown Works | City of Watertown website | Northeast South Dakota Tourism
We know that when you’re taken care of, you can take care of our patients and each other. Employees have options for medical, dental, and vision care insurance and employees receive discounts when using Prairie Lakes’ services. Prairie Lakes makes raising your family easier with benefits like adoption assistance, paid bereavement leave, paid-time-off (PTO), and our employee assistance program. Flexible spending accounts are available to let you use pre-tax income to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses and daycare expenses. We encourage staff to look to their future and offer tuition assistance for professional growth and contribute to employees’ 403(b) plans.
Overview of Benefits:
We are proud to serve as a regional healthcare facility. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System fosters a collaborative, community-centric work environment, yet is big enough to advance services with new medical technology and procedures. You have the opportunity to be a part of one of the most advanced independent, rural healthcare systems in the country.
Through our increased safety measures, you can be assured local care is here and ready for you. Our specially trained and dedicated team continues to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients … and work together to remain Prairie Strong.
Team members are specially trained. Personal protective equipment, counter shields, and other protective measures are in place to keep our team - and you - safe.
There is a high frequency of sanitation using approved cleaners through-out all facilities.
Please keep six feet from other patients during your time in our facilities. This includes while checking in at registration and time in waiting rooms.
Everyone is screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entry. Expect for your temperature to be taken and to answer a few questions. Learn More
This policy is to protect everyone entering our facilities. There are a few exceptions for patients like minors. Learn More
Video appointments may be an option. Discuss this opportunity with our team when scheduling your appointment. Learn More
Ten years ago, Mary finished treatment for colon cancer at Prairie Lakes Cancer Center. Compassionate care close to home enabled Mary to maintain some normalcy with work and family through her six months of treatment. Ten years later, she is doing well and wants you to be aware of your own health and wellness.
“Talk to your doctor if something doesn’t feel right. Get specific about your symptoms. If you’re of age, schedule a colonoscopy! Precancerous polyps can be removed early to prevent colon cancer.”
One thing Mary’s learned as a cancer survivor is to never take life for granted. Health is a balance of both physical and emotional health. “Everyone should find one positive thing in their life each day. Many people live through cancer and other hardships – embrace life!”
In 1979 Lloyd Christians started his own company Lloyd’s Heating while raising his family in Watertown. Nowadays he’s thriving at Edgewood as the President of the Membership Council, he organizes activities like card games and writes a weekly newsletter. He loves his family and being creative while woodworking, painting, and writing. Lloyd is a thriving colon cancer survivor. His cancer journey started in 2018, in Lloyd’s words:
“My doctor wanted me to have another colonoscopy and suggested Dr. Schaeffer because he was very good, and he was sure I would like him. I met Dr. Schaeffer before my colonoscopy on September 18, 2018 and was completely confident that he would do a good job.”
“During the procedure Dr. Schaeffer found a mass in my colon, took a biopsy of the mass, and found cancer cells in it. He wanted me to have that mass removed as soon as possible.”
“We had a meeting on September 24th before the surgery. My two daughters and my wife were with me when he explained all that was to take place. We left with a good feeling that Dr. Schaeffer would do the surgery and very confident that it would be successful. My daughter said, “Dad you are so calm”, and I replied that I have no reason to be worried about the surgery. He was recommended by my doctor and we all like the man. October 1st was the date set for the surgery.”
“On that day Dr. Schaeffer came into the prep room before surgery and talked to us stating all was ready to go, so they took me to surgery, and I awoke feeling like nothing had been done. Further tests confirmed my cancer was gone.”
“It was my sixth colonoscopy that detected my colon cancer. By screening regularly we were able to catch the cancer early and prevent it from progressing into a more serious state. Today I feel 100%, and a recent colonoscopy confirmed my colon was clean and gave a good report.”
The American Cancer Society recommends those at average risk for colon cancer to start regular screenings at age 45. A colonoscopy doesn’t take a lot of time, but this simple procedure offers a big payback: peace of mind. In many cases polyps and other suspicious growths can be removed during the colonoscopy to prevent colon cancer.
Quick and easy interview to see if you qualify.
If you qualify for a Direct Access Colonoscopy, a consultation clinic visit is not needed - saving you time and money.