Thursday, September 29, 2022
2022 Infant Loss Remembrance Gift
Infant loss is an unfortunate reality for many expectant parents as they look to grow their families. Miscarriage and stillbirth are both terms describing pregnancy loss. Miscarriage is defined as a loss before 20 weeks of pregnancy, while stillbirth is considered to be 20 weeks of gestation or later. According to the CDC, About 1 pregnancy in 100 at 20 weeks of pregnancy and later is affected by stillbirth, and each year about 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System would like to offer a token of remembrance for your loss- we are so sorry for the loss you have experienced. If you live in the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System service area and have experienced a pregnancy loss at any stage, we invite you to register to sign up to receive a remembrance gift.
Register For Infant Loss Remembrance Gift
Registration closes on October 10th. Your gift will then be sent to you in the mail.
Please feel free to reach out to our Infant Loss Coordinators at 605-882-7628 if you have concerns, questions, or need further resources.
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Thursday, September 15, 2022
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Dr. Aaron Pickrel to Hospitalist Team
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Dr. Aaron Pickrel to our team of hospitalists who manage the medical care for patients who are hospitalized at Prairie Lakes. Our Hospitalists are medical doctors with expertise in internal medicine and family practice.
Dr. Pickrel grew up in Watertown and is returning to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System where he was a Telemetry Technician from 2013 – 2015. He received his medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, South Carolina and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. During his time in school, he was involved with the Abbott Northwestern IM Residency Council, Student American Academy of Osteopathy, and was on the SDSU Wrestling team during Undergrad. In his free time, Dr. Pickrel enjoys spending time at Lake Kampeska with family and friends, hunting, and fishing in the area.
“I am happy to be back in Watertown where I grew up,” said Dr. Pickrel. “I look forward to giving back and giving care to the community that has always supported me.”
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Thursday, September 08, 2022
Meet Tracy DeGraaf, our Celebrating Life 2022 Keynote Speaker
Tracy DeGraaf is this year's keynote of Celebrating Life 2022 and she promises to deliver an evening of fun, laughs, connection, and community.
Rebellious Magazine said DeGraaf has the “presence of a motivational speaker and the uplifting message of a preacher. Her everyday experiences resonate with fans who can be seen nodding along with punchline after punchline." As a Christian and a breast cancer survivor, DeGraaf uses her platform to inspire women spiritually and motivate them to schedule their breast cancer screenings.
She likes to tell women “I want you to know Jesus, but I don’t want you to meet Him face-to-face just yet.”
DeGraaf pulls material from her experiences as a wife, mother of five sons and middle-aged woman. She is the author of Laugh Anyway Mom and was trained for comedy at The Second City in Chicago. She is happily married to her husband, Ron (a.k.a. Muffin) since 1989 and they live in the Chicago area with their remaining Mini-muffins. She is a member of the Christian Comedy Association and travels nationwide.
If you'd like to listen to a sample of her comedy and story-telling style, check out her podcast "Life Happens, Laugh Anyway" here.
We hope to see you at the free Celebrating Life 2022 event on Thursday, October 13th at 2nd Street Station. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Celebrating Life is a free event PLHS offers to the Watertown community in partnership with the Watertown Breast Cancer Support Group to create an opportunity for breast cancer survivors, women still in their journey, and their loved ones to come together to connect and support each other.
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Thursday, September 08, 2022
Prairie Lakes Approved as Naming Rights Sponsor for Ice Arena
Prairie Lakes held a special announcement event for employees and staff on Wednesday, September 7th to announce that Prairie Lakes will be the Naming Rights sponsor of the new ice arena being constructed in Watertown. It will be named the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena. Later that day, the City of Watertown publicly revealed the Naming Rights at the groundbreaking event.
“This sponsorship supports the Prairie Lakes mission and vision of leading a healthy and active community,” said Robb Peterson, Board Chairman at Prairie Lakes. “The Ice Arena will provide many positive opportunities for improved well-being of the community as a whole for years to come.”
As part of the community benefit requirements to maintain tax exempt status as a not-for-profit organization, Prairie Lakes has a responsibility to the community to support health, wellness, and active lifestyles for the overall well-being of the population we serve.
"This is a great partnership between the City of Watertown and Prairie Lakes. The Ice Arena is part of our commitment in helping to provide the people in the community with a positive quality of life and new opportunities," said Paul Macek, Interim CEO at Prairie Lakes. “We are proud to support the Watertown community and appreciate the support the community and surrounding communities provide to our growing health care system.”
The arena will be located in the Willow Creek development on the east side of Watertown. The arena will have two NHL-sized sheets of ice with the building design fitted for a potential expansion to house a third sheet of ice. The spectator capacity is 1,523 for the main rink and 250 for the practice ice. There will also be spaces to rent out for events, conferences, and parties.
The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors agreed to finalize the naming rights agreement for the Ice Arena for $3.5 million for a term of 35 years with an additional $1 million community benefit donation. The funds will be used by the City to support capital costs of the arena. Prairie Lakes will receive sponsorship benefits. An agreement was also approved for Prairie Lakes to be the official "Orthopedic and Sports Medicine" sponsor of the Ice Arena.
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Thursday, September 01, 2022
Join us for the 8th Annual Celebrating Life Event
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is happy to join the Watertown Breast Cancer Support Group to host the 8th Annual Celebrating Life awareness event on Thursday, October 13, 2022. This free event was created to provide an evening to come together to support, encourage, and comfort each other while also "celebrating life" for those that have had breast cancer touch their lives. After two years, this year's event will once again be held in person at 2nd Street Station at 15 2nd Street SW in Watertown.
5:30 p.m.: Doors Open
Cash bar & Complimentary Supper
6:30 p.m.: Welcome
7:00 p.m.: Keynote Address “Life Happens, Laugh Anyway” by Tracy DeGraaf
Referred to as one of Chicago’s best clean female comedians and speakers, Tracy DeGraaf has made a name for herself with her one-woman comedy show “Life Happens Laugh Anyway.” Her inspirational comedy event combines two of her passions: Christianity and breast cancer awareness.
8:00 p.m.: Close of Event
Door Prize Winners Announced
Early Registration Incentive: Register before 5:00 p.m. on October 5th and be automatically entered to win this adorable Vera Bradly cross-body sling backpack.
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Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Prairie Lakes Updates Mask Requirements
Following review and consideration, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Leadership has approved a change in mask requirements in all Prairie Lakes Facilities.
Effective September 1, 2022, the following shall apply:
- Masks are required if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 10 days
- Masks are required if you have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 10 days
- Masks are required if you have any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, fever, cough, fatigue or muscle pain, chills, vomiting or diarrhea, loss of taste and smell, sore throat, headache, cough, congestion, or runny nose
- Masks are required for Prairie Lakes staff providing direct patient care.
- Masks may be required in certain departments of Prairie Lakes due to patients that are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease.
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Saturday, August 27, 2022
Prairie Lakes Names New Facilities Director
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) named Josh Dahl as the new Director of Facilities. He replaces Rick Masloski upon his retirement after he dedicated 10 years to Prairie Lakes. Dahl plans, directs, supervises, and evaluates the infrastructure and physical plant management at PLHS.
Dahl joined Prairie Lakes in 2015 as a Certified Maintenance Technician, was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor, and spent the last 3 years mentoring under Masloski’s supervision.
Dahl grew up in Watertown, SD, graduated with a degree in Robotics from Lake Area Technical College and is a licensed Journeyman Electrician. Josh enjoys spending time with his wife Amber, son Conner, and family. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth baseball, golfing, and cheering on his favorite sports teams.
“I look forward to supporting a safe environment for both patients and staff at PLHS by assuring the facilities will perform the functions as designed and constructed.”
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Thursday, August 25, 2022
Prairie Lakes Elects Two New Board Members
The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors has elected Diane Stiles and Jesse Peterson to serve on the board. They bring diverse leadership experiences to the Board of Directors and will each serve a 3-year term.
Diane Stiles has 15 years of experience in technical education and economic development and has been serving Lake Area Technical College as Vice President since 2014. Stiles is active in National Community College initiatives which include the Aspen Rural Colleges Advisory Committee, Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, and the Pathways Institute. She stays busy following her passion for volunteering to assist with education, youth, and economic development activities and organizations including H20-20, Mount Marty Watertown Advisory Committee, Junior Achievement, and the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year. Stiles and her husband, Asa, live in Watertown with their three children, Henry, Charlie, and Clara.
Jesse Peterson has been in the banking industry for 20 years and has served as the Chairman & CEO of, what is now, Prairie Sun Bank for the last 14 years. Prairie Sun Bank has four banking locations serving west/central Minnesota. Jesse and his wife Kimberly live in Watertown with their five children, Abigail, Wyatt, Weston, Nola, and Beau. He stays busy helping coach his kids in their various athletic activities. In addition to his role on the PLHS Board of Directors, Jesse serves on the finance council of Holy Name Catholic Church and the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls along with being a board member of the Immaculate Conception School Foundation.
“The Prairie Lakes Board of Directors welcomes Diane and Jesse, and we are excited to have them join us. They are both respected leaders in the community and region, and we look forward to having their individual talents and expertise to contribute to the Prairie Lakes vision of being the keystone of the community,” said Robb Peterson, Chair of the Prairie Lakes Board of Directors.
The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors is comprised of 13 volunteer community members who are dedicated to fulfilling the mission, vision and values of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, an independent, not-for-profit, regional healthcare system. Board members are Robb Peterson (Chairman), Vince Foley (Vice Chairman), Mike Luken (Secretary), Chris Carter (Treasurer), Jim Redlinger (Past Chairman), Alan Christiansen, MD, Tammy Davis, Kristen Henderson, Scott Munger, Jon Oviatt, Mark Roby, Jesse Peterson and Diane Styles.
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Friday, August 19, 2022
Thursday's Blood Drive At Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Helps 99 Local Patients!
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System partnered with Community Blood Bank for a very successful Blood Drive today receiving 33 blood donations that will then go to help 99 patients in need in the Watertown community!
Thank you to everybody that participated in either donating blood or helping to make this event a success. If you or someone you know receives blood or blood products from medical treatment, we rely on local support to help replenish the units used, so it is available for other patients. With your support we can ensure our local patients receive the care, and blood, they need.
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Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Healthy Eating Habits at Boys & Girls Club
The Prairie Lakes Nutritional Services team at Sodexo was part of summer programming at the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown this summer! They focused on teaching children of all age ranges the importance of eating right, balancing your nutrition, and learning about foods that can be just as nutritious as they are delicious. The kids loved the tips and tricks shared, almost as much as they loved the weekly snacks they helped prepare.
Lesson plans ranged from games, to cooking demonstrations, to group discussions appropriately based on the age range for that week’s class. To help keep the kids engaged, the dieticians offered several small prizes that aligned with the overall mission is establish a healthy and active lifestyle.
PLHS was happy to join forces with the Watertown Boys & Girls Club to support their "Healthy Lifestyle" core program. As a non-profit entity, PLHS connects with the community to provide education on relevant health topics throughout the year and we're always looking for creative and interactive ways to do so.
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Friday, August 12, 2022
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Dr. Ravi Kalaga to Cardiology
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to welcome board-certified Interventional Cardiologist, Ravi Kalaga, MD to our team of dedicated heart specialists. Dr. Kalaga sees patients at the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic and Cath Lab where he joins Dr. Richard Howard and Jacklyn Karli, DNP in the expert care of hearts. With an on-site Cath Lab and an experienced team of clinical staff and physicians, Prairie Lakes is equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage heart conditions, peripheral vascular disease and cardiac emergencies.
Dr. Kalaga has over 10 years of Interventional Cardiology experience. He received his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences, Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam, India and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Kalaga is fellowship trained in cardiovascular medicine from Bridgeport Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and his fellowship in Interventional Cardiology was completed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Dr. Kalaga is board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, and internal medicine.
“I look forward to meeting the people of the Watertown region and providing personalized Cardiology and Vascular care to the patients and community,” said Dr. Kalaga. “After working as a locum provider at Prairie Lakes the past 18 months, I got to know the team and decided that this is where I belong.”
Prairie Lakes Cardiology is located at the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic. For more information, please visit prarirelakes.com/cardiology. To schedule an appointment, call 605-882-7777.
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Thursday, August 11, 2022
Upcoming Blood Drive August 18th
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 great thing about the Community Blood Bank, is that all the blood stays within your community. A safe, cost-effective supply of blood is delivered to local hospitals, like Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. If you or someone you know receives blood or blood products from medical treatment, we rely on local support to help replenish the units used, so it is available for other patients.
Update: Community Blood Bank will be giving away $5 Scooters gift certificates to each donor!
Join us to donate blood on Thursday, August 18th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., check-in is in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic.
As reported by the Community Blood Bank in their summer newsletter, "550 units of blood are needed every week to meet the needs of our hospitals. It's so important to give what you are able, so that we can continue to have a safe and ready blood supply."
Guidelines to Donate:
- Blood donors must be at least 17 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 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.
- Online sign-up is preferred to help with social distancing
- Walk-ins will be accepted, if there is room or a cancellation – staff on event day will manage this process
- When donating on the Bloodmobile, masks are optional despite vaccination status (*Masks are required during the check-in process in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic)
- The donor will be asked to read the Covid-19 questions at the registration table
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Monday, August 01, 2022
Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics Joins Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is proud to announce the transition of Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics (GLO) to Prairie Lakes Orthopedics. The acquisition became official when paperwork was signed on Monday afternoon along with a welcome event for the staff joining Prairie Lakes.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics have had a long-standing relationship to offer orthopedic and surgical services to the community and region. GLO has operated as an independent practice since 1985 and has three orthopedic surgeons, two advance practice providers, and 11 employees that have now transitioned to Prairie Lakes employees. The surgeons, Michael Vener, MD, Gerald Rieber, MD and Casey Johnston, MD and their team occupy space in the lower level of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic and will remain at this location.
“We are both grateful and excited to welcome the Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics staff into the Prairie Lakes family,” said Interim CEO, Paul Macek. “This change is monumental for both organizations. By combining the talent and expertise of the two organizations, we can continue to expand the scope of orthopedic care and services to Watertown and the surrounding communities that we serve.”
The collaborations developed between PLHS and GLO have created a great foundation for new opportunities in the future. Joining teams and resources will allow Prairie Lakes Orthopedics to offer a complete orthopedic journey with procedures, rehabilitation, and sports medicine all in one convenient location to optimize patient care.
To schedule an appointment with Prairie Lakes Orthopedics, please call 605-882-2630. For more information and to learn more about the Orthopedics team, click below.
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Friday, July 22, 2022
Prairie Lakes Hospice Receives Donation From First Bank & Trust Community Bank
Prairie Lakes Hospice received a $660 donation from Curt Trego, First Bank & Trust Community Bank President. The donation was made possible due to a recent “Walk Your Dog Challenge” that First Bank & Trust employees participated in.
Trego said, “To promote a healthy lifestyle we challenged employees to walk 30 miles with or without pets during the 30 days of June with a donation to a local charity – the employees charity of choice was Prairie Lakes Hospice. The bank would donate $30 for each employee who completed 30 miles walked – plus if the First Bank & Trust team exceeded a total of 330 miles for the 11 participating employees the bank would double that match, resulting in a total of $660 donated to Prairie Lakes Hospice”.
Thank you First Bank & Trust for your generous donation. We'd also like to thank the Prairie Lakes Hospice team for their excellent care and dedication to our hospice patients and their families.
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