Sanford Health announces $300 million initiative to transform rural health care delivery for generations

Mar. 19—Sanford Health announced a $300 million initiative to transform rural care delivery Friday, which aims to improve access to affordable, high-quality health care for generations to come.

The initiative, which is funded through a $300 million donation from Denny Sanford, starts with two key efforts:

* A significant expansion of graduate medical education

* An investment in community health and wellness

A third initiative — focused on building a virtual hospital of the future — is planned.

"This initiative will allow us to bring transformative health care opportunities to the rural Midwest," said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health in a news release. "We're focused on thinking big and pursuing bold, innovative endeavors to meet the needs of our patients, our people and the communities we serve. This effort will position Sanford Health as a global leader in rural care delivery; allow us to bring top clinicians to our region; and enhance the health and well-being of the communities we serve."

Sanford Health plans to work with its academic partners to create eight new graduate medical residencies and fellowships in critical specialty areas. This will double the opportunities for graduate medical education.

Almost 20% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, but recruitment and retention of health care professionals is an ongoing challenge. This initiative will bring highly sought-after clinical expertise, resources and subspecialties to the region so patients can access high-quality care close to home, according to the release.

The initiative also includes a significant expansion of the Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls to promote community health and improve access to sports opportunities for all youth, including those from underserved communities.

This will offer year-round athletic opportunities for all ages, interests and abilities including new soccer, baseball and softball fields. Sanford Health expects approximately a million new visitors over five years will participate in tournaments, sports training programs and youth and adult league games, driving significant economic activity for the region.

"Making our communities stronger and healthier is at the core of everything we do at Sanford Health," said Micah Aberson, executive vice president at Sanford Health in a news release. "We're committed to meeting the broad needs of our communities through investments in quality-of-life and health and wellness initiatives that support the people who live and work across our region."

Finally, planning efforts are already underway to establish a cutting-edge clinical initiative to create one of the world's leading virtual hospitals to provide affordable care in rural and underserved areas of the Midwest.

The virtual hospital will deliver medical services to communities, patients and long-term care residents across Sanford's footprint and beyond. More details on this initiative will be released in the next year, including additional financial support.

"Using the best of technology, the virtual hospital will enable us to more easily provide a wide range of care, including for complex chronic diseases as well as care transitions, in a way that is convenient and accessible for our patients and residents," said Erica DeBoer, chief nursing officer for Sanford Health in a news release.

Denny Sanford has now donated more than $1 billion.

"Today I am renewing my commitment to my most cherished charitable cause, Sanford Health," Sanford said in a news release. "I have a deep appreciation for the life-changing mission of Sanford Health and its work locally and around the globe, and my gift will ensure it continues to be a vital asset across our region for generations to come."

The gift follows a legacy of transformational giving by Denny Sanford to the health system. His gift of $400 million in 2007 propelled the health system from a small regional provider to one of the largest health systems in the nation. It also sparked a spirit of generosity, inspiring thousands of other donors to annually support the mission of Sanford Health.

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