Designed for youth ages 11–16, this educational program will provide participants with the skills and confidence needed to become responsible and capable babysitters. As families throughout our communities continue to seek qualified childcare providers, this training offers young people an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical skills while preparing for future babysitting opportunities.

The clinic will cover a variety of important topics, including:

• Caregiving and Safety
• Age-Appropriate Activities
• Diapering and Feeding
• Basic First Aid and CPR
• Nutrition Basics
• And More

“Reliable babysitters are an important resource for families, and this clinic helps equip youth with the skills they need to provide safe, responsible care,” said Kayla Pavel, FRHS Clinical Nurse Educator. “Participants will leave with practical knowledge that can help them feel confident and prepared when caring for children.”

The cost to attend is $25 per participant. Students should bring a sack lunch.

Pre-registration is required, and participation is limited to ensure a quality learning experience. Interested families are encouraged to register early to reserve a spot.

Click here to register your child today!

“We are grateful to have the Freeman Community Foundation partner with us in supporting the senior living needs of our community,” said Amanda Mettler, Assistant Administrator of Assisted Living and Long-Term Care. “Village residents are anticipating the addition of assisted living services, and we remain on track to launch those services this summer.”

FRHS extends its sincere appreciation to the Freeman Community Foundation and its generous donors for supporting its mission to provide high-quality, compassionate care for all ages and to positively impact the lives, health, and wellness of patients, residents, employees, and communities.

In recent years, Freeman Community Foundation grants have supported several important projects across FRHS, enhancing patient care, caregiver safety, and clinical services:

• Emergency Department: Funding helped purchase the AIRVO oxygen therapy system, which provides high-flow oxygen support for patients experiencing shortness of breath, asthma exacerbations, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Nursing Home: Grant funding provided a bath lift chair, enabling caregivers to safely and efficiently assist residents in and out of the bathtub while improving comfort and reducing the risk of injury.
• Surgery Department: Support from the Foundation helped acquire a colonoscope and a Drager patient monitoring system, which continuously tracks vital signs during colonoscopy procedures, enhancing patient safety and quality of care.

These investments reflect the Freeman Community Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare in Freeman and ensuring that high-quality care remains close to home.

“Strong communities are built through collaboration and shared investment,” said FRHS CEO Courtney Unruh. “The Freeman Community Foundation, along with the Freeman Development Corporation, the Freeman City Council, local business leaders, and many dedicated residents, all play an important role in helping Freeman thrive and ensuring that quality healthcare remains available for future generations.”

Participants will learn essential lifesaving skills, including CPR techniques and basic first aid response for common medical emergencies. The course also fulfills daycare training requirements, making it an excellent opportunity for those working in childcare settings.

“This training helps equip individuals with the confidence and knowledge to step in when every second counts,” said Kayla Pavel, FRHS Clinical Nurse Educator. “Whether you’re caring for children, supporting family members, or simply want to be prepared, these are valuable skills for everyone.”

The class is open to the public. Registration is required as space is limited to 18 attendees.

To register, email kayla.pavel@freemanregional.com

The daughter of Ross and Amy Glanzer, Kadyn is actively involved in a variety of school activities, including athletics, FFA, Student Council, and the Mentor/Mentee Program.

When asked for recommendations, Kadyn was described as passionate, confident, driven, and hard-working. One reference noted she is a “shining star” among her peers, consistently demonstrating dedication to both her goals and those around her.

Kadyn will attend South Dakota State University this fall, where she plans to pursue a degree in nursing. Her long-term goal is to continue her education and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

This scholarship reflects Freeman Regional’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our goal is to empower students like Kadyn to achieve their educational aspirations and make a positive impact in the field of medicine. We congratulate Kadyn on this achievement and are honored to support her journey toward making a difference in healthcare.

For our Attitude Award, some of the things we look for are: demonstrating a welcoming & cheerful presence, being courteous and understanding, and considering each encounter a privilege to make a positive impact. Congratulations, Wendy, this is a well-deserved honor for all you do!

For our Respect Award, some of the things we look for are: listening attentively without interrupting, interacts with honesty and sincerity to build trust and is accountable to others in work and actions. Congratulations, Tim, you’re commitment to FRHS, our patients and residents is impressive and we thank you!

For our Excellence Award, some of the things we look for are: goes above and beyond in duties and interactions, and represents FRHS positively. Congratulations, Carmen, you check off all these items and more! Thanks for getting it all done!

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing and second most prevalent neurological condition, currently affecting an estimated 11.8 million people worldwide. By 2050, that number is expected to rise to 25 million.

Common signs of Parkinson’s disease include slow movement, falls, difficulty with balance, a bent-forward posture, shuffling when walking, stiffness, tremor, shrinking handwriting, a soft voice, difficulty swallowing, and decreased facial expressions.

Early signs may include loss of smell, anxiety and depression, constipation, and sleep disorders such as insomnia, acting out dreams, and excessive sleepiness. Some individuals may also experience fainting and dizziness due to blood pressure dysregulation.

The most effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease combines medication with therapy services. Occupational, speech, and physical therapy work together to improve physical symptoms while helping individuals maintain independence and daily function.

Freeman Regional Health Services (FRHS) offers specialized Parkinson’s support through LSVT BIG, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!), and speech therapy services.

Speech therapy for Parkinson’s focuses on increasing vocal loudness, improving speech clarity, and strengthening swallowing safety. Through intensive, personalized, and research-backed approaches such as SPEAK OUT! and LOUD Crowd, speech therapy helps patients offset the effects of Parkinson’s on communication and swallowing.

LSVT BIG is a research-based exercise program developed over 20 years to improve motor function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Patients often see improvements in taking bigger steps, walking more safely, improving balance and trunk rotation, and performing daily tasks such as getting in and out of bed, dressing, and using their hands for activities like buttoning, opening containers, and writing. This intensive program emphasizes repetition and high effort to drive meaningful improvements.

Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!) is based on the same research as LSVT BIG but offers a more flexible approach tailored to each individual’s ability level. PWR! helps improve walking, balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength, allowing individuals to move with greater independence, ease, and safety.

In recognition of World Parkinson’s Day on April 11, Freeman Regional Health Services will host a Parkinson’s Appreciation and Education Open House on April 9 from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Dewald Street Village. Community members are encouraged to attend, meet with therapy staff, learn more about available services, and enjoy light refreshments including cookies, juice, and coffee.

Gifts made through this annual drive provide essential support to ensure that our hospital, clinics, nursing home, and assisted living facilities continue to deliver the highest quality care close to home. Each donation—large or small—directly contributes to equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and patient-centered programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, residents, and families.

As our region’s healthcare needs continue to grow, so does the importance of this fund drive. By supporting the FRHS Auxiliary, you are helping strengthen local healthcare and ensure compassionate, high-quality services remain available in our community.

We invite you to join us in this shared mission—because when our health system thrives, so does our whole community.

If you feel called to give, donations may be made by check payable to FRHS Auxiliary and mailed to:
Marlene Herman, Auxiliary Treasurer
P.O. Box 364
Freeman, SD 57029

Donations may also be dropped off at the FRHS Business Office during regular hours.

Thank you for being part of a community that cares so deeply for one another.

Angie successfully completed her CNL examination on February 6, 2026, achieving an advanced credential that recognizes clinical expertise, leadership in patient care, and a commitment to quality improvement in healthcare settings.

A dedicated member of the Freeman Regional team for more than 20 years, Angie has consistently demonstrated a passion for professional development and organizational excellence. Her leadership plays an important role in strengthening patient outcomes and supporting staff.

“Angie’s commitment to advancing her education and leadership skills reflects the dedication she brings to Freeman Regional every day,” said Michelle Neuharth, Systems Director of Nursing. “Her achievement as a Clinical Nurse Leader strengthens our team and enhances the level of care we provide to our patients and community.”

Freeman Regional congratulates Angie on this outstanding milestone and thanks her for two decades of dedicated service.

For more information about Freeman Regional, visit freemanregional.com

Dementia Dialogues® is a five-module, evidence-informed, nationally registered training program designed to educate and support community members and caregivers for individuals who exhibit signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The course provides practical tools, effective communication strategies, and creative problem-solving techniques to help participants better understand and care for those living with dementia.

The training will be held at Dewald Street Village (Commons Area), 600 S. Dewald St., Freeman, SD 57029, and will take place over three evenings:

Part 1 – March 23 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Module 1 – The Basic Facts: An Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias

Part 2 – March 24 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Module 2 – Keep the Dialogue Going: Strategies for Effective Communication
Module 3 – It’s a Different World: Understanding the Impact of the Environment & Ways to Promote Independence

Part 3 – March 25 | 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Module 4 – It’s Nothing Personal: Addressing Challenging Behaviors
Module 5 – Now What Do We Do? Creative Problem Solving

Dinner will be provided each evening.

This free training opportunity is open to the Freeman community, including family caregivers, healthcare workers, and anyone interested in learning more about dementia care.

Participants can register online by visiting: https://osa.cventevents.com/02zrAZ

Freeman Regional Health Services is proud to host this important educational event and support caregivers and families in our community.

Continuing education approved for EMS, Dental, Long Term Care Administrators, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractor and CHW/CHR professionals.

For more information, please contact Amanda Mettler at Amanda.Mettler@freemanregional.com or 605-925-2108

Speaker: David Flicek, Avera COO
Friend of the Foundation Award Winner: Dr. Dennis Epp
Pianist: Chauni Glanzer
Photography: Lindsey Unruh Photography

Take a look back at the evening here: