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:

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, Phyllis, 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, Kelli, 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, Brenda, you check off all these items and more! Thanks for getting it all done!

“We want to honor the people, the stories, and the moments that shaped healthcare in our community,” said Tabitha Schoenwald, FRHS Foundation Director. “The community played an essential role in establishing both the hospital and the Salem Mennonite Home, and their photos will help us bring this history to life.”

The 2026 gala will highlight the nearly 75-year history of the Freeman Community Hospital, founded through extraordinary community support, volunteerism, and generosity. The event will also honor the longstanding legacy of Freeman Regional Assisted Living (formerly Salem Mennonite Home), which has provided compassionate care in the region for more than 77 years.

To help showcase and preserve this shared history, FRHS is requesting historic photos, documents, and memorabilia from current and former employees, families, and community members. These items will be featured in a special video and event display during the gala.

“Healthcare in Freeman has always been a community effort,” said Courtney Unruh, FRHS CEO. “As we honor nearly 75 years of our hospital and the decades of service provided through the Salem Mennonite Home, we invite everyone to help us preserve this history.”

Freeman Regional is seeking items that may include:

• Early hospital or Salem Home photos
• Employee portraits or department photos
• Construction or renovation images
• Community fundraising or volunteer events
• Long-term care memories
• Any historical snapshots connected to local healthcare

How to Submit Items

Community members may email digital photos or drop off printed photos to be scanned. All originals will be handled with care and promptly returned.

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Items may be submitted to:
Tabitha Schoenwald
510 E 8^th Street, Freeman
605-925-4000
tabitha.schoenwald@freemanregional.com

This award honors top quartile performance (75th percentile or above) in quality, outcomes, and patient perspective among rural hospitals.

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a framework for evaluating rural hospital performance.

The INDEX benchmarks help rural hospitals, health systems, hospital associations, and state offices measure performance in areas that impact hospital operations and finance.

Avera hospitals receiving awards include:

• Avera Creighton Hospital, Creighton, NE
  • Quality
• Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital, De Smet, SD
  • Quality
• Avera Dells Area Hospital, Dell Rapids, SD
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Avera Gregory Hospital, Gregory, SD
  • Patient Perspective
• Avera Granite Falls Health Center, Granite Falls, MN
  • Quality
• Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital, Miller, SD
  • Quality, Outcomes, and Patient Perspective
• Avera Holy Family Hospital, Estherville, IA
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Marshall, MN
  • Quality and Outcomes
• Avera Merrill Pioneer Hospital, Rock Rapids, IA
  • Quality
• Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital, O’Neill, NE
  • Quality
• Avera St. Benedict Hospital, Parkston, SD
  • Quality, Outcomes, and Patient Perspective
• Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, SD
  • Outcomes
• Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, Pierre, SD
  • Outcomes
• Avera Tyler Hospital, Tyler, MN
  • Quality
• Community Memorial Hospital Avera, Redfield, SD
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Floyd Valley Hospital, Le Mars, IA
  • Outcomes
• Freeman Regional Health Services, Freeman, SD
  • Patient Perspective
• Hegg Health Center, Rock Valley, IA
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Landmann-Jungman Memorial Hospital, Avera, Scotland, SD
  • Quality
• Marshall County Healthcare Center Avera, Britton, SD
  • Quality and Patient Perspective
• Pipestone County Medical Center, Pipestone, MN
  • Patient Perspective
• Platte Health Center Avera, Platte, SD
  • Patient Perspective
• Regional Health Services of Howard County, Cresco, IA
  • Quality
• St. Michael’s Hospital Avera, Tyndall, SD
  • Quality
• Sioux Center Health, Sioux Center, IA
  • Quality
• Wagner Community Memorial Hospital Avera, Wagner, SD
  • Quality

“Avera excels at rural health care, and this long list of awards is wonderful validation of the high-quality care that’s provided in communities across the Upper Midwest. We’re proud of the hardworking teams at these hospitals and their dedication and commitment each and every day,” said Kevin Post, DO, Chief Medical Officer of Avera Health.

“The areas of quality, outcomes, and patient perspective are cornerstones of health care delivery across rural America, and this year’s Performance Leadership Award recipients are establishing a standard of excellence for their rural peers to follow,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, Chartis Center for Rural Health.

“We are delighted to shine a spotlight on such strong performance and honor the achievement of these hospitals on National Rural Health Day.”

For our Compassion Award, some of the things we look for are: someone who is aware of how others are feeling, adapts to meet others in the moment and offers assistance without being asked. Congratulations, Kim, you do all these things and so much more!

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, Malitha, 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, Kris, 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, Charly, you check off all these items and more! Thanks for getting it all done!