The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) is proud to showcase Sarah Erickson, Health Information Manager, Sunset Manor, Avera in Irene, South Dakota in this weeks, Rural Healthcare – Expanding the Workforce Pipeline, video campaign.
About the Campaign:
This campaign is part of SDAHO’s broader workforce development grant initiative, designed to help member facilities recruit and retain health care professionals. In 2023, SDAHO received the Rural Network Development Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), leading to the formation of the South Dakota Rural Workforce Network (SDRWN), a collaboration among health care organizations and community partners across the state.
As part of this initiative, a video series was created featuring SDRWN members. The series highlights real health care professionals in South Dakota, providing valuable insight into their roles, skills, training, and educational journeys.
The campaign specifically targets:
- Second-career individuals
- High school students exploring healthcare careers
Featured Professional:
Sarah Erickson, Health Information Officer at Sunset Manor, Avera in Irene, South Dakota, didn’t always envision herself working in health care. A true Second-Career professional, Sarah’s early working years were spent exploring various industries. It wasn’t until she accepted a health care position—initially out of convenience—that she discovered a newfound passion and purpose.
What began as a practical job choice quickly evolved into a meaningful career. Sarah found herself drawn to the sense of purpose, connection, and service that health care offered.
Working in a rural health care setting in South Dakota has provided Sarah with more than just a career. It’s brought a deep sense of fulfillment and positively impacted her family’s life as well.
Sarah’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to find your calling—and that sometimes, the most meaningful paths begin in the most unexpected ways.
With growing enthusiasm, she pursued further education in the field and embraced a variety of roles, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the health care environment.
Full Video featuring Sarah Erickson:
Watch More:
Additional videos can be found on the South Dakota Health Care Workforce Resource Center Webpage at: sdworkforce.com/expanding-the-workforce-pipeline
Throughout June and July 2025 SDAHO will share additional articles and videos showcasing more SDRWN members sharing their own professional health care journey.
To stay updated on video releases, follow campaign efforts or explore tools and resources, visit the South Dakota Health Care Workforce Resource Center Webpage at sdworkforce.com Or contact: Lindsay Stroman at Lindsay.Stroman@sdaho.org.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,150,097 with 0% percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
