Since 2020, The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) has participated as a host organization for the MCHC/ RISE-UP Program, through a partnership with the University of South Dakota (USD). The MCHC/RISE-UP Program provides opportunities for enhanced public health leadership training in maternal and child health, focusing on social determinants of health, elimination of health disparities, and developmental disabilities.
Each year SDAHO hosts 2-3 students for approximately 8 weeks. This year, SDAHO had the privilege of working with Hari Kadarkaraisamy, a rising senior at USD and Kelly Young, a 2025 graduate of USD.
On July 8, Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) in Huron, SD welcomed Kelly and Hari, along with Michelle Jury, RN Clinical Improvement Consultant at SDAHO. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the rural Huron community, its diverse population, and services provided through HRMC to enhance health outcomes for the area residents. During the visit, discussions were held with bilingual community liaisons, two medical providers, a social worker, medical student, chronic disease nurse, director of social support and director of community engagement. Challenges and rewards of specific roles and programs were shared, along with the opportunity for a question-and-answer session. An engaging tour of Huron Regional Medical Center and HRMC Physicians Clinic rounded out the day.
“I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing firsthand how advanced the city of Huron is. I haven’t been to this side of the state, but to see how well the hospital, community, and clinic are working with the Burmese (Karen) population, brings great joy to Kelly and I. The dedication of the staff, including the healthcare workers and community liaisons, the thoughtful outreach programs, and the seamless collaboration across all levels set a high benchmark for the driven care Huron offered and hope to come back to this wonderful community again” shared Kadarkaraisamy.
The experience at HRMC provided a unique opportunity to learn about successful collaboration across a health care organization directly from medical providers and frontline social support staff.
Young shared, “Huron’s unique makeup made for a unique learning experience; unlike many facilities I’ve visited before. I was able to experience the collaboration of diverse and unique health care backgrounds and how they contribute to bettering the health of the residents of Huron and surrounding areas. I found it was a great reminder that we can all learn something from each other if we just take the time to do so. I found it refreshing to see the willingness to embrace each other’s differences and strengths in order to serve the community the way they do.”
SDAHO wishes to thank HRMC’s Teresa Haatvedt, Director of Social Support and Mati Felderman, Director of Community Engagement for their help in organizing a wonderful, informative day.
For more information on the MCHC/ RISE UP Program, click here. You can also learn more about USD’s Continuing Education and Training. Future editions of SDAHO’s Unified Voice will provide additional details as well.
