The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) is preparing to release a special 100th Anniversary documentary, Stories of Yesterday.
The 15-minute film features past and present board members, SDAHO staff, and health care leaders from across the state sharing personal reflections on the association’s impact on their facilities, communities, and the broader health care landscape in South Dakota.
Through historical archives and interviews, viewers will learn how the association began in 1926 when D.L. Braskamp, superintendent of Lincoln Hospital in Aberdeen, and Dr. Percy Peabody of Webster Hospital convened an informal meeting to form the organization. The first annual convention followed in 1927 at the Marvin Hughitt Hotel in Huron.
“It’s something we are incredibly proud of,” said Tim Rave, President and CEO of SDAHO. “Over the past 100 years, health care has changed in extraordinary ways, yet through every challenge and breakthrough, SDAHO has remained committed to one purpose—supporting those who provide care across this great state.”
Tim Tracy, retired CEO of Sanford Vermillion Medical Center and former SDAHO Board Chair, also appears in the documentary. Tracy served on the board from 2009–2018 and as chair from 2015–2016. He reflected on the organization’s longevity and relevance.
“They’ve had a wonderful run, and they’ve grown—there is no question about it,” Tracy said. “It’s remarkable. Not a lot of organizations make it 100 years.”
Throughout the documentary, interviewees highlight key moments in SDAHO’s history, including the association’s vital role in advocacy.
“Providing advocacy is right at the top of the list,” said John Ayoub, CEO of Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics and a current board member. “Being able to educate legislators and serve as a liaison to state government helps amplify our voice and protect the communities we serve.”
Former South Dakota legislator Jean Hunhoff, who served in both the House and Senate from 2001–2024, also shared the importance of the association during her years in public service.
“Over the years I was in the legislature, SDAHO was an active resource,” Hunhoff said. “They provided valuable information and helped me advance a health care agenda that serves the people of South Dakota.”
The documentary also explores the association’s evolution. Originally known as the South Dakota Hospital Association, the organization changed its name in 1995 to reflect a broader membership that includes long-term care and other health care partners.
“When the association expanded to include different partners in health care and represent more than just hospitals, that was a pivotal moment in its history,” said Tammy Miller, retired administrator of Madison Regional Health System and former board member.
More recent history includes the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, when SDAHO worked closely with members to navigate rapidly changing conditions. As in-person events were canceled, the association expanded its virtual education offerings and built one of the state’s largest on-demand health care education libraries.
Jeanette Porter, former SDAHO staff member and current Senior Vice President of Field Engagement for the American Hospital Association, also reflected on the organization’s longstanding presence.
“I remember SDAHO even when I was in college,” Porter said. “They have been a presence for as long as I can remember, representing health care leadership across the entire continuum of care.”
Paulette Davidson current SDAHO Board Chair and President/CEO of Monument Health, compared the association’s impact to another iconic symbol in the state.
“About 100 years ago someone had the idea to build Mount Rushmore and look at the significance it has created for our state,” Davidson said. “When I think about the work SDAHO has accomplished over the past century, I truly believe our state is healthier because of this organization.”
Mark Burket, CEO of Platte Health Center Avera and former board chair, summarized the association’s legacy simply.
“SDAHO is education, advocacy, and networking,” Burket said. “Congratulations on 100 years. It truly brings one voice to health care in South Dakota.”
For a century, SDAHO has supported health care providers through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Stories of Yesterday captures that history through the voices of the people who helped build it.
The documentary will be released in early spring.
To learn more about SDAHO’s 100th Anniversary, visit sdaho.org/100th.
