Enhancing Care Delivery and Optimizing Patient Safety
At the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO), we know that collaboration and professional growth are key to advancing health care across South Dakota. Our Affiliate Society groups play a vital role in supporting health care professionals at every level—offering education, networking, and leadership opportunities that strengthen both individuals and organizations.
Through this new Affiliate Society Spotlight Series, we’ll feature one affiliate group each month, highlighting their mission, leadership, and upcoming events. Whether you’re looking to join, re-engage, or simply learn more, we invite you to explore these valuable communities that help shape South Dakota’s healthcare landscape.
THIS MONTH’S SPOTLIGHT: SOUTH DAKOTA ASSOCIATION FOR HEALTHCARE QUALILTY – SDAHQ
Mission statement:
Provide an educational and professional organization for healthcare professionals and promote quality healthcare.
About SDAHQ:
The South Dakota Association for Healthcare Quality (SDAHQ), originally established in 2001 as SDAQM (South Dakota Association for Quality Management), was created to support health care quality professionals across the state. In 2019, the association rebranded to SDAHQ to reflect its growth and expanding role in health care quality, safety, and performance improvement.
SDAHQ is composed of professionals working together to advance patient safety, regulatory readiness, and best-practice performance improvement across all care settings. These settings include hospitals, clinics, long-term care, public health, and other related fields, each contributing experience, insight, and a passion for improving the quality of care in South Dakota.
Together, members of the organizations are leaders in QAPI, Infection Prevention, Patient Safety, Compliance, and Risk Management, all committed to elevating health care outcomes throughout the state.
The SDAHQ Board is devoted to advancing quality and will continue to:
- Build a strong communication network to share information and best practices
- Deliver education tailored to the evolving needs of healthcare quality professionals
- Foster a supportive professional community
- Promote standards and guidelines that elevate quality practice at the local level
- Strengthen the professionalism and impact of healthcare quality leaders
SDAHQ members gain access to exclusive education, discounted CE opportunities tools, and a strong network of professional relationships that strengthen their impact in every corner of health care. Members share practical strategies, best-practice insights, and real-world experience across hospitals, clinics, long-term care, public health, and beyond.
A note from SDAHQ member Julie Girard, Improvement Advisor, Sanford Vermillion Medical Center:
“I have been a member of SDAHQ for over 20 years and am so thankful for the opportunities it has provided me including networking with my peers in the state, attending the NAHQ national conference, and participating in multiple other valuable educational sessions offered to me as a member throughout the years. The best part is building relationships with those who do similar work as me, so when questions arise, I have so many people I can reach out to for best practices and to share resources.”
Upcoming Events:
- July 14 | 2pm CT (members only) Quarterly Education Webinar Series Webinar #2
SDAHQ offers quarterly educational sessions exclusively for members. Jess Danko serves as the President of SDAHQ and says – “Our members value SDAHQ education because it’s practical, and offers applicable courses for quality improvement, patient safety and infection prevention. In addition, the education offered is built for rural and system-based healthcare professionals, which represent our members.”
Leadership / Professional Development Opportunities:
- Quality Professional of the Year Award: Each year, SDAHQ invites its members to nominate a peer who goes above and beyond to improve the quality, safety, and experience of care. This award honors individuals who inspire others, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact on healthcare quality. It recognizes professionals who exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing high-quality care across their organizations and communities.
- CPHQ certification prep courses at reduced cost to members
- Quarterly education sessions and opportunities to attend national conferences
Contact and Website:
- Website: sdahq.square.site
- Facebook Page – facebook.com/SDAHQProfessionals
- Jess Danko – President, SDAHQ – Jess.danko@sdfmc.org
Visit SDAHQ today to learn more about becoming a member or renewing your membership!
About Affiliated Societies:
The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) includes 11 affiliated societies representing professionals who support quality health care across the state. These groups participate in the SDAHO Annual Convention—South Dakota’s largest health care gathering—where they contribute dedicated educational tracks and engage in ongoing learning opportunities throughout the year. To learn more visit https://sdaho.org/affiliated-societies/
