Avera Queen of Peace Hospital

09/16/2025

With more students commuting to and from school, you may be seeing more e-bikes and e-scooters on the sidewalks. These electric options are convenient but can lead to some dangerous injuries if riders are not protected. Dr. Ben Christians, an Avera emergency medicine physician, explains how e-riders and pedestrians can stay safe at https://bit.ly/4mfxPdH.

09/12/2025

Your immune system is your first line of defense from viruses and getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to ward off sickness. 💉 Dr. David Basel, Vice President of Clinical Quality and Population Health Officer, explains why getting vaccinated is important to protect yourself and your entire community.

09/11/2025

Diane Banck is cancer free after recently undergoing CAR-T-cell therapy, following an initial cancer diagnosis nearly 10 years ago. The therapy uses a patient's own cells to find and fight cancer. Learn the science behind this innovative treatment and how it's benefitting patients in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://bit.ly/45Z0RcH.

09/11/2025

The Parkinson's Support Group will meet at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, in the Community Room at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital.

Rob Brown with Avera Home Medical Equipment will bring some equipment to show and allow for trials.

This support group is for people living with Parkinson's, as well as their caregivers.

Questions can be directed to Lisa Walton at (605) 995-5715.

09/10/2025

In a relationship or a marriage, improving communication is an opportunity to grow closer. A little effort can improve your connection as a couple. Learn five ways to communicate better with your significant other at https://bit.ly/4ntb72L.

Effective communication is key to feeling connected to your partner. Follow these research-based tips for communication that doesn’t lead to an argument.

09/10/2025

During National Su***de Prevention Month, Avera is encouraging honest conversations by asking someone struggling with their mental health: "Are you thinking about su***de?" This year's campaign focuses on all ages, while also putting a special focus on veterans in our community. Learn more about this year's campaign and tools to help prevent su***de at www.Avera.org/AskTheQuestion.

09/09/2025

Did you know that your food choices can impact your mental health? Amber Lehman Myers, an Avera Behavioral Health outpatient therapist, explains the diet/brain connection and what your eating habits can tell you about your mental well-being at https://bit.ly/4m6OxvG.

09/08/2025

Please join us in congratulating Althea Rehfeldt, RN, on being the recipient of our quarterly nurse recognition program called the DAISY Award.

The DAISY Program honors and celebrates the skillful and compassionate care nurses provide every day. DAISY is an acronym for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System.” The DAISY Award has grown into a meaningful recognition program embraced by health care organizations around the world, including multiple Avera facilities.

Rehfeldt has cared for medical/surgical and pediatric patients at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital for 15 years.

She was nominated for the DAISY Award by the daughter of a patient, who observed that Rehfeldt provided “compassionate care” to her mother.

“Her patience, explanations and genuine caring was noted by our mother, as well as all of her family,” the nomination letter stated. “When Althea arrived for her shift, she brought such a level of comfort for us as we stayed by our mother’s side. She made sure our father understood what was occurring with our mother. Avera Queen of Peace is very fortunate to have Althea.”

Rehfeldt said it is an honor to be recognized with a DAISY Award.

“I feel so blessed to work with an amazing group of nurses and staff,” she stated. “It would be difficult to provide quality care without having the team we have, including everyone from management, nursing, staff assistants, physical and occupational therapy, doctors, pharmacists, social workers, dietary, housekeeping and others. It truly takes a team approach when caring for a person as a whole.”

Working in the health care field, Rehfeldt said she appreciates the importance of having empathy and understanding.

“It truly is as basic as treating other people the way you wish to be treated,” she said.

Congratulations, Althea - and thank you for all the support you provide patients and their loved ones at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital!

09/05/2025

We had a successful first week at the new Avera Therapy and Avera Sports location at 1850 N. Main Street in Mitchell.

Our experts are proud to serve patients of all ages in a modern, expanded space that brings therapy and sports performance services together.

You can get any questions about Mitchell Avera Therapy and Avera Sports locations answered by calling (605) 996-8712.

Because some elements of the project will not be complete for several weeks, the public open house, blessing and ribbon cutting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tours and light refreshments will be offered.

We hope to see you there!

09/05/2025

Is your child ready to stay home alone? Every kid reaches this milestone at their own pace. Learn what you should consider when deciding whether or not to leave them alone and how to know if they're ready at https://bit.ly/4mQx9fU.

09/04/2025

Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month in September reminds us that mental health challenges come in many forms. 💚 Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or know someone who is struggling, this video is for those moments when you or a loved one just need a moment to breathe. Save it, share it and let's keep breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and su***de. Learn more at Avera.org/AskTheQuestion.

09/04/2025

Graham Nickles and Evans Nord's friendship started at the beginning... their beginning, that is. Their families met in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, where they became next-door neighbors and each other's support system. That bond grew into a lasting friendship. Learn about Graham and Evans' journey and how their parents are now giving back in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://bit.ly/3UYZkNm.

09/03/2025

With school back in session, kids can feel the pressure just as much as adults. Mindfulness and meditation offer simple ways to release stress, refocus and boost overall well-being. Learn techniques to help your child find balance at https://bit.ly/3VsiwTJ.

Meditation or mindfulness can be helpful for anyone to calm down or relax. That includes kids. An Avera expert discusses how to start.

09/02/2025

Pain from a stress fracture is often brushed off as a simple muscle strain, but ignoring it can bench you or your loved one from your favorite activities. Dr. Katrina Almeida, an Avera Orthopedics podiatrist in Mitchell, explains when to talk to your doctor and when you'll be back in the game at https://bit.ly/4g0B0Eo.

09/01/2025

At Avera, Sept. 1 is a time to honor the strong values handed down to us from our Founders, the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters. This year carries special meaning as we mark 25 years since the Benedictine Health System and Presentation Health System came together as one ministry in 2000. The sisters express their heartfelt gratitude for the work each member of our team does to carry the Avera mission forward and make a difference in the lives of those we serve in the video below. Happy Founders Day!

08/27/2025

From unpredictable hours to financial pressures, life on the farm comes with challenges that can take a toll on mental health. Asking for help isn't always easy, but Avera's Farm and Rural Stress Hotline is available for support. Karl Oehlke, an Avera Behavioral Health physician assistant and a farmer, shares why many in agriculture hesitate to seek help and how this resource can make a difference at https://bit.ly/4mrZYPs.

08/21/2025

Jay Wempe doesn't have to travel far for cutting-edge cancer care. By joining the clinical trials, now offered locally at the Avera Cancer Institute, he's receiving quality colon cancer treatment close to home. Learn about Jay's cancer journey and how our teams are making his treatment easier in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://bit.ly/4fRjuT4.

08/15/2025

It's been fun watching Doctor FeelGood Group do good for the community. We're proud of what Avera Queen of Peace Hospital providers Dr. Dalton Baird, Dr. Andrew Reynolds and Dr. Chris Vogl - joined by Brady Trefz - have accomplished to support the Caring Closet.
Music is also medicine - and we're glad this group is practicing it in the Mitchell area!

Dr. FeelGood show at Corn Palace Plaza brings in community support

08/07/2025

Dawn Sampson is making positive lifestyle changes after a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, right here in Mitchell. Thanks to the new-to-the-area technology, her procedure was less invasive and her recovery was faster. Learn about Dawn's journey and the benefits this tool brings to patients in this week's Avera Medical Minute at https://bit.ly/4m7XLsm.

08/01/2025

Welcome to this sneak peek at the new Avera Therapy/Avera Sports location! We expect to start seeing patients in the space during the month of September - even though some areas will still be undergoing work.
Earlier this year, we announced a long-term lease agreement with Krohmer Plumbing for 27,615 square feet within the former Shopko building located at 1900 N. Main St. Therapy locations that will be moving into this new space are Avera Therapy on Kimball Street (AUPT), Avera Therapy on Havens Avenue (pediatric therapy), Avera Therapy on the Avera Grassland Health Campus and Avera Sports next to Kay Avenue.
We look forward to inviting the public to an open house to see the space for yourselves this fall!

07/18/2025

Lowering your cancer risk starts with small changes to your daily routine, including your activity and diet. Learn the adjustments you can make to reduce your risk by signing up for our email journey featuring cancer-fighting foods, tasty recipes, screening guidelines and more. Get started today at https://heyor.ca/jziMeS.

07/04/2025

Independence Day or Fourth of July?
Congress originally called the holiday "Fourth of July," not Independence Day. That name stuck even though the U.S. actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776. We celebrate on the 4th because that's when the Declaration was ratified. No matter what you call it, take a moment to honor those who gave their life or put their life on the line to protect our freedom. Happy Independence Day!

06/27/2025

For those traveling to Avera Queen of Peace Hospital, we want you to be aware of a street closure that is tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 30, to Thursday, July 3. Foster Street north of the crosswalk in front of the Physicians Plaza up to East 7th Avenue will be closed during that time. Visitors will still have access to all our parking lots.