Avera St. Anthony's 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.

09/15/2025

Happy 25th anniversary to Avera!

Our team recently assembled outside the hospital to form a "25" in honor of this milestone.

While Avera was officially founded 25 years ago, our roots stretch back much further. In the 1800s, the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters traveled from Europe to the central plains of the U.S. to serve new settlers. They faced tremendous challenges, founding schools before answering the call to open hospitals during a diphtheria epidemic. Over the decades, their unwavering commitment led to the creation of hospitals across the region where they welcomed all who needed healing.

In the late 1990s, the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters began talking about how they could bring their health ministries together. By 2000, their vision became a reality with the formation of Avera. The name “Avera,” derived from the Latin word meaning “to be well,” embodies their shared mission of compassionate care.

Today, the Sisters continue to inspire and guide us as we honor their remarkable legacy and carry their mission into the future. We are proud to be a part of their health care ministry.

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.

09/10/2025

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

As part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, a child seat check and safety event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the north parking lot of the Krotter Home & Auto Center in O’Neill.

Nationally-certified child passenger safety technicians will be onsite to assist with all child passenger safety needs, questions and concerns.

This event is open to anyone who transports a child. Please allow 20-30 minutes per car seat. Appointments are not required.

The event is sponsored by Krotter Home & Auto, the O’Neill Police Department, Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital and Safe Kids North Central.

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.

09/05/2025

Each September, we take time to honor those who have dedicated 25 years of service to our health ministry. These individuals are recognized as Avera Legacy Ambassadors — a reflection of their commitment to our mission.

Across Avera, 145 employees reached this milestone in 2025. Here at Avera St. Anthony's, we honored the following members of our team during a ceremony on Sept. 3:

- Michelle Liewer – 1999
- Karen Sholes – 2000
- Amanda Heiss - 2000

In the photo are (from left to right): Sr. Mary Kay Panowicz, Karen Sholes, Amanda Heiss, Michelle Liewer and John Kozyra, CEO of Avera St. Anthony's.

We commend each of these employees for their extraordinary dedication. This achievement does not happen without perseverance and dedication.

For all who have been inducted into the Avera Legacy Ambassadors, thanks for your service to our communities. Best wishes as you continue in your career at Avera.

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!

08/28/2025

We offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of Dr. Mark Meyer. He was a respected member of the medical community who helped many patients in O'Neill and beyond. He will be greatly missed.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on August 27, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported an overdue aircraft that was routed to the Kearney Regional Airport and had lost contact with the plane. The aircraft’s last known location

08/25/2025

If you’re in high school, Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital invites you to Scrubs Camp to learn about what a health care career might look like for you in the future.
Please ask your guidance counselor for a permission slip. The deadline to return them is Sept. 12. See the flyer below for more information!

08/07/2025

CONSTRUCTION ALERT! 🚨
Due to a construction project, the west hospital drive shown here (parallel to Second Street) will be impacted on Friday, Aug. 8. It may be closed at times. Please plan for this inconvenience. We appreciate your patience!

08/01/2025

We appreciate Sen. Deb Fischer's partnership and support to secure $3.5 million in funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Act to replace our boiler and water heating system, which experienced damage during the explosion last October. We are also grateful to the City of O'Neill for its assistance with this request. It truly takes a community to try to get something like this across the finish line - and we hope our collective efforts are successful in getting these funds approved. We are committed to serving the health care needs of the O'Neill area for years to come, and help with replacing this vital equipment would be a huge boost.

This announcement isn’t a guarantee, as the appropriations bill still has to pass the full Senate and House intact

06/27/2025

Please join us in congratulating Sheila Johnston, our pharmacy manager, who was recently recognized by the Nebraska Rural Health Association with its “Rural Health Emerging Leader Award.”
Each year, the Nebraska Rural Health Association honors people who have contributed to rural health care through leadership. These awards recognize individuals and organizations who take on leadership roles in health care and their communities.
Johnston has served as the pharmacy manager at Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital since 2024 after several years of being a clinical pharmacist on staff.
“In her first year as a manager, Sheila has shown to be effective in the role and has patiently worked through several improvements,” Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital President and CEO John Kozyra wrote in the nomination letter. “Her commitment to continuous improvement is a strength. In addition to her role in the hospital, Sheila also was the catalyst for creating a community-wide service and clean-up day.”
In September 2024, Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital, in partnership with the O’Neill Ministerial Association, brought together 30-plus volunteers to do housework for homebound seniors in the O’Neill community in advance of the winter months. This included projects such as yard work, basic house maintenance and moving furniture.
Thank you for your leadership, Sheila - and congratulations on this much deserved recognition!

06/25/2025

We're proud to partner with North Central District Health Department to bring awareness to Northeast Nebraska residents about how they can detect at an early stage the most deadly form of cancer we face - and save lives. Please watch this video and learn about lung cancer screenings. The sooner lung cancer is identified, the better positioned we are to treat it.

North Central District Health Department and Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital are working together to bring life-saving lung cancer screenings to rural communiti...

06/13/2025

As we continue to invest in you and your family’s health, we are offering new health care services in O’Neill and its surrounding communities. To provide the best local care in our area, providers are now seeing patients for wound care, neurology and expanded counseling services. New providers are also available in podiatry and family medicine. See our new services and the new providers at www.Avera.org/ONeillCare.

Move your health forward with Avera. Learn about our integrated health system of hospitals, clinics, doctors and community support in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North Dakota.

06/05/2025

With measles cases confirmed in Nebraska and all surrounding states, we encourage you to understand what this highly infectious disease can mean for you and your loved ones:
• People who are not vaccinated are at highest risk of contracting measles. Vaccinations are available at our clinic or at the local health department.
• If someone has a known exposure to measles, or is experiencing any of the symptoms, please call the clinic or the ER and inform us before coming in so we can work with you to avoid exposing other patients and visitors.
Many of the common questions we receive about measles are answered at the link. Knowledge is power. Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself about this growing concern.

05/29/2025

As efforts are under way to increase mental health awareness in the agricultural world, we are proud to share that Jessica Clark, LADC, LIMHP, MSW, is now accepting therapy patients at Avera Medical Group O'Neill.
Jessica has experience providing mental health and substance abuse counseling to individuals, families, couples and groups. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Brainspotting (BSP).
Inquire about an appointment by calling 402-336-2900.

The United States Senate unanimously approved U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Michael Bennet’s (D-Colo.) bipartisan resolution designating May 29th as ‘Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day.’