Avera Research Institute

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.

09/10/2025

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

Avera Research Institute is celebrating a huge milestone as the Food as Medicine (FaM) study officially reached its recruitment goal. Christine Hockett, PhD, Director of Community Research, leads the program.

“We are excited to have reached our recruitment goal and honored to provide opportunities that increase access to fresh produce for members of the Sioux Falls community. It is a true testament of our staff and Avera clinics that we were able to accomplish this,” Dr. Hockett said. “This work was only possible because of the collaboration between Avera Research Institute, Avera community clinics and Hy-Vee.”

FaM is a produce prescription study, launched in 2023, that aims to increase food security by supporting access to fresh fruit and vegetables. FaM partnered with Hy-Vee and the Mobile Market in Sioux Falls to provide fresh produce to participants. Each week they receive a voucher for fresh produce or a produce box delivery of equal value throughout the study duration.

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.

09/03/2025

Avera researchers Jyoti Angal, PhD, and Lacey McCormack, PhD, MPH, RD, co-authored a manuscript that the Lancet Planetary Health accepted for publication in August. The study investigated the impact of exposure to fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke during pregnancy on preterm birth in women participating in the Environmental Child influences on Health Outcomes (ECHO) Study. The research suggests public health interventions to reduce smoke events could prevent adverse birth outcomes related to wildfires.

Read the study: https://bit.ly/4n3Tbfn

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!

08/19/2025

There are two Avera Healthy Start group based education classes coming up with the next one on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Avera Community Resource Center. This session of "Fueling Your Body After Recovery" will focus on breastfeeding and supporting milk supply.

Classes are free and no registration is required. We hope to see you there!

Avera Healthy Start is hosting three community education sessions from 11 a.m.—noon. on Thursdays Aug. 14, 21 & 28 at the Avera Community Health Resource Center, 102. N. Krohn Place. “Fueling Your Recovery After Baby” will cover the following topics in each session:

-Session 1 on Aug. 14: Nutrition needs after birth and how to make low-cost snacks and meals
-Session 2 on Aug. 21: Breastfeeding and supporting milk supply
-Session 3 on Aug. 28: Prioritizing mom’s health and self-care

Classes are free and no registration is required. You can attend all three or just one class. Partners, support people and children of all ages are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!

08/15/2025

This summer, Avera Research Institute welcomes student interns interested in research. Arthur Hanson joined the ARI team this summer and is learning about stroke care and research in rural health care settings. Arthur is planning on going to medical school after he graduates from Carleton College and wants to better understand how research informs care practices. Get to know Arthur!

08/11/2025

Avera Healthy Start is hosting three community education sessions from 11 a.m.—noon. on Thursdays Aug. 14, 21 & 28 at the Avera Community Health Resource Center, 102. N. Krohn Place. “Fueling Your Recovery After Baby” will cover the following topics in each session:

-Session 1 on Aug. 14: Nutrition needs after birth and how to make low-cost snacks and meals
-Session 2 on Aug. 21: Breastfeeding and supporting milk supply
-Session 3 on Aug. 28: Prioritizing mom’s health and self-care

Classes are free and no registration is required. You can attend all three or just one class. Partners, support people and children of all ages are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!

08/04/2025

Avera Research Institute staff recently took a trip to Pine Ridge, where Avera Research Institute has a site location. ARI and Lakota communities work together to improve health for Native Americans in the region. Thank you to Paul Forney, Clinical Research Coordinator at the ARI Pine Ridge site, for taking staff on this tour and providing important history. In addition to learning history, staff also had the opportunity to learn about different community organizations and initiatives in Pine Ridge.

Here were some of the stops:

-Paul gave a tour of the main town in Pine Ridge, including the Indian Health Service facility.

-Staff met with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Health Administrator, Lisa Schrader, and received a grab bag.

-Paul also gave a tour of Wounded Knee, providing history on the renowned Chief Spotted Elk.

-At Thunder Valley CDC, a community development corporation, staff received a tour from Brandon Big Eagle, the Food Sovereignty Coordinator at the organization. They were introduced to the Lakota Land Systems initiative and the Regenerative Community Development initiative, a few of the many initiatives through the organization.

-Staff stopped at Oyate Teca Project, a nonprofit that serves Pine Ridge connecting people with knowledge, advocacy and support. This included plant purchases from the many greenhouses that play an important role in the community’s gardening and fresh produce initiative.

-The last stop of the day was at the White River Visitor Center (South Unit of the Badlands). Staff toured the visitor center's different exhibits and Paul spoke on the cultural significance of the area. This included the significance of the Buffalo Gap area, which is the finishing line of "The Great Race." "The Great Race" path circles the Black Hills and forms the general shape of a heart. This directly connects to Lakota culture, which refers to Black Hills as the "heart of everything that is.”

07/14/2025

Avera Research Institute is proud to support the Wellness Pantry! You can read the full article here: https://www.midwestmedicaledition.com/articles/avera-food-pantries

07/09/2025

This summer Avera Research Institute welcomes student interns interested in research and public health. Aastha Angal is joining ARI from the Research Summer Internship Program through the University of Utah. The program places high school juniors and seniors with research institutions across the U.S. to gain skills for future education and careers. Aastha is one of only 12 students accepted into the program, where she will receive hands-on research experience from ARI’s experts.

Get to know Aastha!

07/04/2025

Happy Independence Day from Avera Research Institute!

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

This summer, Avera Research Institute welcomes student interns interested in research. Rahul Matthews is joining ARI through the Maternal and Child Health Careers-Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement-Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP) provides opportunities for enhanced public health leadership training in maternal and child health, focusing on social determinants of health, promotion of health, and care for those with developmental disabilities. MCHC/RISE-UP is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and partners with the University of South Dakota by placing undergraduate students and recent graduates at Tribal-serving organizations like ARI.

Throughout the summer, Rahul will work alongside ARI staff to learn more about public health and community-based research. Get to know Rahul!

06/25/2025

This summer, Avera Research Institute welcomes student interns interested in research. Kiara Schilling is joining ARI through the Maternal and Child Health Careers-Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement-Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP) provides opportunities for enhanced public health leadership training in maternal and child health, focusing on social determinants of health, promotion of health, and care for those with developmental disabilities. MCHC/RISE-UP is funded through the Centers for Disease Control and partners with the University of South Dakota by placing undergraduate students and recent graduates at Tribal-serving organizations like ARI.

Throughout the summer, Kiara will work alongside ARI staff to learn more about public health and community-based research. Get to know Kiara!

05/26/2025

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. More than 1.3 million Americans paid the ultimate price to ensure that we can continue to pursue our unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We honor their memory with deep gratitude this Memorial Day.