Author: Stephany Chalberg

RAPID CITY, S.D. (JAN. 30, 2026) – Rapid City Medical Center and Monument Health announced today that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for Rapid City Medical Center to join Monument Health.  Under the LOI, the parties will perform further due diligence with the intention to sign definitive agreements and close on the transaction later this spring.  

Health care delivery is evolving rapidly, and both organizations believe it is responsible to proactively evaluate how best to support physicians, caregivers and patients while maintaining strong access to care across the region.

Rapid City Medical Center and Monument Health share a longstanding commitment to physician leadership, community-based care and keeping patients close to home. The LOI provides a framework for the organizations to come together after closing to support these shared priorities. In conjunction with the deal, while many Rapid City Medical Center physicians will join Monument Health, other physicians will continue to serve the community by remaining independent or joining other practices.

Both organizations will continue to operate independently through the transition process. Patient care, providers, clinic locations and insurance participation currently remain unchanged.

“Rapid City Medical Center was founded by physicians committed to caring for people in the Black Hills, and that commitment hasn’t changed,” said Jay Hammerquist, Rapid City Medical Center CEO. “We’re pursuing this transaction because Monument Health shares our belief in physician leadership, community-based care and the importance of keeping health care decisions rooted here at home.”

“Monument Health was built to serve this region, and our mission has always been centered on caring for our neighbors close to home,” said Paulette Davidson, Monument Health President and CEO. “We respect the strong physician-led culture at Rapid City Medical Center and believe it’s important to develop a closer relationship—grounded in our shared values and long-standing commitment to the Black Hills—that will support patients, physicians and caregivers over the long term.”

Additional information will be shared when available.

About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,600 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 40 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

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Spearfish, S.D. (Jan. 5, 2026) – Jett and Brittany Rogers, of Deadwood, South Dakota welcomed the first baby of 2026 at Monument Health Spearfish Hospital at 10:33 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Their daughter, Roma Palmer Rogers, weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long. 

The proud parents say they were surprised to have their first child arrive as the year’s first baby, as she was due on Jan. 10. Roma’s name holds special significance to the family, with both her first and middle names honoring family members.

The Rogers family already has a niece who turned 10 on New Year’s Eve, so they’re looking forward to some joint birthday parties in the years to come.

About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 40 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

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Rapid City, S.D. (Jan. 2, 2026) – Bailey and Kyle Schulz of Philip, South Dakota, welcomed the first baby of 2026 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital at 3:14 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Their daughter, Marleigh Anne Schulz, weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long.

The proud parents say they feel very grateful to have their first child arrive as the new year’s first baby. Marleigh’s name holds special family significance — “Mar” honors Bailey’s father Marlin, while “Leigh” pays tribute to Bailey’s mother Leigh. Anne is a three-generation middle name on Bailey’s side of the family.

The New Year’s Day arrival came as a bit of a surprise, as Bailey was scheduled for an induction next week. However, little Marleigh had other plans and decided to make her debut on New Year’s Day instead.

The Schulz family is looking forward to creating new traditions with Marleigh, including what Bailey said will “probably be a birthday party” each New Year’s Day.

About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 40 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Rapid City, S.D. – Dec. 1, 2025 – Monument Health and Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI) are celebrating one year of partnership, reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring every patient in western South Dakota has access to essential dialysis care close to home.

Launched in November 2024, the partnership supports dialysis operations at Monument Health facilities on East North Street in Rapid City and Yankee Street in Spearfish. Monument Health nephrologists continue to provide physician oversight while DCI manages daily clinical operations.

The partnership’s value to the community was highlighted in October when the Hot Springs VA dialysis center unexpectedly closed due to utility issues. Within 24 hours, Monument Health and DCI welcomed all 17 affected patients, ensuring continuity of their life-sustaining treatment without interruption.

The clinics also extend care beyond the local community. During June, July and August, the facilities provided 57 treatments for visitors to the region, ensuring that dialysis patients traveling through western South Dakota could continue their care without disruption.

“Our partnership with DCI reflects our unwavering commitment to providing quality care to every patient who needs it,” said Mark Schulte, Vice President of Operations, Rapid City Market at Monument Health. “Whether serving our neighbors or visitors passing through, we are dedicated to being here for our community when they need us most.”

Monument Health and DCI’s partnership has strengthened care delivery by reducing reliance on temporary staffing and investing in workforce development. DCI is a not-for-profit organization operating more than 240 dialysis centers across 30 states, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, sharing Monument Health’s mission to put patients first.

Patients requiring dialysis services can contact the Monument Health Rapid City Dialysis Clinic at (605) 755-6950 or the Monument Health Spearfish Dialysis Clinic at (605) 722-8110.

About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 40 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

About Dialysis Clinic Inc. Since opening the first clinic in 1971 in Nashville, Tenn., Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI) has grown to be the nation’s largest not-for-profit kidney care provider with more than 240 locations across 30 states, including two in South Dakota, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving nearly 14,000 patients each day and employing 5,000 individuals. DCI’s mission states, “The care of the patient is our reason for existence.” DCI prioritizes a holistic approach and offers hemodialysis, home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatment options. DCI empowers people with kidney disease to live their best lives while also delivering high quality kidney care. DCI is committed to advancing care through research and education to improve the lives of patients along the continuum of kidney health. Learn more about DCI at http://www.dciinc.org.

Only Hospital in South Dakota to achieve top safety rating

Rapid City, S.D., Nov. 24, 2025 – Monument Health Rapid City Hospital has again earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety, making it the only hospital in South Dakota to receive this distinction. Only about 30% of U.S. hospitals achieve a Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade of “A.” Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.   

This marks another consecutive cycle of top-tier recognition for Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, demonstrating sustained excellence in protecting patients from preventable harm.

“This ‘A’ grade represents more than a letter, it reflects our unwavering commitment to the patients and families who trust us with their care,” said Jill Tice, Monument Health Vice President of Quality Safety and Risk Management. “Being the only hospital in South Dakota to achieve this recognition is a testament to our physicians, nurses, and entire care team who work tirelessly every day to uphold the highest safety standards. We don’t just meet benchmarks; we continuously challenge ourselves to redefine what excellent, safe care looks like for our community.”

“Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade reflects enormous dedication to patient safety,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I extend my congratulations to Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for creating a culture where patients come first.”

“Patient safety isn’t a goal we reach, it’s a standard we maintain every single day through rigorous protocols, continuous training, and a culture where every team member is empowered to speak up,” said Brad Archer, M.D., Monument Health Chief Medical Officer. “Earning this recognition year after year, and standing alone in our state with this achievement, reinforces that our commitment to protecting every patient is unwavering. I’m honored to be part of an organization that truly lives its mission of making a difference, every day.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. 

To explore Rapid City Hospital’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org. Connect with The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and stay informed through The Leapfrog Group newsletter.  

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About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 40 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

About The Leapfrog Group                                                                                    

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. 

Rapid City, SD (Nov. 21, 2025) – Christine Zallar, RRT, was awarded Monument Health’s 2025 PHIL award. The Phil Award, which is The FACES Foundation’s signature program, is the only nationally recognized hospital-based recognition program dedicated to honoring outstanding respiratory therapists who provide exemplary care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses. Winners are nominated by patients, family members and other caregivers.

Christine has been recognized by several colleagues. Here is some of what they had to say about her care:

• A physician: “Christine’s compassionate care consistently leaves a lasting impact. Her initiative in creating comprehensive patient education and her dedication to maintaining the highest clinical standards set her apart. When I learn that Christine is on, I know the patient will be well cared for. She represents the best of what respiratory care should be.”
• A PICU nurse: “Thank you for taking the time out of your day to help take our [patient] on ventilator on a walk, and for your extra time spent educating her parents! I love working on the same team as you and I appreciate your drive to go above and beyond for your patients. Your patients and coworkers are lucky to have you!”
• A physician: “Christine went above and beyond her clinical duties by independently creating a comprehensive PICU RT education and standard of care binder—an invaluable resource that has enhanced team knowledge and consistency. Her initiative, attention to detail, and commitment to education make her a true asset to Monument Health Children’s.”
• A nurse: “Great job with a recent critical admission! You helped stabilize the infant and precepted your trainee all at the same time! You are such a great resource to our unit; we are lucky to have you!”
• A nursing colleague: “Thank you for stepping in and always solving problems! You take the problems that are presented to you and find solutions on your own. You are always willing to jump in and get the job done. You are so appreciated by our team!”
• The Director of Respiratory Care: “Christine has made an incredible impact, particularly in the NICU and Peds/PICU populations, where her skill, patience and heart shine brightest. She brings calm, confidence, and compassion to even the most complex cases, caring for the tiniest and most fragile patients with deep empathy. Families often share their gratitude through heartfelt notes of appreciation and small tokens of thanks to express their gratitude for her kindness, patience, and genuine care. In addition to her bedside care, Christine serves as a preceptor for the respiratory care department, mentoring and inspiring new therapists as they develop their skills and confidence. Her contributions are truly valued. We are fortunate to have her on our team.”

Monument Health adopted The PHIL award in April 2023 to recognize respiratory therapists who are heart and lung specialists. They work with patients of all ages, from premature babies to the elderly. Disease states or conditions often requiring diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care include asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome. Respiratory Therapists also manage ventilators and artificial airway devices for adult, pediatric and infant patients who can’t breathe normally on their own.

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About the FACES Foundation

The FACES Foundation was founded in 2006 to acknowledge and promote professional excellence in the education and care of patients with life-threatening pulmonary illnesses. The FACES Foundation is dedicated to educating professionals, patients, and families on issues relevant to lung disease.

About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 38 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Rapid City, SD (Oct. 22, 2025) – Lisa Aguilar, RRT, RPFT, was awarded Monument Health’s 2024 PHIL award. The Phil Award, which is The FACES Foundation’s signature program, is the only nationally recognized hospital-based recognition program dedicated to honoring outstanding respiratory therapists who provide exemplary care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses. Winners are nominated by patients, family members and other caregivers.

Lisa was nominated by multiple patients. Here is some of what they had to say about her care: 

• Patient 1: “Lisa is one of a kind. She is kind, professional and is always smiling. She makes you feel so comfortable and not just a patient but a person that matters. I look forward to seeing her monthly for my treatment and recommend her to all.”
• Patient 2: “Lisa has a way of making a person feel comfortable and valuable, yes, that is the only word that explains it. Lisa was our main therapist and always made the lessons interesting, fun, helped us feel at ease and answered all the questions we had. Her encouragement with the exercises invigorated me and helped 

Lisa has been with Monument Health since 2005. She started her career as an respiratory therapy assistant then became a Registered Respiratory Therapist in 2013. In 2022, Lisa earned her RPFT credential, which validates an RT’s specialized skill in Pulmonary Function testing. She currently works as an RT in the outpatient setting, performing various PFTs and treatments while also facilitating the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. 

Monument Health adopted The PHIL award in April 2023 to recognize respiratory therapists who are heart and lung specialists. They work with patients of all ages, from premature babies to the elderly. Disease states or conditions often requiring diagnostic and therapeutic respiratory care include asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome. Respiratory Therapists also manage ventilators and artificial airway devices for adult, pediatric and infant patients who can’t breathe normally on their own.

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About the FACES Foundation

The FACES Foundation was founded in 2006 to acknowledge and promote professional excellence in the education and care of patients with life-threatening pulmonary illnesses. The FACES Foundation is dedicated to educating professionals, patients, and families on issues relevant to lung disease.

About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 38 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.