Spearfish, S.D., [Jan. 21, 2026] – Monument Health Foundation recently purchased an ultrasound machine and three wireless fetal monitors for Spearfish Hospital, providing critical support to the OB/GYN team as they serve a growing number of families in the Northern Hills.
Money raised during the fund-a-mission portion of the Northern Hills Hospice Fundraiser, A Night at the Derby, supported the purchase of the three wireless monitors, which are now being used in the Labor & Delivery Department to improve care for mothers and babies.
The timing of the new ultrasound machine addresses a critical need for the Spearfish OB-GYN practice. For years, the practice has been working with two aging ultrasound machines—one nearly 11 years old and well past its useful life. In reality, providers have been functioning with just one reliable machine. This became even more challenging last October when the team welcomed Dr. Michael Growney, expanding from three to four providers while still sharing that single machine.
“We are getting busier and busier here in Spearfish,” said Dr. Heather Brewer, OB/GYN physician at Monument Health. “We’ve increased our delivery numbers from around 450 a year—which had been pretty consistent for 10 to 15 years—to around 550 this last calendar year. Having the extra ultrasound machine is helping us see more patients with their OB-GYN needs.”
With ultrasound being essential for prenatal care and many other OB-GYN services, having a second fully functional machine means providers can see patients more efficiently and families receive the care they need without delays.
The purchases—$81,065 for the ultrasound machine and $83,388 for the three wireless fetal monitors—were made possible through Monument Health Foundation’s Children’s Miracle Network program and community support from events like A Night at the Derby.
“Every gift to Monument Health Foundation truly makes a difference,” said Hans Nelson, Monument Health Foundation Director. “These purchases demonstrate how our community’s generosity translates directly into improved patient care.”
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.