SEPTEMBER 26, 2024: The Avera St. Mary’s Region in central South Dakota reaches from Pierre and Fort Pierre to Gettysburg and includes eight medical facilities– two hospitals, two clinics, two long-term care facilities and two assisted living facilities. St. Mary’s President and CEO Shantel Krebs says they average about 100 job openings on any given day and the result can be frustrating for patients. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/092624-krebs1.mp3 Krebs says to continue providing high quality care, Avera needs help from the communities they serve. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/092624-krebs2.mp3 When considering relocating to Pierre, Fort Pierre, Gettysburg or other communities in the Avera St. Mary’s Region, Krebs says prospective employees encounter challenges finding child care and a place to live. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/092624-krebs3.mp3 Another way to help lure new employees to their facilities, Krebs says, is for towns to have entertainment options and a variety of local businesses. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/092624-krebs4.mp3 Krebs says the Avera St. Mary’s Region has roughly 800 employees and $80-million annual payroll. . SEPTEMBER 25, 2024: Over the past month, the President and CEO of Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre has given town leaders in Fort Pierre (Aug. 19, 2024) and Pierre (Sept. 24, 2024) a status report, of sorts. Shantel Krebs says the St. Mary’s Region for Avera reaches from Pierre and Fort Pierre to Gettysburg. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/092524-krebs1.mp3 Krebs outlined some of the main questions they get from prospective employees. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/092524-krebs2.mp3 Krebs says as part of St. Mary’s being a good community partner, they conduct regular community health needs assessments. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/092524-krebs3.mp3