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Scotchman Living Center and Kadoka Nursing Home have benefitted from the very generous assistance from Philip Area Health Foundation for the purchase of these new walk-in whirlpool tubs.

Patients and residents in healthcare settings bathing in a safe and efficient manner should be a non-issue, but that has not been the case in the Scotchman Living Center nor the Kadoka Nursing Home.

Walk-in whirlpool tubs are essential for patients, residents, and caregivers inside these three facilities. They result in a significant reduction in fall risk; they help patients with limited mobility experience bathing with less assistance and more privacy. Therapeutic benefits from immersing the body in warm water are self-explanatory, and caregivers can be more efficient using tubs that are ergonomically designed with accessible controls.

Recently, the two local care facilities have all experienced failure in the operation of all four of the tubs that they utilize daily. Due to their expensive price tag, these original tubs were purchased as refurbished items from an equipment supply company. As the facilities began to experience trouble with the tubs leaking, the company was contacted. Warranties could not be honored, nor were parts acquired as the company declared bankruptcy.

The decision was reached to replace all four tubs with new ones, complete with warranties. After doing ample research and finding reviews from other facilities that had installed the tubs, a company was selected, and tubs were ordered. They are currently being installed. The Scotchman Living Center will have three and the Kadoka Nursing Home will receive the fourth.

The cost of this project was considerable, and Philip Health Services (PHSI) had reserved a contingency fund for the tub replacement several months ago. As the situation became more imminent, PHSI CEO Maureen Cadwell reached out to the board of Philip Area Health Foundation (PAHF) for assistance.

“This is a perfect example of the type of instance that PAHF was designed to offset”, according to PAHF Director Vonda Hamill. “A situation that comes from nowhere and needs addressed yet isn’t entirely within the budget of a care facility. The Foundation is very pleased to have the means to help each of the three facilities realize the completion of the tub project.”

by The Chartis Center for Rural Health

As part of National Rural Health Day, Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital announced it has earned a 2025 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Patient Perspective. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards program recognizes top quartile performance (i.e., 75^th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes, and/or Patient Perspective.

“We work hard to provide the best care to our patients and greatly appreciate this award”, said Hospital CEO, Maureen Cadwell.  “I know that this recognition is not bestowed on every facility, and I believe it our staff truly deserve the recognition.”

The Performance Leadership Awards program is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“The areas of quality, outcomes, and patient perspective are cornerstones of healthcare delivery across rural America, and this year’s Performance Leadership Award recipients are establishing a standard of excellence for their rural peers to follow,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to shine a spotlight on such strong performance and honor the achievement of these hospitals on National Rural Health Day.”

For more details about the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, contact Billy Balfour at wbalfour@chartis.com.

Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital is an 18-bed critical access hospital, providing emergency care 24 hours a day.

(Pictured are, left to right, Spry, Ehlers, Slovek and Kroetch)

Better Life representative Joel Spry and volunteer Linda Kroetch generously donated soft and cozy blankets for the winter blanket drive organized by Philip Health Services’ Health Equity Team, led by Haley Ehlers and Ashley Slovek.

These lovely throw blankets will be a warm and comforting addition to PHS’s commitment to ensuring their patients stay cozy and warm!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Better Life and all the local donors who contributed to this incredibly worthwhile cause!

The Board of Directors at Philip Health Services, Inc. has developed a creative solution to address the housing challenges faced by staff, including both temporary and on-call employees who require nearby accommodations. After extensive discussions regarding staff housing in Philip, the decision was made to construct a six-plex, which will be situated directly across from the hospital complex.

Construction Details

Jensen Design Build, LLC, based in Mitchell, SD, is currently constructing the housing unit off-site, with plans to relocate it onto the foundation in the coming weeks (exact date to be confirmed). This efficiency apartment complex will feature six units designed for single occupancy.

Morgan Whites, R.N., was recently selected by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to serve on a nine-member nationwide panel for the NCLEX-PN Exam Review panel, Sept. 16-18, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.

NCSBN depends on practicing nurses to assist in the exam development process. Involvement in NCSBN exam development is a source of pride for nurses and is indicative of Morgan’s commitment to the profession.

Whites began her career at Philip Health Services as a licensed practical nurse in the original Philip Nursing Home. After finishing school and receiving her Registered Nurse license, she returned to PHS where she is the resident care manager and social services designee.

Suzanne “Suzie” Stevens

In addition to recently earning her Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist (CRCS) designation, Suzanne Stevens has proudly obtained the Critical Access Hospital Coding & Billing Specialist (CAH-CBS) certification. This credential is designed specifically for professionals working within Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), addressing essential knowledge areas in documentation, professional and facility coding, and the full medical billing process.

The program emphasizes key components of the revenue cycle, including CPT, HCPCS-II, and ICD-10-CM coding, and highlights their direct impact on reimbursement, facility operations, public health reporting, and our mission to serve rural communities.

Outside of Work

Much of my time outside of work is currently devoted to completing my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a specialty in Management, which I will finish in December. Despite a busy academic schedule, I prioritize spending time with my grandchildren—my greatest joy. When time allows, my husband and I enjoy riding our Harleys together, exploring the beautiful prairies of South Dakota and the majestic Black Hills.

My Path to Healthcare

I often say this profession chose me. My journey in healthcare began years ago when I served as an EMT in Wall, South Dakota. That experience led me to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Platte, and later in Philip. Eventually, I transitioned into the business office, where I discovered a true passion for medical billing and revenue cycle management. I find great satisfaction in helping others and supporting the health of our community — both through direct care in the past and now through ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the billing process.

A Passion for Rural Health

Since moving to Philip in 2018, I have felt deeply connected to this area. Growing up in the Wall and Quinn communities, I have always appreciated the strength and closeness of rural life. Philip exemplifies that spirit. Our community is always ready to support one another, and I am proud to contribute to the health and well-being of our neighbors.

I truly love Philip Health Services and believe in the incredible work we do here. Our organization is committed to providing high-quality care to every patient who walks through our doors, and I take my role seriously in ensuring that we can continue to do so. I work hard to make sure patient insurances are paying what they should — not just for the benefit of the facility, but also to ensure our patients are getting the coverage they pay for and deserve. Every correctly paid claim helps us keep our doors open, maintain access to care, and continue fulfilling our mission of compassionate, community-based healthcare.

Marit Clawson, RN

Marit Clawson recently graduated from Western Dakota Technical College with a degree in registered nursing. Congratulations on this amazing achievement!

What brought you to Philip? An opportunity to run my own restaurant … I am a person who believes we are put in a certain place at a certain time for a reason. In the summer of 2016, I was fresh out of culinary school. I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu for Patisserie and Baking May 2015. I was living in Casper, WY, working three jobs and going to school full time for my hospitality management degree. My aunt sent me an ad for a restaurant in Philip with encouragement to move to Philip.

As someone who grew up in a small town in North Dakota, I thought I would never find myself “stuck” living in a small town again. I saw it as fate, when I checked my calendar and just happened to have two days off in a row that upcoming weekend. Two days later, I drove out to Philip to tour the PLA Cafe at Philip Livestock Auction. I went back to Casper and put in my notice at all three of my jobs and moved to Philip two weeks later. Little did I know, this small town would soon grow to have a special place in my life.

My husband and I welcomed our baby girl in June of 2018. Life carried us to Arizona in January of 2020. We moved back to Philip in August of 2021 just in time for baby number two.

Western Dakota Technical College started their satellite campus program in Philip shortly after we moved back to town. I thought my decision to go to nursing school happened by chance. An opportunity of pure convenience. After my first day at clinicals, in the nursing program, I realized I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Why nursing? Some may think that the transition from baking to nursing is a huge change, but the “why” that lies behind both of these passions for me is the same. The reason why I fell in love with baking from a young age was the reaction I received from those I shared my baked goods with. I have always found joy in the way that a sweet treat can brighten someone’s day. Nurses, I have come to realize, have the ability to bring joy to the patients they care for. The best part about nursing is that when you care for your patients with enthusiasm and compassion you not only improve their moment or day, but you can help people change their lives. In my opinion, that’s pretty amazing.

When/where did you graduate from LPN school?

Western Dakota Technical College- Philip satellite campus

Graduated December 2023

When/where did you graduate from RN school?

Western Dakota Technical College

Graduated May 2025

Tell us a little bit about your family and hobbies:

My husband, Colton, and I have two crazy kiddos, Lilah, 7, and Ren, 3. In our spare time, we enjoy the outdoors, hunting and fishing, traveling, playing in the kitchen, and watching movies. Baking is still close to my heart and I enjoy spending time in the kitchen whenever I get the chance. I am currently building a bakery cart to bring more handmade items and fresh baked goods to Philip.

I am working at the Philip Clinic as a full-time RN. I have started training in the Scotchman Living Center and Philip Hospital to work PRN, as well.

I thought Philip would just be a temporary stop on my journey, but I have learned that the people here are unlike any other small town I have been to. The never-ending support offered to those young and old is inspiring. I am honored to serve those in and around this community and call Philip our home.