Spring 2014

Spring 2014 | SANFORDHEALTH.ORG

Breaking Ground Sanford Imagenetics changes the definition of personalized care

discoveries Spring 2014

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Message from Gene Hoyme Breaking Ground: Sanford Imagenetics Updates from Development & Research Events Calendar

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message

from Gene Hoyme, MD As the country’s preeminent health care philanthropist, Denny Sanford had already given more than $700 million to Sanford Health and more than $1 billion to health care and medical research efforts. Now, Mr. Sanford has agreed to gift Sanford Health $125 million to help establish a revolutionary program – the first of its kind in the nation – that will fully integrate genetics and genomic medicine into primary care for adults.

Sanford Health Development & Research 1305 W 18th Street PO Box 5039 Sioux Falls, SD 57117-5039 For questions or additional information email us at discoveries@sanfordhealth.org or visit us on the web at sanfordhealth.org

Sanford Imagenetics will transform internal medicine across our entire footprint. It will provide practicing geneticists, and those in training, with an opportunity to advance the field of genetics through robust research programs and clinical application of research findings. They will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, the latest technologies, bench laboratory space and a laboratory certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Once again, Denny Sanford is making the impossible possible through his generosity and belief in Sanford Health’s dedication to the work of health and healing.

Gene Hoyme, MD President, Sanford Research Chief Academic Officer, Sanford Health

Breaking Ground

S anford Imagenetics changes the definition of personalized care You are a unique individual. You have a genetic make-up that is yours alone. Your propensity to develop disease, and how you respond to treatments and therapies, are impacted by your genetic makeup.

It is around this basic concept that Sanford Imagenetics was created.

At Sanford Health, we are pushing the envelope on what personalized care means. We have always been

on the forefront of catering to each patient’s individualized needs, but this new initiative will take that commitment a step further.

Sanford Health is poised to change the face of medicine with a revolutionary program called Sanford Imagenetics - the first in the nation to integrate genetics and genomic medicine into primary care for all adults.

Pictured on cover: Sanford Clinic President Dan Blue, MD (left) and Sanford Research President and Sanford Health Chief Academic Officer Gene Hoyme, MD (right).

Left: Quinn Stein, MS, CGC, is a senior genetic counselor at Sanford Health and was one of the first genetic counselors to begin serving patients in the Dakotas.

Right: Sanford is the only hospital system in the Dakotas to employ both a board-certified clinical diagnostic cytogeneticist and board-certified clinical diagnostic molecular geneticist (Megan Landsverk, PhD pictured), and offer both in-house cytogenetic and molecular genetic diagnostic testing.

Your medical blueprint When it comes to your health, the answers are in your genes. Your DNA is the medical blueprint that determines everything from what medications will work more effectively for you to what diseases you are most susceptible to developing. Sanford Imagenetics will translate your genetic makeup, your medical blueprint, to treat you with even more precision.

“Sanford Imagenetics will reveal these individual nuances through each patient’s unique genetic makeup,” says Eugene Hoyme, MD, board-certified geneticist, president of Sanford Research and chief academic officer for

Sanford Health. “With this information, patients can expect more pathways for preventative care, earlier detection of disease, fewer medication side effects, quicker recovery and ultimately, a higher quality of care.”

This is where it starts Sanford Health has been a leader in medical genetics in the region for almost 40 years. Through Imagenetics, genomic medicine will be integrated into patient care through Sanford’s team of 170 physicians trained in internal medicine in 40 clinic locations. The clinical care team will also include medical geneticists and genetic counselors who will provide information and support to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions.

“These individuals will be embedded in our adult medicine practices, but will also continue to serve as consultants for all Sanford Health primary care clinicians, specialists and sub-specialists. All Sanford patients can access the information and innovation offered through Imagenetics,” states Dan Blue, MD, president of Sanford Clinic.

Understanding the code To accompany the strong clinical side of Sanford Imagenetics, an innovative research program is being developed to help identify which biomarkers are the most successful in managing primary care for adults.

Sanford Health Genetic Medicine Legacy The second medical genetics physician in the state, Laura Davis-Keppen, M.D., joins Sioux Valley. Today Dr. Davis-Keppen is part of a team of five Sanford Health medical genetics physicians.

Because of the ability to provide state-of-the-art genetic care to pregnant women and infants, the Sioux Valley Nursery receives federal funding to obtain the Dakota’s only Level III-designated nursery.

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Virginia P. Johnson, M.D., board certified in clinical cytogenetics and clinical medical genetics, is the first to bring genetics to South Dakota and starts the state’s first Clinical Genetics Laboratory in Vermillion at the USD School of Medicine.

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The Clinical Genetics Laboratory is moved to Ann Berdahl Hall on the Sioux Valley Medical Center campus in Sioux Falls.

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Sioux Valley hires its first clinical genetic counselor, Quinn Stein, who is the first practicing genetic counselor in Sioux Falls.

Today, Stein is part of a team of 7 Sanford Health genetic counselors with specialization across several specialties, including children’s health, fetal-maternal health, obstetrics, oncology and internal medicine.

Dr. Johnson retires and Patricia L. Crotwell, Ph.D., board-certified in clinical cytogenetics, provides new leadership for the Clinical Genetics Laboratory.

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Pediatric geneticist and internationally renowned fetal alcohol spectrum disorder researcher, Gene Hoyme, M.D., joins Sanford Health. Dr. Hoyme is board-certified in clinical genetics and clinical cytogenetics.

“ It’s because of this solid foundation, strong legacy and continued commitment, that we are able to build and design a new future for internal medicine and genomics care that will create a lasting impact far beyond the Sanford footprint.”

“We will take a national lead role in not only using existing genetic markers,” says Dr. Hoyme,“but in discovering new biomarkers that will allow our physicians to provide innovative care for our patients with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and other conditions.”

Sanford internal medicine physician, Russ Wilke, MD, has been researching pharmacogenetics for almost two decades. Dr. Wilke has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles on the efficacy of individualized drug therapies, and most recently led publication of the first international guideline on gene-based drug dosing for statins (cholesterol medication), the most commonly prescribed class of drugs in the United States.

This new research program will live within the newly established Sanford Research Center for Genomic and Molecular Medicine, which is supported by Sanford Research’s existing infrastructure and technology investments in biobanking, and exome and whole genome sequencing.

Planning for the future This new frontier of genetic mapping will require a new wave of medical professionals ready to dive into the world of genomic medicine.

“To sustain the work of Sanford Imagenetics and cultivate trained practitioners, we have developed initial educational partnerships with The Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota and Augustana College,” says Dr. Hoyme.

By the fall of 2015, Augustana students will be able to enroll in a two-year master’s program in genetic counseling or bioinformatics.

There will also be a one-year certificate in genomic nursing available.

These partnerships will be just the beginning. As the program grows, Sanford plans to expand to other local colleges and universities.

“This incredible commitment will allow our students and residents to learn the medicine of the future, to optimize and individualize treatment for

The USD School of Medicine Clinical Genetics Laboratory begins full integration with Sioux Valley Health System (now Sanford Health).

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2010 The Clinical Genetics Laboratory offers WholeGenome SNP Microarray Testing - a method for analyzing DNA copy number variations based on the use of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) without the need for culturing cells.

their patients based on genetic and genomic profiles,” says Dr. Hoyme. “This will also be a huge draw for students considering a genomic medicine career to come and study in South Dakota.”

In this together As our knowledge and understanding of genomic medicine grows, so will our impact on the world of health care.

“The Sanford footprint gives us a unique opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of many,” says Dr. Blue. “Our goal is to expand the genetics workforce throughout the enterprise, including medical geneticists, genetic counselors and a clinical genomics bioethicist.”

Sanford Imagenetics will be the hub for doctors, researchers and other medical staff to translate genetic code and identify adults at risk for certain diseases while creating smarter, more effective treatments for patients who are already ill.

“It’s because of this solid foundation, strong legacy and continued commitment,” says Dr. Blue, “that we are able to build and design a new future for internal medicine and genomics care that will create a lasting impact far beyond the Sanford footprint.”

Sanford Health receives a $100 million gift from Denny Sanford to establish Edith Sanford Breast Cancer - pursuing cutting-edge forward genomic breast cancer research.

Sanford Health hires board-certified molecular geneticist Megan Landsverk, Ph.D. as director of the Clinical Genetics Laboratory’s newly established molecular genetics division.

Sanford Health receives a $125 million gift from Denny Sanford to establish Sanford Imagenetics, a first-of-its-kind program in the country that integrates genomic medicine into primary care for adults.

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Sanford Health establishes the Sanford Health BioBank, an onsite bio-specimen repository to accelerate genetic research at Sanford.

Sanford Health is the only hospital system in the Dakotas to employ both a board-certified clinical diagnostic cytogeneticist and board-certified clinical diagnostic molecular geneticist, and offer both inhouse cytogenetic and molecular genetic diagnostic testing.

The Sanford Health Medical Genetics Laboratory begins development of both exome and whole genome sequencing for clinical use.

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updates

Sanford pediatric neurologist and associate scientist, Michael Kruer, MD has convened the Cerebral Palsy Genetics Collaborative Network to spearhead the discovery of cerebral palsy genes. Dr. Kruer has been recognized nationally for his research by the Child Neurology Foundation.

Sanford Research Dr. Kruer Enhances Pediatric Care at Sanford through Genetics Sanford pediatric neurologist and associate scientist, Michael Kruer, MD, estimates that most patients he sees in his neurology clinic at Sanford Children’s have a genetic basis to their disease. “But nationally, less than 25 percent of patients with genetic disorders probably receive a conclusive diagnosis,” he says.

Given that patients often undergo expensive and exhaustive workups, Dr. Kruer says, “This needs to change. After all, characterizing the genetic basis of a disease is often the first step in truly understanding it. And without that understanding, it is hard to advance current therapies beyond just treating symptoms.”

Armed with that resolve, Dr. Kruer’s team is part of a dedicated group of physicians and scientists at Sanford Health enhancing patient care through genetics. Dr. Kruer’s work focuses on inherited brain diseases in children and adults. The Kruer Lab has identified new genes that cause forms of Parkinson and Huntington diseases. In some cases, they discover not only new genes that lead to disease, but entirely new diseases along the way.

One of the surprises Dr. Kruer and his team have found is that the line between rare and common diseases is often blurry and incomplete. “For example, our work with patients with cerebral palsy (CP) indicates that for many patients 6 | discoveries

their CP is not caused by prematurity or lack of blood flow as commonly thought. Instead, for many people with CP, the cause of their disorder is genetic. Furthermore, there does not seem to be just one gene that leads to CP when it is defective.

In fact there are many genes, just lying out there, waiting to be discovered,” according to Dr. Kruer.

Dr. Kruer and his team have convened the Cerebral Palsy Genetics Collaborative Network to spearhead the discovery process. “This is a project we’re very proud of,” says Dr. Kruer. The network includes doctors and scientists across the country and around the world who are dedicated to finding answers for patients with CP.

Dr. Kruer and his team are currently enrolling 100 parent-child trios. DNA from these families is being sent to Sanford, and will be combed through using cutting-edge next-generation sequencing techniques. “This project will allow us to detect errors in a given patient’s genetic blueprint that cause their CP,” explains Dr. Kruer.

Dr. Kruer expects his lab will find multiple new “cerebral palsy genes” using this approach. “What’s really exciting is that every new gene is an important biological clue. Each genetic discovery is like a piece of the jigsaw puzzle that allows us to hone in on crucial processes in brain cells that just aren’t working properly. Armed with this knowledge, we can close in on new therapies,” says Dr. Kruer.

For more information, go to www.sanfordresearch.org, keyword: Cerebral Palsy Genetics Collaborative Network.

HiSeq 2500 System to Support Genomic Research at Sanford The latest in sequencing technology has arrived at Sanford Research.

The HiSeq 2500 System is a powerful ultra-high-throughput sequencing system that supports the broadest range of applications and study sizes. Data quality has made the HiSeq 2500 the dominant platform used in the United States for major genome centers and leading research institutions.

The platform, which has the capability to sequence a whole genome

in about 27 hours, features two run modes - rapid run and high output run mode - and the ability to process one or two flow cells simultaneously.

The HiSeq 2500 will be used to perform Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) at the Sanford Medical Genetics Satellite Laboratory. Rather than focusing on single genes, or even a group of genes, WES allows researchers to simultaneously look at thousands of genes in the human genome.

“The exome is the part of the human genome that contains DNA sequences that are translated into proteins. A majority of errors that are known to cause human disease are located in the exome, therefore exome sequencing is an efficient way to analyze a patient’s DNA to discover the genetic cause of diseases or predict the development of disease in the future,” says Megan Landsverk, PhD, director of the Clinical Genetics Laboratory at Sanford Health.

Last summer, Sanford Health expanded its on-site medical genetic laboratory capabilities when it hired Dr. Landsverk, a boardcertified molecular geneticist from Baylor College of Medicine, as director of the Clinical Genetics Laboratory’s newly established molecular genetics division. The Sanford Health Medical Genetics Laboratory is now comprised of two divisions, cytogenetics and molecular genetics, with the molecular genetics division performing diagnostic

Sanford Health board-certified molecular geneticist Megan Landsverk, PhD uses the new HiSeq 2500 System at Sanford Research, which can sequence a whole genome in about 27 hours.

testing for both inherited mendelian disorders and cancer syndromes.

Sanford Health is the only hospital system in the Dakotas to employ both a board-certified clinical diagnostic cytogeneticist and board-certified clinical diagnostic molecular geneticist, and offer both in-house cytogenetic and molecular genetic diagnostic testing.

Clinical Trial Will Test Dissolving Device for Heart Patients Tom Stys, MD, Sanford Heart Hospital Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services

The Sanford Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls has started a clinical trial to study a dissolving device in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The ABSORB III clinical trial will investigate the safety and effectiveness of the Absorb™ Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS) device, manufactured by global health care company Abbott. Absorb™ is a small mesh tube designed to open a blocked heart vessel, restore blood flow and then dissolve into the blood vessel over time.

ABSORB III is the first U.S. clinical trial to evaluate the potential benefits of Absorb™ in comparison to a medicated metallic heart stent, also called a drug eluting stent, in patients with CAD, the most common form of heart disease.

Sanford is one of a select group of hospitals in the region and in the country to enroll patients in this trial, which could potentially lead to new treatment options for heart patients.

“We proudly offer the latest in technology and treatment options to the people of this region, and this includes unique technologies made available through clinical research,” said Tom Stys, MD, medical director of cardiovascular services at Sanford Heart Hospital. “Through research, we hope to find new ways to diagnose, prevent, treat or even cure disease.”

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CAD is a leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

Patients with CAD can experience symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath when the demand for blood to the heart is more than the heart’s ability to supply due to blockages in the vessels. These blockages are caused from a build-up of fat and cholesterol inside the vessel.

Since the 1970s, physicians have treated patients with CAD with balloon angioplasty, metallic and drug eluting metallic stents, allowing many patients to avoid open-heart surgery.

Approximately a decade ago, scientists at Abbott started development of Absorb™. Unlike a metallic stent that remains permanently in the body, Absorb is made of polylactide, a naturally dissolvable material commonly used in medical implants such as dissolving sutures.

The ABSORB III clinical trial will enroll approximately 2,250 patients, the majority in the United States.

Patients can call (605) 312-2200 to learn more about the clinical trial.

Simulated-use Testing Underway for Dr. Kelly’s Visceral Aortic Manifold Sanford vascular surgeon, Patrick Kelly, MD, is continuing to work to commercialize the visceral aortic manifold he invented. The device is intended to repair complex, branched aortic aneurysms and dissections that have thus far left patients with few options.

In order to obtain market authorization with the FDA, there are many steps involved. One in particular is generating a device master file. The device master file is a comprehensive review of all of the preclinical testing of the device.

One aspect of that preclinical testing is called simulated use testing. Simulated use testing involves implanting the device in three dimensional mannequins to prove consistent and repeatable implantation. The 3D mannequins are created with a method called 3D printing and are intended to have the shape and feel of a real aneurysm.

Once implanted, the devices can be further tested by forcing water through the stent grafts to simulate blood flow. This type of testing is called fatigue testing and is important to show the device will maintain its structural integrity over the many years of being exposed to pulsatile blood flow.

Dr. Kelly has done some simulateduse testing in Sioux Falls and traveled with his team in February to kick off a collaboration with an industrial research partner who can scale the testing efforts. Once the two groups have finished collecting the pre-clinical information, Dr. Kelly plans to submit a physiciansponsored investigational device exemption (IDE). If approved, the IDE will allow for the collection of the clinical data necessary to support FDA approval.

Sanford vascular surgeon, Patrick Kelly, MD, is continuing his work in commercializing the visceral aortic manifold he invented. He is pictured here during a simulated test with Sanford Advanced Surgical Tech Roxanne Heitkamp (right) and Sanford Nurse Practitioner Chelsea Twamley (left).

Researchers at the National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance started tracking youth football players in 2012 using accelerometers placed inside the helmets of players.

Sanford Health Youth Football Study Published in National Journal: Assessments show no postseason deficits in neurologic function A pilot study titled “Effects of Youth Football on Select Clinical Measures of Neurologic Function: A Pilot Study” has been published in the Journal of Child Neurology.

The Sanford Research study was led

by Thayne Munce, PhD, associate director of the National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.

The neurologic function of 10 youth football players was assessed prior to and immediately following a 12week season. There were no deficits among any of the clinical measures used, including tests of balance, memory, reaction time and reading speed. In fact, some improvements were discovered in areas such as postural stability and reaction time.

Researchers at the National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance started tracking youth football players in 2012 using accelerometers placed inside the helmets of players.

Those accelerometers track the number of hits, magnitude of hits and location of hits to the players’ heads during practices and games.

The overall goal is to gain a better understanding of the risk of brain injury in youth football in an effort to improve player safety.

The Journal of Child Neurology covers a wide range of neurosciencerelated studies with a focus on patients through the age of 18.

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First Annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Symposium Held at Sanford Sanford’s First Annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Symposium was held on February 27 at the Sanford Center. The symposium, “Translating Discovery into Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention,” builds upon Sanford Research President Gene Hoyme’s expertise and over 16 years of leadership in FASD global research.

The one-day educational event was attended by clinicians, scientists, counselors and educators, and featured globally and nationally renowned FASD experts, including: Kenneth R. Warren, PhD, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Kenneth L. Jones, MD, UC San Diego School of Medicine; Peter Hammond, PhD, University College London; Philip A. May, PhD, University of North Carolina; Hannah Kinney, MD, Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital Boston; Prachi E. Shah, MD, University of Michigan Health System; and Sanford Research FASD experts, Gene Hoyme, MD and Amy Elliott, PhD.

Sanford Rare Disease Symposium Held for Fourth Year in Recognition of Rare Disease Day In recognition of Rare Disease Day, the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford (CoRDS) hosted its Fourth Annual Sanford Rare Disease Symposium, providing education on rare diseases and raising awareness of rare diseases, both in clinical and research settings.

Sanford Research has partnered with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to promote student learning across the biomedical sciences.

“It’s hard to believe we just completed our fourth year of convening this event. The momentum surrounding the CoRDS Registry is exciting and our opportunities to partner with scientists and advocacy groups continue to grow,” says Liz Wheeler, director of the CoRDS Registry.

“We are very excited to have Sanford Research as our Regional Affiliate in South Dakota because of their research-based mission, their outreach to K-12 students and teachers, and their biomedical expertise,” said Robin Schott, PLTW vice president of the West Central Region.

Physicians, scientists, advocates and families affected by rare disease gathered February 28 at the Sanford Center to hear seven experts from across the United States present information on their area of work related to rare diseases. Guest speakers included scientists and officials from Sanford Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, Tulane University, University College London, Mayo Clinic, University of California San Diego and the National Ataxia Foundation.

Several schools in the Dakotas already utilize PLTW’s Biomedical Sciences and Pathway to Engineering programs; however, unfortunately the schools were lacking a Regional Affiliate before Sanford’s involvement. PLTW Regional Affiliate partners facilitate the delivery and ongoing support of PLTW programs in schools.

Sanford Research “Leads the Way” in the Dakotas Sanford Research is proud to announce a partnership with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to promote student learning across the biomedical sciences. PLTW is the leading K-12 school provider of rigorous and innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs used by schools to prepare students for the global economy.

PLTW classes are hands-on, based in real-world experience, and engaging for both students and teachers.

Currently, more than 4,700 schools across all 50 states implement PLTW programs. Participating students achieve significantly higher scores in reading, mathematics and science; earn higher GPAs as college freshmen; and have higher retention rates in college science and engineering programs.

“An excellent reputation for PLTW already exists, and we recognize the value and impact for schools and students if we were able to put PLTW on their doorstep,” said Peter Vitiello, associate scientist, Sanford Children’s Health Research Center.

For additional information on PLTW opportunities offered

by Sanford Research, visit www.sanfordresearch.org/education/.

Sanford Research Adds “Clean Room” for Antibody Production Sanford Applied Biosciences (SAB) is constructing a “clean room” in the north end of the Sanford Research laboratory space, allowing SAB to conduct small-scale production of purified antibodies under Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP) conditions.

More specifically, the GMP facility will allow SAB to purify human antibodies from plasma donated by SAB’s unique transchromosomic bovine. These animals produce antibodies against infectious diseases

The new Good Manufacturing Procedures Facility at Sanford Research will allow Sanford Applied Biosciences (SAB) to purify human antibodies from plasma donated by SAB’s unique transchromosomic bovine.

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and even cancer antigens. The antibody that is purified in the GMP facility will be medical grade and will be used in clinical trials in order to obtain approval by the FDA to use the antibodies as a therapeutic.

One example is SAB’s anti-influenza antibodies. Even though everyone should obtain a flu vaccination each year, some people either don’t respond well to the vaccine, fail to receive it or contract a non-vaccine strain of flu and get sick. “This product could be used in the future to help those that get sick, especially those that are hospitalized,” says Eddie Sullivan, PhD, SAB vice president of business development and government relations.

The construction, maintenance and operation of a clean room requires numerous protocols and precautions be put into place.

Once the clean room is fully operational and certified, access will be highly restricted and there will be a buffer zone surrounding the outside of the structure.

Sanford Health Foundation Donors Make Impact on Sanford Health Communities across the Sanford Health enterprise continue to provide generous support to the Sanford Health Foundation in all four of its regions. Donor gifts provide critical resources that enable the health system to improve patient care, expand programs and services, upgrade equipment and ensure delivery in ways that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

Sanford Health Foundation, Bemidji All regions realized tremendous response during the end-of-year direct mail period, with more than $175,000 raised through combined regional efforts. The Sanford Health Foundation of Northern Minnesota, located in Bemidji, raised more than $11,000 in response to its

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direct-mail efforts, and received more than $65,000 in additional gifts during November and December, according to Executive Director Penny Echternach.

Currently, Echternach is working with Sanford Bemidji leadership finalizing a campaign to expand and enhance cancer services in that region, and recently celebrated receipt of a $100,000 lead gift for the effort. Meanwhile, donors in all three of the Foundation’s other regions are responding generously to campaigns that will enhance health care and transform its delivery.

Sanford Health Foundation, Bismarck The $20 million Builders of Excellence Endowment Campaign, launched in 2012 by the Sanford Health Foundation in Bismarck, will build a base of permanent support for programs throughout the Sanford Bismarck region. Nearly $5.3 million has been raised and 67 named endowments created. “We’re so grateful for the generous response of people throughout this region,” said Tom Petrik, vice president of the Sanford Health Foundation in Bismarck. “Our donors know the importance of providing Sanford Health with the resources to serve our region for generations to come.”

Sanford Health Foundation, Fargo Physicians, employees and the Fargo community have raised nearly $20 million toward the $50 million Building Tomorrow Today campaign which will expand programs and services at Sanford Health in Fargo. More than 127 endowments were created through the end of January, including a $500,000 gift from Marvin Ward of Perham, Minnesota. A group of 29 physician endowment holders also serve as physician ambassadors to promote physician involvement and increase awareness for the campaign.

“The Building Tomorrow Today campaign continues to work toward its $50 million goal with the help of our loyal community members and Sanford Health leadership and

physicians,” said Lonnie Pederson, Sanford Health Foundation Vice President. “Their investment in the future of Sanford Health will enhance care, technology and programs throughout the Fargo region.”

Sanford Health Foundation, Sioux Falls The Sanford Health Foundation in Sioux Falls began the Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery Campaign in 2012 so pediatric heart patients can be cared for right at Sanford Children’s. Chad Rohlfs, director of development, said more than $1.4 million has been raised so far in the $3 million campaign. “This special program can only move forward with philanthropic support,” Rohlfs said. “The gifts secured to date are being used to purchase specialized equipment and build the program infrastructure moving forward.”

For more information about the Sanford Health Foundation, or to make a gift, visit foundation. sanfordhealth.org.

Sanford Health Plan Ensuring Affordable, Community-based Access to Health Care Sanford Health Plan continues to grow in fulfilling its mission of ensuring affordable, communitybased access to health care. Following the implementation of federal health care reform, Sanford Health Plan’s membership has increased.

Open enrollment for individual products continues through March 31. As of Jan. 1, 2014, the Health Plan met its goal of increasing group membership. It gained 25 new groups averaging 120 employees each. Sixty-six groups renewed their coverage with over 15,000 members, resulting in 6 percent overall growth for group membership.

Sanford Health Plan saw the most growth in its Medicaid product line resulting from North Dakota Medicaid expansion, as Sanford is the only insurer for the North Dakota

Events were held at clinics to raise community awareness that Sanford World Clinic now accepts National Health Insurance and to assist Ghana residents in signing up for coverage.

Medicaid expansion program.

The Health Plan also launched a new and improved website on Oct. 1 that includes a customer-friendly Plan Picker, allowing visitors to conveniently shop and compare Sanford’s individual Simplicity products. Over 5,000 visitors have completed the Plan Picker since the site launched. Apps will also be introduced this month for the myHealth Plan and myFlex member portals.

already-accredited Ghana clinic in Cape Coast serves as the main hub for Sanford’s initial network of clinics.

The country of Ghana operates an universal health care system through the NHIS, with the majority of citizens participating.

Accreditation means the Sanford World Clinic locations in Adenta and Mankessim can begin accepting NHIS patients and submitting claims to NHIS for reimbursement.

A Significant Step toward Sustainability and Helping the Underserved in Ghana

“Prior to accreditation, Adenta and Mankessim were serving around 20 patients a day. Now with accreditation our clinics have the ability to see over 200 patients daily,” said Executive Director of World Clinic Implementation Matt Van Holland.

Sanford World Clinic has completed a significant step in achieving its goals of sustainability and reaching families without access to primary health care services. In December, Sanford received accreditation from the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) in Ghana for its two “spoke” clinic locations – Adenta and Mankessim. Sanford’s first and

The accreditation process included specific staffing requirements and licensures, facility inspections by the Ghana Health Service, in addition to a review of Sanford’s quality standards. “Once accreditation was received we held grand opening events at the clinics to help raise community awareness that our clinics now accept NHIS and help Ghana citizens sign

Sanford World Clinic

up for insurance coverage,” said World Clinic Project Manager Kylie Huether.

The World Clinic team is working on accreditation for one of its smaller “micro” clinic locations in Kojokrom and a fifth Ghana clinic location that will open this spring in Kasoa; however, they expect the process to move swiftly with the knowledge gained from the Mankessim and Adenta accreditation process.

“Following this accreditation process, it’s clear Sanford is becoming a trusted health care provider in Ghana, as well as an organization that other health care professionals can learn from. The health care in Africa is still largely paper based – with only a few clinics having an electronic medical record system,” said Van Holland, “With our advanced EMR and quality standards, we have proved that we are serious about improving the access and delivery of health care in Ghana and around the world.”

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events

give.

March 13: Sanford PROMISE Community Lecture Series Megan Landsverk, PhD Director, Clinical Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Sanford Health 5:30-6:30 p.m.

April 10: Sanford PROMISE Community Lecture Series Kevin Kephart, PhD Vice President for Research, South Dakota State University 5:30-6:30 p.m.

May 19: 5th Annual USD-Sanford Health Biomedical Research Symposium

If you are interested in providing philanthropic support for any of the research or major initiatives featured in this publication, please contact the Sanford Health Foundation. Thank you.

Lee Medical Building, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Sioux Falls Region: (605) 328-5700

June 10-11: Collaborative Research Center for American Indian Health (CRCAIH) Annual Health Summit

Fargo Region: (701) 234-6246

June 14: 3rd Annual “It’s All About Science” Festival

Bismarck Region: (701) 323-8450

Sanford Medical Center, Bemidji, MN

9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

July 12: 2014 American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure

Bemidji Region: (218) 333-5515 foundation.sanfordhealth.org

October 10: Sanford Genetics and Genomic Medicine Symposium * Unless otherwise noted, all events will be located at the Sanford Center, 2301 East 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

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Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Foundation: (855) 463-3484 edithsanford.org