The Employee Idea Challenge project started as an effort to involve Sanford Vermillion employees in identifying the “next project” for the Dakota Hospital Foundation. Dakota Hospital Foundation (DHF) board members rely heavily on input from managers and staff of Sanford Vermillion to identify areas of focus and ways that DHF can continue to fulfill its mission, dedicated to community health and wellness.

DHF and Sanford Vermillion are continuously searching for new and innovative ways to serve citizens in the surrounding area. Since 2009, DHF turned to those most intimate with patients, residents and visitors – the employees of Sanford Vermillion.

Through the DHF Employee Idea Challenge project, employees are encouraged to propose a project that would identify and fulfill an unmet need at Sanford Vermillion or in the community. The goal is that the board selects a minimum of one project per year to fund through this challenge process by virtue of the amazing support of employee donations to Dakota Hospital Foundation.

To date (2022), 34 proposals have been funded; $21,050 awarded dollars to the winners; and over $314,000 total investments of those projects.

The 2022 winning project was submitted by Jill Smolczyk, Physical Therapy, requesting training and Dual Probe Ultrasound equipment, enhancing Sanford Vermillion’s services in Rehabilitation. This point of care ultrasound will provide more information for therapists to help guide their therapy interventions and to assist in providing exceptional care for patients. It provides clarity during assessments, as another “tool in their toolbox”. Treatments can be directed to better target the impairment whether in physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy or otherwise requested.