sanford health

Sanford Health Encourages Annual Flu Shot

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Flu shot season is here and this year, Sanford Health says people are hesitating to get their shot. With some people already skeptical of COVID vaccines and the now readily available booster shot, there is concern that people will forgo their annual flu shot. Most of us are required to get vaccines each year to go…

Health officials urge flu shots as need to reduce hospitalizations continues

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — This flu season is expected to be worse than the unusually mild one we experienced last winter. Fewer people got the flu last winter because of COVID-19 prevention measures like wearing masks, social distancing, and traveling less. With many people back at work and school, this year will likely be different. “Get the COVID vaccine, get…

Sanford Health welcomes nurses as capacity nears

"We're anticipating that we'll need staff for high census all the way through the winters and so we're planning for that."

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Sanford Health is seeing facilities near capacity and with a shorthanded staff, the workload is beginning to take a toll. Local medical facilities continue to surge towards maximum capacity. 530 patients are being housed and treated. 38 of those are COVID related, 10 of those patients are in ICU and staff members are working overtime to…

“Significant” virtual Covid-19 briefing Friday involving health experts, Fargo & Cass County leaders

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The City of Fargo is hosting what it calls a significant virtual public briefing Friday, September 24th at noon urging people to do what they can to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Sanford Health, Essentia Health, Fargo Cass Public Health, Fargo, West Fargo and county leaders will urge people to get vaccinated and wear masks…

Children under 12 could soon be eligible for Pfizer vaccine

"We're hoping in the latter parts of October the FDA will give its approval for use."

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — With Pfizer announcing positive results on the effectiveness of their vaccine for five to 11-year-olds, it may not be long before that vaccine becomes readily available. With vaccines against COVID-19 being available to only those who are 12 years of age and older, kids who are under that age group could soon have protection against the…

Amid nursing shortage, Sanford Health’s resources stretched to capacity

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — COVID-19 cases in the region are surging during a critical shortage of nurses. Sanford Health Fargo’s vice president says the hospital is in crisis. Essentia Health’s resources are also being stretched to capacity. “The time is now to take some action,” said Sanford Medical Officer Dr. Doug Griffin on Tuesday. Griffin predicts Fargo is two to…

Sanford donating $350 million toward virtual care center

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sanford Health says it is giving $350 million to a clinical initiative that aims to create a virtual care center to treat people in rural and underserved areas of the Midwest. The center will serve people from across Sanford Health’s network of hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. It will also house innovation, education and research…

Veteran, Sanford AirMed pilot gifted Quilt of Valor for his service

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – A North Dakota veteran who’s now a Sanford AirMed pilot received a gift embodying comfort and gratitude Tuesday evening. With his newly gifted Quilt of Valor draped around his neck, Chad Erickson said there’s one simple word to describe how he’s feeling: “I’m feeling honored.” That’s exactly what those with the Quilts of Valor Foundation strive…

Governor Burgum addresses hospital strain as capacity limits are reached

"We want to make sure that North Dakotans know that the risk is real."

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A rise in COVID-19 cases has North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum alongside state hospital leaders addressing the increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, hospitals across the state are beginning to see a repeat of last year’s record high hospitalizations. “Let’s take a look back a year ago, COVID has…

Delta Variant has hospitals reaching capacity as COVID-19 cases soar

"In the last few weeks we have experienced a very high number of patients as the Delta variant continues to spread."

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Health officials are yet again warning of the severity of COVID-19 as cases across Cass and Clay counties continue to rise. “Given the urgency of our current situation we felt it necessary to update the community as we enter our fourth wave with the Delta variant changing the game,” Fargo Cass Public Health Director, Desi Fleming…