For moms, it takes a village

When I arrived in Sheridan in January 2023, I quickly started seeing patients as a primary care physician. Fairly early on, I had several moms come into the

Traveler Requires Appendectomy; SMH Care Team Gets Him Back On The Road Next Day

Each year, Sheridan County welcomes thousands of

Hospital Employees Give Back to the Community

Each year, Sheridan Memorial Hospital employees find ways to give back to the community. Beyond

Meet Dr. Erin Henderson And Listen To What She Shares About Preventive Healthcare

Meet Dr. Erin Henderson and listen to what she

Who is The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary?

We're often asked who is The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. The SMH Auxiliary was founded in

Give The Gift Of Peace Of Mind

If you could provide comfort to your loved ones in a time of pain or sadness, would you? Making decisions about your own health care and medical

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Named Among Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals For 2024 By Chartis

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has been

SMH Foundation Celebrates Two Decades in Employee Partner Contributions

On Wednesday, December 14, 2023, Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted their annual

Dr. Joshua Scott Talks About SMH Hitting A Milestone Of 100 Robotic Surgeries And More

Conveniences of Urgent Care: Listen to Dr. David Nickerson talk about how Sheridan Memorial

2023 Christmas Card Contest Winner

Congratulations to our 2023 Christmas Card Art contest Winners! See all the beautiful entries HERE! We are grateful for the exceptional

TCU Celebrates One-Year Anniversary— Brester Credits Facility With Her Outlook on Life

Bonnie Brester had a rough year. Her husband

Jason Ackerman, MD — Talks About Alcohol Use Disorder, Available Treatments, and MORE!

Listen to what Dr. Jason Ackerman shares about

Primary Care Welcomes Dr. Erin Henderson

Dr. Erin Henderson Joins Primary Care Team At Sheridan Memorial Hospital

While she hails from just outside Minneapolis originally, Dr. Erin Henderson said she thrives in

Common Winter Injuries… And How To Avoid Them

While early this month, we all enjoyed the cooler temperatures of fall without all of the snow and

Keep A List: Why Your Medications Matter

As a patient there is one question you should be asked every time you see a provider: “What

Moms Supporting Moms

Healthcare providers at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and its clinics often hear from patients about the emotional and physical challenges

Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors Approves $425,700 to Fund Nuclear Medicine Camera

Thanks to the generous legacy gift from the

The 2023 Link Partners in Pink: Supporting Comfort and Care for Cancer Patients in Your Community

Saturday, October 21st, the Sheridan Memorial

Christmas Card Art Contest 2023

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is once again seeking a design for its 2022 Christmas Card. The hospital is accepting entries from 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade

SMH Identifies Priority Initiatives In 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) recently completed its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which outlines the organization’s focus areas

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By Emily Denney, DO – SMH Primary Care

When I arrived in Sheridan in January 2023, I quickly started seeing patients as a primary care physician. Fairly early on, I had several moms come into the office for evaluation. As I was looking for resources and support for them, I could not find a local group that provided support for postpartum women.

The women I met through my healthcare work were making it through, but wouldn’t it be lovely if there was a support circle of new or not-quite-new moms for them to talk with? The group could give them the opportunity to empathize, share experiences and feel seen. To me, such a group would provide a safety net as women enter or re-enter the world of caring for a new life.

The goal of the group initially centered around post-partum depression, but what I found among new mothers was a wide spectrum of anxiety, depression and overall stress.

Having a baby can be wonderful, but the physical and emotional changes it brings for a new mom, to marriage or partnership, and to other children in the home can be a lot. Then add in all of the other dynamics including financial stress, work stress, etc.

What our community needed was a circle of peers – women who could talk and make friends. In the process of exploring such a group, I was fortunate to find like-minded women in the community. They all agreed we needed such a group and offered to help develop a format and get the program started.

We have had several meetings since starting the new group in November.

We have talked about stress management, boundary setting, sleep and our birth experiences. Going forward, we plan to talk more about self-care, relationships with family and partners and how they change, returning to work, choosing a child care provider and how our own childhoods shape our parenting. We may have some guest lectures as well from community counselors, public health and others. Any and all topics are on the table as we go forward.

The experiences of the moms we have met so far have been wide and varied. There have been wonderful stories, inspirational stories and stories that made me want to cry. Several stories also allowed us to laugh.

What I have learned so far is that women are resilient and amazing, and my hope is that this group can support women to realize that as well. As I have participated in this group, I have reevaluated my own postpartum experiences in a new way, and found gems in the midst.

The free Moms Supporting Moms group will meet Wednesday, March 20, and then each first and third Tuesday of subsequent months at 5:30 p.m. at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Primary Care community conference room.

Learn more about the hospital’s Moms Supporting Moms group at Moms Supporting Moms – Sheridan Memorial Hospital (sheridanhospital.org).

Each year, Sheridan County welcomes thousands of visitors, from families attending youth sporting events and tourists exploring the Bighorn Mountains to the passersby who spend a night in Sheridan on their way elsewhere. On occasion, those visitors encounter unexpected healthcare needs.

One such traveler, Bill Krieg, was driving home to California with a friend after visiting a ranch outside of Moorcroft. The friend’s wife had passed after a battle with breast cancer and the pair had driven east to the ranch to spread her ashes. Krieg and his friend had intended to make the road trip relatively quickly that October. Following the ceremony, they left Moorcroft and intended to spend the evening in Sheridan before continuing on their way.

“We had stopped for dinner in Sheridan and checked into the hotel about 6:30 p.m.,” Krieg said. “For about a week, I had a weird sensation in my abdomen. Kind of a dull feeling. I thought it was strange but dismissed it. By early evening, I was feeling nauseous and said to my friend that I had a feeling I’d be in the ER before the end of the night.”

Krieg was right. He tried to endure, but by about 12:30 a.m. his friend was taking him to the Emergency Department at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Upon arrival at SMH, care teams got to work assessing Krieg’s situation. They performed tests and scans, diagnosing Krieg with acute appendicitis. He would need surgery or face the possibility of his appendix rupturing.

By 6:30 a.m. that morning, Dr. Barry Mangus was in Krieg’s room introducing himself and talking Krieg through the surgery. That afternoon, Mangus performed an appendectomy. The surgery went well, and Krieg was on the mend.

“What stood out to me is that what was conveyed to me happened,” Krieg said of his experience at SMH. “I was not wondering. They didn’t overplay the situation. They were upfront and clear.”

In addition, Krieg said, the nursing care was extremely personable.

“The attention and how I was treated – I cannot commend enough the staff and the physicians who were assigned to me,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for better care.”

Upon arrival at the hospital, Krieg had told the SMH care team that he was on a road trip, and that he and his friend wanted to get moving again as soon as possible. Dr. Mangus explained the risks, particularly of developing a blood clot due to sitting for extended periods of time post-surgery, but outlined a safe plan that would allow the duo to get back on the road and on their way to California.

By 6 p.m. that evening, about 16 hours after arriving at the SMH Emergency Department, Krieg had been discharged from the hospital and the next morning he continued the drive back to California.

Krieg has worked in the healthcare industry for 40 years, but he noted his experience in Sheridan far exceeded his expectations.

“I have gone through other surgeries elsewhere, and it was far more complex in terms of scheduling and processes,” he said. “The whole experience in Sheridan was extremely personal. You can tell they are all good, caring people who are not just doing their jobs, but being informative and communicative. It was pretty extraordinary.”

While few tourists visiting the Sheridan area expect to utilize the health care services provided by Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Krieg said visitors – and locals – are lucky to have such an exceptional hospital and care teams in the community.

Learn more about the hospital’s Emergency Department and Big Horn Surgical by visiting the respective links.

Each year, Sheridan Memorial Hospital employees find ways to give back to the community.

Beyond the hard work of caring for the community in health care, hospital staff also help others beyond their normal job duties.

Here are some of the various efforts that hospital staff and departments participated in or initiated this past year.

SMH Foundation Employee Partner Program – 568 employee partners raised $47,800 in 2023. After an opportunity to select a project at the Annual Partner Celebration in December, Partners voted to support the hospital’s Growing for You campaign, which includes the addition of a Behavioral Health Unit. Over the past 20 years, SMH Employee Partners have contributed nearly $650,000 to a variety of significant patient care improvement projects at our community hospital.

Patient Access and Admissions Department – The group collected food for Our Daily Bread – a new, local ministry providing food and other items to families in need. Through the generosity of Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s food drive during the month of November, they provided hot meals and additional groceries to several families. The drive also brought in enough shelf-stable items for the group to continue to provide staples to families as needs arise. In addition to the food items, Our Daily Bread received funds to provide turkeys and fresh produce for Thanksgiving meals.

The Women’s Health Department conducted a large toy drive for Christmas, asking all staff to bring in gifts. The toys were donated to Toys for Tots.

Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic spearheaded the “Santa Kids” project, for which SMH employees provided gifts for 137 children (up to age 17) of patients in the Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic for Christmas. Each child sponsored was given a large gift bag of presents including a blanket, hat, gloves, gifts and a stocking. The outpouring of support for this project was amazing and the families were so appreciative.

All SMH Employees – During specified Fridays throughout the year designated as “Jeans Friday” at SMH, employees are encouraged to donate $5 for the privilege of wearing jeans on that day. Nearly $2,000 was raised from this effort, with funds distributed among the following causes:

The Link Partners in Pink – for comfort and care for Welch Cancer Center patients and families
The hospital’s Gap Program
Sheridan Media Christmas Wish Campaign
Our Daily Bread

Human Resources and Nurses — On several occasions throughout the year Human Resources and several SMH nurses have supported high school juniors and seniors from Sheridan, Big Horn and Tongue River by conducting mock employment interviews and HR-related roundtable discussions in preparation for careers of interest.

Urgent Care – The Urgent Care staff “adopts” the Wyoming Girls School students each year. For every holiday, the staff delivers a personalized basket to each girl. It is 100% funded by the Urgent Care staff. They take baskets on Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4^th of July, Easter and other holidays. “We get such positive feedback from the staff there and the girls. They send us “Thank You” cards each and every time we do this,” according to Angie Erickson, Urgent Care manager.

SMH Trauma Program – The SMH Trauma team participated in Third Thursday events throughout the summer of 2023. In July, the group focused on seatbelt safety, partnering with the Wyoming Seatbelt Coalition. For August’s event, the team focused on outdoor family safety. Their goal was to teach children how to stay safe on the mountains and wilderness or exploring in any outdoor setting. The injury prevention theme for September was “stop the bleed,” and taught individuals how to control life-threatening bleeding. In addition to Third Thursday, the Trauma Team delivered almost 400 copies of “Clifford Takes a Walk” to kindergarten classes in Sheridan County to teach about pedestrian safety.

Primary Scare – Our Primary Care clinic held Primary Scare at the Gould Street location just before Halloween and gave 700 trick-or-treaters all kinds of treats and hosted a haunted house.

Welch Cancer Center – The Cancer Resource Center gave out wigs and other items free of charge to local people battling cancer.

SMH Kozy Korner Gift Shop Volunteers — As part of their annual “Gifts of Kindness” project, our wonderful volunteers gave out 36 neck pillows to patients who were in the hospital on Christmas Eve along with a few special baby gifts to new parents and babies in Women’s Health.

Meet Dr. Erin Henderson and listen to what she shares about
preventive healthcare and why it is essential to excellent health.

To learn more about Dr. Erin Henderson and Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Clinic, visit the respective links. To schedule an appointment with a Primary Care provider, call or text 307.675.2690.

We’re often asked who is The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. The SMH Auxiliary was founded in 1945 with a single purpose in mind – to make a positive difference in the lives of the patients and the hospital itself. This unique group of individuals comes together, day after day, to support our mission, the staff, patients, and the community that we live in. At the heart of the Auxiliary’s mission is their unwavering commitment to ensuring that every patient feels cared for during their stay at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

The Auxiliary’s efforts range from fundraising to volunteering their time, all directed toward supporting and enhancing the hospital’s services. They understand that a hospital visit could be a daunting experience, and thus, they embark on various initiatives to create an environment of warmth, kindness, and comfort.

These volunteers ensure that the traditions of our hospital live on through Trees of Love and 5-year-old Birthday parties. They presently gift patients of all ages with baby books, scrubby bears, or Gifts of Kindness during the holidays to provide comfort during their stay. They raise funds through all their projects and donate tens of thousands of dollars and volunteer hours to ensure a future for your community hospital. Since their founding almost eighty years ago, this group of volunteers and leaders have financially supported nearly every department and project at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

In supporting the auxiliary, we become catalysts for kindness and provide excellent patient-centered care, right here at home. Each contribution to their efforts grows their ability to enact meaningful care. Supporting the Auxiliary isn’t merely about writing a check or attending an annual event; it is about becoming an integral part of our efforts to instill comfort and healing in our patients and the entire community.

We invite you to join us in supporting The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary by mailing the form found here and returning it to The Auxiliary at PO Box 108, or reaching out to get involved in a way that best fits you.

For more information contact us by calling Jasmine Slater – Development Coordinator at 307.675.2620 or emailing jasmineslater@sheridanhopsital.org. Together, we can create a ripple of compassion that will touch the lives of countless individuals.

By Dr. Allison Dawson, internal medicine physician at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Internal Medicine Practice.

If you could provide comfort to your loved ones in a time of pain or sadness, would you? Making decisions about your own health care and medical decisions now, you can prevent your children, spouses or friends from having to make big decisions that cause uncertainty and stress.

Allowing for peace of mind is a gift not given often in life and it is often not thought of by healthy individuals who feel “old age” is still years away. But the gift is one you can give by preventing thoughts such as, “What would they want?” or “We never talked about it.” But at any age of adulthood, you can prepare this gift by simply filling out paperwork and having a few conversations.

Every person has different values and wishes in regards to their medical treatment. No decision is right or wrong, as they are unique to each individual. There are many ways to document your preferences. The documents I believe are the most helpful are a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOA-HC), a Living Will and Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST).

DPOA-HC

This form allows you to designate who should make medical decisions if you are not able to speak for yourself. This should be a person you are close to, and someone with whom you have discussed your wishes. If you do not designate a specific person, there is a pathway that will be legally followed. In Wyoming this pathway is as follows: a spouse (unless legally separated), an adult child, a parent, a grandparent, an older sibling then an adult grandchild. If this is not a reasonable decision maker pathway for you, a DPOA-HC is an important document.

For example, if your adult daughter is working as a climbing guide on Mt. Everest, she may not be a good option if you require medical decisions to be made in a timely manner. In this scenario, you may wish for your older sister, who happens to be a registered nurse and is knowledgeable about health care and your wishes, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable.

Living will

This is one of the most commonly recognized forms of advanced directives. This is a document detailing specifics regarding medical treatments toward the end of life. One of the most common living wills you may have already heard of is known as “Five Wishes.” This format is written in plain language, and covers your personal, spiritual, medical and legal wishes.

POLST

This is a form that clarifies your wishes in regard to medical treatments, especially life-sustaining treatments, that are honored by health care professionals across settings, whether at home, in a hospital or an assisted living facility. This form includes preferences for attempts at resuscitation, medical interventions, artificial nutrition, medical conditions and patient goals. You may complete a POLST with a health care provider such as a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. It is important to note, though, emergency medical services are legally required to attempt resuscitation unless they have access to your wishes. If it is your wish that EMS not attempt resuscitation, ID bracelets with your wishes can be worn to prevent medical treatment that is not aligned with your values.

While medical care toward the end of life can be stressful, there are things we can do now to make that process less painful for all involved.

I encourage you all to speak with your primary care provider about these documents and discuss them based on your individual health care needs.

Dr. Allison Dawson is a physician with the Internal Medicine team at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. She is trained in palliative care and hospice medicine. If you would like to make an appointment with Dr. Allison Dawson, call or text 307.675.2650.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the country for 2024, according to The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This is the ninth year in a row SMH has earned this honor.

More than 800 hospitals were included in the study, with the Top 100 list developed using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. The index assesses performance utilizing 37 independent indicators across eight areas of performance including quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charges and finance.

“I am proud of the expertise and commitment of our medical staff, our clinical care teams and all of our supporting staff in all aspects of our health system,” said Mike McCafferty, Sheridan Memorial Hospital CEO. “Every day they create a culture demonstrating our shared principles of respect for every individual, continuous process improvement and alignment across all areas of service. This shapes the environment in which we are able to provide value and an outstanding experience for our patients. Their commitment to these principles helps us continually strive for operational excellence.”

Now in its 14th year, the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX® is leveraged nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“During an era of profound uncertainty for rural healthcare, the Top 100 rural hospitals continue to provide a unique lens through which we can identify innovation and inspiration for how to deliver high quality care to increasingly vulnerable populations,” said Michael Topchik, national leader for The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Learn more about the hospital’s awards and accomplishments at https://www.sheridanhospital.org/about-us/awards/.

On Wednesday, December 14, 2023, Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted their annual holiday breakfast to honor and celebrate Employee Partners for their contributions to the hospital’s Foundation. During the event, Partners vote to fund a strategic project in the hospital’s area of greatest need, with the monies accumulated over the past year. In 2023, 478 employee partners participated in this unique philanthropic program and donated $47,806 through biweekly payroll deductions.

This year at the Annual Partner Celebration, Employee Partners voted to support the hospital’s Behavioral Health Campaign. Healthcare for our community continues to grow and diversify. To meet these critical needs, Sheridan Memorial Hospital is developing a Crisis Stabilization Unit to create a separate physical environment to better address the behavioral and mental health needs of patients in crisis.

The idea for Employee Partner giving program began with a few faithful employees in 2004. It has steadily increased year over year, with new employees joining the generous and passionate hospital team. Over the past 20 years, Employee Partners have contributed over half a million dollars toward patient care improvement projects at your community hospital. Their efforts and generosity have opened doors and provided opportunities that will forever shape the trajectory of our organization.

“We are so grateful for our employees each and every day,” expresses Chief Development Officer Cody Sinclair. “The Employee Partner Program is just another example of how our employees contribute to our culture of kindness and care deeply for our patients. The Foundation would not be as successful without our employees’ unwavering commitment to care for our community. We are fortunate to have such a supportive team at the hospital. They create an environment that is not only medically advanced but also filled with warmth and genuine compassion. Every day they are focused on improving the care and experience of every patient.”

For more information about The Foundation, please contact our team at 307.673.2418 or visit sheridanhospital.org/foundation.

Listen as Dr. Joshua Scott Highlights SMH’s 100^th Robotic Surgery Milestone.

To learn more about Dr. Joshua Scott, the hospital’s Big Horn Surgical practice, and the Robotic-Assisted Surgery Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, visit the respective link or visit SheridanRoboticSurgery.com and Robotic-Assisted Surgery FAQs.

“Have a Blessed Christmas with Peace” by Marcus Emmett Schneck-

Congratulations to Marcus Schneck, Clearmont Elementary School 5^th Grader. He is the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Christmas Card Art Contest winner, whose spectacular artwork is showcased on the 2023 hospital Christmas card.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital would like to thank all of the talented area 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who submitted their artwork this year. Students were asked to create a design that captured the theme “A Blessed Christmas.”

All of the entries are on display now through the holiday season in the lobby at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Come see all of the incredible artistry and imagination for yourselves! Merry Christmas!

Bonnie Brester had a rough year. Her husband, Mark, died in July 2022, and about six months later, Brester received a breast cancer diagnosis that would change not only her outlook on life but where she would call home.

Brester began treatment for the cancer in January, but about three days after one of her chemotherapy treatments her condition quickly declined.

“I had developed neuropathy and I was going to have to learn to walk all over again,” Brester said. “I needed emotional support. I needed physical therapy. I needed a place that could care for me throughout the day.”

While she had lived in Billings, Montana, with her husband prior to his passing, Brester knew her new situation wouldn’t allow for that independence. She moved to Sheridan and began receiving care in Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit, which provides a recuperative and supportive place to heal following injury, surgery or serious illness. For Brester, Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s TCU meant she could be closer to family because her son, Dusty, and his wife, Jamie, live in Sheridan.

“I can’t say enough about all the great people at Sheridan’s TCU unit,” Jamie Brester said. “My mother has been in TCU twice for short amounts of time and just recently, my mother-in-law spent approximately 90 days there.”

“…Having her in Montana and us down here was not an option,” Jamie Brester said of her mother-in-law. “Bonnie was released to the TCU in July after Billings providers had told us to start looking at hospice options.

“When she got to Sheridan, chemotherapy had taken so much out of her she could not walk or eat and was not comprehensive most of the time. We thought we were going to lose her,” Jamie Brester added. “Once she got to Sheridan, everything changed. Bonnie started to feed herself, started physical therapy and really started to live again.”

The new TCU space at Sheridan Memorial Hospital opened in the fall of 2022, after several years of planning and construction. The new space, located on the second and third floors of the original 1954 hospital, includes 20 private suites for those needing time, space and help in healing.

“The first year has been full of celebrations, lessons, growth and achievements,” said Ashlee Winne, TCU manager. “I really enjoy seeing the progress the patients make. They come in sometimes at the hardest times of their lives and by the time they leave are often in better condition and spirits than before whatever illness or injury brought them to TCU. It really is a blessing to watch each patient’s individual journey.”

Now open for more than one year, TCU has served more than 188 individuals.

Bonnie Brester spent 100 days in TCU, relearning the skills she would need to live at home. She relearned how to walk. She practiced balance that would allow her to reach for a glass out of the cupboard and conduct daily personal hygiene. She worked hard to build the strength needed to get in and out of vehicles and step over and onto curbs.

“Everybody was so enthusiastic and so patient with me,” Brester said. “One of the first times I was able to walk with my walker, there were several nurses there cheering me on. It was a whole cheering section just for me.”

Patients on the TCU have an entire team of healthcare professionals available to help in the healing process. The team includes nurses, nurses’ aides, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurse practitioners, doctors, case managers and more.

Thanks to that team, Bonnie Brester said she feels ready to live with Dusty, Jamie and their family in Sheridan.

“The people here at TCU have really given me a lot of support and a lot of good therapy,” Brester said. “The biggest thing I had to learn was to believe in myself, that I could do this. It was hard for me, but everyone was so encouraging. They wouldn’t let me go home if they weren’t sure I was ready.”

Jamie Brester said their family owes Bonnie Brester’s progress to the staff at SMH.

“Bonnie has been back home for a few weeks now, but misses her connections from the hospital,” she said. “She made friends with just about everyone there. I really believe the environment allowed her to thrive and she became determined to win at this game called life.”

To learn more about the hospital’s Transitional Care Unit: https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/transitional-care/

Listen to Dr. Jason Ackerman as he discusses Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic. Gain insights into alcohol use disorder, its prevalence, factors influencing alcohol addiction, available treatments, the feasibility of discontinuing alcohol consumption, and the potential for immediate improvement upon cessation. Explore these topics and more with Dr. Ackerman by clicking below.

Learn more at Sheridan Memorial Hospital Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic or
call today for an appointment at 307.675.2674.

While she hails from just outside Minneapolis originally, Dr. Erin Henderson said she thrives in small communities where she can get to know people and find connection.

She’ll begin that work as a new internal medicine physician at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care Practice this month.

Henderson and her family moved to Sheridan late in the summer of 2023, just in time for her 7-year-old son to start second grade in Sheridan County School District 2.

Henderson found herself in the West after securing a summer position in a lab at National Jewish Health in Denver. She enjoyed the Rocky Mountains so much, she transferred to finish her undergraduate degree and attend medical school in Denver.

From there, she completed her residency at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital and is a fellow with the American College of Physicians.

When the opportunity opened up in Cortez, Henderson said she took it as it allowed her to see patients in a hospital setting, in nursing homes and in private practice. The COVID-19 pandemic altered the landscape for health care, prompting Henderson and her husband to make a change. Her husband had spent some of his childhood in Sheridan and when the family visited the area they knew it would be the right fit.

Henderson’s husband left his job in IT for family reasons and now works as a paraprofessional for SCSD2. Henderson said her family enjoys hiking, camping, skiing and spending time together. Cooking and playing piano are also favorite activities of the family.

As Henderson settles into her new role at Primary Care, she said she looks forward to seeing a broad array of patients. Having an internal medicine focus means Henderson will focus on caring for adults, particularly those who have more complex medical issues.

While she initially planned to specialize in hematology and oncology, she noted that most patients she would have seen in those specialty areas already have a diagnosis. She enjoys working with patients to determine the root cause of health issues and create a treatment plan. The problem-solving and investigation are aspects of medicine she particularly enjoys.

“I like figuring it out,” Henderson said. “I like helping patients figure it out. It’s been really fulfilling and I love to take care of patients while getting to know them and their families.”

In her time working in the small Cortez community, Henderson said she also developed strengths in rheumatology, osteoporosis and endocrinology care.

In addition to working with patients, Henderson said she looks forward to working with the cohesive medical team at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, which always aims to deliver excellent, patient-centered care.

To make an appointment with Dr. Henderson, call 307.675.2690. To learn more about the Hospital’s Primary Care team: https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/clinics/primary-care/.

By David Nickerson, MD – Medical Director of Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Urgent Care

While early this month, we all enjoyed the cooler temperatures of fall without all of the snow and ice, as Wyomingites we know the elements will be upon us soon.

With wintry weather comes an increased opportunity for injury. While some slips and falls may seem inevitable, there are ways to decrease your chances of falling and limit injury if you do catch that perfect patch of ice and lose your balance.

Wear proper footwear. While this bit of advice can help avoid injury throughout the year, in the winter months it becomes even more critical. Choose shoes with chunky treads or utilize removable traction footwear like Yaktrax or ice cleats.

Take small steps. Think like a penguin. You may feel silly, but when walking on packed ice or snow, small, shuffling steps can increase your balance and therefore decrease the risk of falling.

Keep your hands free. While we all want to make as few trips as possible to carry those groceries indoors, having your hands full of bulky or heavy items can both decrease your ability to balance and keep you from breaking your fall if you do slip. If you do fall and try to catch yourself, be sure to keep your knees and elbows bent to avoid any additional injuries from bracing your fall.

Be aware of your physical limitations. While those 6 inches of snow look pretty and fluffy from the comfort of your living room, it can wreak havoc on backs, shoulders and other muscles when on the end of a shovel. Take breaks and try to push the snow as much as you can rather than lift it.

Wear the proper gear. Whether protecting fingers from frigid temperatures with gloves or wearing a helmet to guard your face and head from a fall while skiing, make sure you have the proper gear no matter what the outdoor activity.

Be aware of problem areas. Large parking lots with high traffic, areas near gutters, and inclined pavement or sidewalks are often surprisingly icy and are some of the most common locations of falls requiring medical attention.

Not all winter injuries are avoidable. After all, we never know what Mother Nature will throw at us. If you do sustain a winter-related injury, the degree of injury may determine where you seek medical treatment.

For example, if you suspect a broken bone or are in serious pain 24-48 hours after a fall, seek medical attention at an urgent care facility. Other common, minor injuries urgent care providers can diagnose and treat include sprains, scrapes and cuts that need stitches. If you’ve bumped your head, urgent care facilities can also evaluate for concussions.

For more severe injuries – for example if you are experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing, trouble speaking or understanding speech, severe bleeding or loss of consciousness – head straight to the emergency department for treatment.

While winter in the Mountain West offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation, basic precautions can help you avoid some of the most common seasonal injuries.

To learn more about the hospital’s Urgent Care Clinic and Dr. Nickerson see: Urgent Care – Sheridan Memorial Hospital (sheridanhospital.org)

By Emily Denney, DO – SMH Primary Care

As a patient there is one question you should be asked every time you see a provider: “What medications are you taking?” Often what providers are really trying to learn is what prescriptions and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, vitamins, tinctures and herbals you are taking. This question and its answers are really a big deal.

Medication dosing errors, confusion due to medications with similar names as well as supplement use can be some of the leading causes of adverse events for patients. In this growing age of multispecialty care, patients visiting multiple facilities, increasing numbers of medications and OTC supplements, the question of “What are you taking?” becomes more and more important. Every year hundreds of thousands of adverse events occur because of medication errors. More specifically, according to the New England Journal of Medicine, it is estimated that more than 20,000 emergency department visits per year are attributed to adverse events related to dietary supplements. These visits result in more than 2,000 hospitalizations annually.

Some medications have similar names, but have different uses, and there are supplements for every medical condition. It is easy to get confused with medications because of similar names such as hydroxyzine, hydralazine, and hydrochlorothiazide (three medications with very different purposes). I have had patients who thought they were taking their blood pressure medication only to realize that they had been taking another medication entirely.

Supplements, in moderation, can be a healthy tool to augment prescribed medications and support long-term health. Particularly in situations where our diet can’t meet our nutritional needs. Supplements, while considered safe on their own, can have dangerous interactions and/or side effects with some medications. St. John’s Wort, for example, is a supplement used for mood disorders, but it can cause dangerous interactions with multiple cardiac medications and antidepressants. Even vitamin D, a supplement that is frequently encouraged by most providers (including me), can interact with blood pressure medications. And if you take thyroid medication, taking calcium, magnesium or iron within four hours can weaken it. Turmeric can increase the risk of bleeding with blood thinners. Milk thistle, if taken with insulin, can dangerously lower your blood sugar.

As far as vitamins — I always think of my grandmother. She would read magazines and order supplements that were advertised to cure whatever health issue she was concerned about that day. Along with many others, she once ordered a vitamin oxygen supplement. I am still not sure what this really was or where she found it. It is also important to know where you are getting your supplements from as they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so quality standards can vary. If you aren’t sure about a supplement, ask your pharmacist or contact your doctor.

So, what can you do to help prevent adverse effects of medications and supplements interacting?

As a patient, bring in an updated list of the medications and supplements you take, or just bring all your medications to your appointments. Knowing exactly what you take can help reduce these adverse events and help your doctor provide the best care possible.

Dr. Emily Denney is a physician with Sheridan Memorial Hospital Primary Care. Prior to working in Sheridan, Denney worked in primary care for more than five years in rural Montana.

To learn more about the hospital’s Primary Care Clinic and Dr. Denney see: https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/clinics/primary-care/

UPDATE 01/08/2026: The free Moms Supporting Moms group will meet on the first and third Monday of subsequent every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Primary Care community conference room.

Healthcare providers at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and its clinics often hear from patients about the emotional and physical challenges mothers and families experience after welcoming a new child.

Bringing home a new baby often brings joy, and sometimes new parents also experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness and being overwhelmed. These feelings can be isolating and difficult to manage.

In order to support new mothers, Sheridan Memorial Hospital has partnered with other community entities to organize Moms Supporting Moms, a facilitated peer group that will meet the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care community conference room, located at 61 S. Gould St. The first meeting will be Nov. 15.

This group aims to empower new mothers and improve understanding of all the feelings that accompany welcoming a new child. Facilitators will offer new ways of coping, effective discussion, sharing of experiences and an opportunity to meet other new moms.

Topics the group plans to cover include birth stories; role transitions; postpartum mood and wellness; how to keep maternal guilt from sabotaging self-care; stress management; finding time for couple/partner connection; communication with family members; how childhood experiences shape the parents we become; choosing a child care provider; returning to work; and more.

Children are welcome, but organizers ask that no family members or partners attend the Moms Supporting Moms group.

There is no fee to participate.

Partners for the Moms Supporting Moms group include Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Willow Creek Counseling and Sheridan County Public Health.

To learn more about the new Moms Supporting Moms facilitated peer group, call
Sheridan Memorial Hospital Primary Care at 307.675.2690.

Thanks to the generous legacy gift from the Lorraine S. Husman Trust, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Board approved $425,700 to fund a new Nuclear Medicine Camera for Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

What is a nuclear medicine camera?

A nuclear medicine camera is a device that uses a special gamma camera and a computer to create images of tissues, bones, and organs to help detect abnormalities or diseases inside the body. The Nuclear Med Camera is used to care for more than 700 patients every year for heart studies, bone scans, and other organ function tests.

Leaving a Legacy: The Lorraine S. Husman Trust

The original gift from The Lorraine S. Husman Trust in 2012 helped create the Cath Lab and continues to support dialysis, cardiac care, and other areas of greatest need at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Lorraine and her three siblings focused on giving back to the community and ensuring people have access to the best healthcare possible. “No amount of money can replace your health” is something Lorraine would often say in conversation. All three appreciated the care that doctors and medicine provided, especially in their later lives. They all lived long and – by every measure – successful lives. Certainly, through thoughtful planning and preparation of this gift, they hoped the same for others.

The tradition of healthcare philanthropy helps to ensure the technology and equipment necessary is available for our expert physicians and care teams, which allows them to provide excellent patient care for our community. The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation is grateful for Lorraine’s generous gift that made the purchase of this equipment possible.

If you would be interested in learning more about a planned gift for the future or making a charitable contribution to your hospital, don’t hesitate to contact the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation at 307.673.2418.

To get the most up-to-date Foundation information and learn more about gift opportunities, visit sheridanhospital.org/foundation.

Saturday, October 21st, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation hosted The Link – Partners in Pink, its 15th annual run/walk to raise awareness and funding for cancer care and healing in our community. During the beautiful fall day, more than 500 participants, volunteers, and cancer survivors were in attendance at Whitney Commons Park wearing their pink and infectious smiles to support this event and the fight against all cancers.

The event proceeds of over $55,000 will support the Comfort Care Program at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Welch Cancer Center (WCC). The program at the WCC is overseen by the Director of Continuous Improvement – Tommi Ritterbusch. With the help of Tommi and her team, funds are made available to cancer patients facing all cancer types and help provide them with the most comfortable experience during their cancer journey. “No cancer journey is the same, but these funds and the incredible teams within our organization and WCC are here to ensure that each patient is supported throughout their diagnosis,” shares Chief Development Officer Cody Sinclair.

Every year there are amazing partners for the Link Partners in Pink. Shelley Kinnison and her Born in a Barn (BIAB) team donated $13,000 to The Foundation’s efforts through the mimosas sold at their annual BIAB weekend this year. Thanks to the sharing of their “why” and passion for this project, BIAB has contributed $35,000 to comfort care and the efforts of the WCC and their comfort care funds.

Another great example is The Sheridan Hawks Jr. Hockey Club, which hosts a “Hawks Hockey Fights Cancer” weekend, which includes puck drops from survivors and their annual Jersey Auction with special cancer awareness jerseys. We appreciate their efforts not only during this weekend but also when the entire team walks a Virtual Race together during their away weekend, donning their Pink Shirts & raising awareness for the cause, and becoming invested in the community they temporarily call home.

The Link-Partners in Pink volunteers & Foundation Staff thank all those who participated, sponsored, made a donation, and volunteered their time. Major sponsors of this year’s event include Ebzery Family Foundation, First Federal Bank & Trust, First Interstate Bank, Century 21, BHJ Realty, Intermountain Health – St. Vincent’s, Kennon Products, Only Co., Powder River Heating & AC, and Range. Thanks to our caring supporters, participants, and sponsors, cancer education and prevention resources are now more accessible to our community.

For more information about the WCC’s Patient Comfort Care, please contact The Foundation at 307.673.2418 or the Welch Cancer Center directly at 307.674.6022.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is once again seeking a design for its 2023 Christmas Card. The hospital is accepting entries from 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade students in Sheridan County, Wyoming. Artwork provided by students will be judged by a committee and the overall winner’s design will be used on the card sent out in December 2023. The winner’s name will be printed on the back side of the Christmas Card. In addition to recognition on the card, the winner will receive a $50 cash prize. All entries will be displayed in the windows at the hospital throughout the Christmas season.

“Please help us spread the word to local 3rd – 5th grade students. Each year we get a wide variety of incredible artwork and we can tell the kids work really hard to create our special card. It’s very difficult to select a winner,” according to Cecile Pattison, Community Relations.

The theme of the 2023 Christmas card is “A Blessed Christmas.”

Students should design artwork with this idea in mind.
This contest is open to any 3rd, 4th or 5th grade student in Sheridan County or children of Sheridan Memorial Hospital staff who may live outside of the county.
Artwork must fit into the box outlined on page two of the entry form and should not be folded.
Artwork must be an original creation of the child and not mechanically or electronically generated.
Artwork should be in color (markers, crayons, paint, etc.)
Child’s name should be neatly printed on the back side of the artwork – name should not appear on the front of the artwork.
This entry form signed by parent or guardian must be enclosed with artwork.
Only one entry per child.

Entries are due on Monday, November 27th and can be dropped off or mailed to the hospital’s main entrance at 1401 West 5th Street, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801.

2023 Christmas Card Entry Form

Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) recently completed its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, which outlines the organization’s focus areas and growth initiatives for four years.

SMH gathered input from the community through processes such as the Community Health Needs Assessment, other research and day-to-day interactions. That data was utilized alongside feedback from SMH staff, stakeholders and leadership to develop the Strategic Plan.

The 2023-2026 Strategic Plan identifies four priority areas for strategic initiatives – SMH employees, services, facilities and models of operation.

“The things that we’ve identified as growth opportunities came out of multiple layers of discussions with the community and within the hospital,” said Mike McCafferty, CEO of SMH. “The strategic plan highlights where we intend to invest our resources over the next four years in order to best position the hospital for the future while also taking care of the immediate needs of our community.”

SMH leadership noted hospital employees are the organization’s greatest resource, and therefore have identified investment in principle-based culture and engagement as one strategic growth initiative. In addition, developing community support for workforce housing will aid not only the hospital as it recruits and seeks to retain new employees, but the community as a whole as it continues to grow.

SMH will also continue evaluating the services it offers. Among the hospital’s priorities are development of a behavioral health system of care and clinical infrastructure. Plans and fundraising for that project have already begun. In addition, the hospital will continue utilizing information gathered through the Community Health Needs Assessment completed earlier this year to evaluate additional services needed in the community.

Development of virtual care outreach for primary and specialty care clinics was also identified as a strategic initiative, and several clinics have already implemented texting with patients as a convenient option. Sheridan Memorial Hospital Urgent Care also utilizes telemedicine appointments for patients, reducing time needed to travel to and from appointments and providing a convenient option for care.

Several facilities projects have also been identified in the SMH 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. They include development of behavioral health facilities; an ambulatory procedures suite for colonoscopy and endoscopy; and a renovation and reorganization of the surgical services suite.

“We want to ensure patients have the best experience possible when receiving services at Sheridan Memorial Hospital,” McCafferty said. “Having top-notch facilities is part of ensuring a quality experience for anyone in the community who visits us.”

SMH has for years utilized proven management strategies to ensure a culture of continuous improvement. As part of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, SMH will continue working to ensure effective execution and deployment of strategic priorities while also improving consumer-based digital connectivity and communication that allows providers to meet patients where they are.

McCafferty said the teams at SMH will evaluate 2023-2026 Strategic Plan after two years to ensure the hospital is on track to meet its goals and to assess whether the priorities outlined in the strategic plan remain the community’s top priorities.

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