Prairie Lakes Healthcare System to Rebrand as Sanford Health Watertown

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The integration between Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Sanford Health is reaching a new milestone. Beginning in late June, Prairie Lakes will officially begin its transition to the name Sanford Health Watertown.

The rebranding effort will roll out in phases and serves as part of the organization’s “Together for Good” initiative. The transition follows the combination of the two health systems announced last year, aimed at strengthening local care and expanding opportunities for patients in the region.

“This change reflects more than a name update—it represents the next chapter of our shared future and the strength of what we are building together,” said John Allen, President and CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.

Allen also emphasized the importance of the organization’s history in the region. “I also want to acknowledge what the Prairie Lakes name represents. It reflects decades of exceptional care, strong relationships, and deep community pride. This legacy does not go away. It becomes part of the foundation we carry forward as Sanford Health Watertown.”

What Patients Can Expect

As the transition moves forward, the Watertown community will see updates to facility and clinic names, as well as new exterior and interior signage.

The first facility to see the change will be the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, which will transition to the Sanford Watertown Cancer Center in late June. Other locations will be updated over time.

Jon Pociask, Chief Operating Officer for Health Network at Sanford Sioux Falls, noted that the integration is focused on building upon the existing foundation.

“When we announced our combination last year, we committed to preserving and expanding health services across the many communities Prairie Lakes serves,” Pociask said. “By bringing together the strengths of both organizations, we are building on what has always made Prairie Lakes special while expanding opportunities for our patients, our teams, and our communities.”

Upcoming Facility Name Changes

The phased rollout will eventually encompass all major Prairie Lakes facilities. The planned name changes are detailed below:

Current Name	New Name
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System	Sanford Health Watertown
Prairie Lakes Cancer Center	Sanford Watertown Cancer Center
Prairie Lakes Hospital	Sanford Watertown Medical Center
Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic	Sanford Watertown Specialty Clinic
Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Main	Sanford Health Hwy 81 Clinic
Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Northridge	Sanford Health Northridge Clinic
Prairie Lakes Castlewood Clinic	Sanford Health Castlewood Clinic

Sanford Health is the largest rural health system in the United States. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the nonprofit network includes 58 hospitals and 289 clinics, serving more than 2 million patients across the upper Midwest.