Prairie Lakes Health Care Foundation

The suzanne jacobson memorial fund (sjmf) was established in honor of a watertown physician assistant, suzanne jacobson. Suzanne spent her adult life involved in the healing arts. Through her healthcare career she positively impacted the lives of many people though her care, concern and professionalism. Suzanne lost a long battle with cancer in 1998. Her family and friends established the sjmf as a way to continue her caring by helping people with a life threatening illness that face medical financial stress. Since its inception in 1999, the sjmf has provided approximately $571,298 through 913 grants. These grants are distributed throughout a 10 county service area in northeast south dakota and northwest minnesota.through this special memorial fund, $500 or $1,000 is available to individuals meeting fund criteria. An individual must have a life threatening illness and meet financial need to receive a grant. The suzanne jacobson memorial fund (sjmf) can assist with funds for expenses such as medical bills, transportation costs, groceries, rent, medications, and utilities. Each applicant must complete an application, which is required by law. A committee votes on who receives a grant based on need and eligibility. Non-identifying applicant information is presented to committee members and strict confidence is exercised throughout the selection process.the sjmf designates a week in june as yellow rose week in watertown and surrounding communities such as milbank, sisseton, clark, clear lake, south shore and waverly. Volunteers sell yellow roses to raise money for this fund. Yellow rose week is the primary means of financing the sjmf. During yellow rose week other fundraisers may occur.

The foundation supported the cancer center, kidney dialysis, and christy kinney "pay it forward" this year with several grants.

The bash (building a superior hospital) gala event is held annually. A particular cause is selected to raise money for related to improving and enhancing healthcare services through prairie lakes healthcare system. This event is partially supported through donations and is coordinated by the office of the foundation and a committee of prairie lakes healthcare system volunteers and community individuals. Bash cause for 2024 was maternal child health.