March 30, 2020

Contact:
Shawn Neisteadt
Sanford Health Media Relations
(605) 366-2432 / shawn.neisteadt@sanfordhealth.org
@SanfordShawnN

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Health and The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society are investing in their staff during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The health system announced a support program to its 50,000 employees across the nation last Friday that will offer a one-time bonus payment to all full-time hourly employees and cover their health insurance for the next three months.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has us all feeling uncertain about many things like unpredictable volumes, safety of our families, finances and simply when life can go back to normal,” Kelby Krabbenhoft, Sanford Health president and CEO, told members of what he calls the Sanford Family. “You and your family are important to us — and we want to make sure you are supported in this challenging time.”

Full-time hourly (non-exempt) employees at Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan Society will receive a $300 bonus on their mid-April paychecks. A $150 bonus will be given to part-time employees. PRN employees will receive a $50 addition on their paychecks. Sanford will also cover health insurance premiums through the months of April, May and June for all full-time hourly employees who have coverage through the Sanford Health Plan. All 50,000 Sanford employees also will have flexible use of paid time off and access to Sanford’s employee crisis fund, which provides financial support to employees who experience sudden, emergent and catastrophic financial difficulties.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everything we do. We owe a debt of gratitude to our frontline caregivers who are protecting the most vulnerable during this time of great need,” said Randy Bury, president of the Good Samaritan Society. “Our support plan offers much-deserved assistance to our employees. Our staff’s determination to continue to provide the best care to all those we serve has never been more critical.”

Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan Society completed their merger in January 2019.

About Sanford Health

Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, is dedicated to the integrated delivery of health care, genomic medicine, senior care and services, global clinics, research and affordable insurance. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization includes 44 hospitals, 1,400 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations in 26 states and nine countries. Nearly $1 billion in gifts from philanthropist Denny Sanford have transformed how Sanford Health improves the human condition. For information, visit sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

About the Good Samaritan Society

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit organizations providing innovative senior care and services with approximately 240 locations nationwide. The Society offers Post-Acute, Skilled Nursing and Home- and Community-Based Services, as well as Senior Living and Affordable Housing communities. Founded in 1922, the mission is to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that “In Christ’s Love, Everyone Is Someone.”  For more information, visit good-sam.com.

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