Celebrating a New Chapter for Freeman Regional Health Services
Woods Fuller congratulates Freeman Regional Health Services on the groundbreaking of its new hospital and clinic, an investment in the future of health care in Freeman and the surrounding rural communities.
On October 20, Freeman Regional Health Services broke ground on a new hospital and clinic campus in Freeman, South Dakota, marking a major milestone after years of planning. The project represents an important investment not only in new facilities, but in keeping quality health care available close to home for the people and communities Freeman Regional serves.
Members of Woods Fuller’s Health Care Law team were honored to attend the groundbreaking and to be recognized among the partners who helped Freeman Regional reach this milestone. Woods Fuller was privileged to advise Freeman Regional in the process, and the project is being independently financed to support Freeman Regional’s continued independence and local control.
For Courtney Unruh, CEO/Administrator of Freeman Regional Health Services, reaching the groundbreaking was the culmination of both hard work and perseverance. She shared her appreciation for the guidance, encouragement and support Woods Fuller provided throughout the process, particularly as the organization worked through challenges on the way to making the project a reality.
“I appreciate all of your guidance, encouragement and support throughout this process. There have been plenty of challenges along the way, and your encouragement to keep pushing forward has meant more than you know. We are incredibly grateful to finally be at this point.”
Courtney Unruh, CEO/Administrator, Freeman Regional Health Services
The new hospital and clinic are the first phase of a larger health care campus on Freeman Regional’s property along Highway 81. The single-level facility will encompass more than 48,000 square feet and include a six-bed hospital, 24-hour emergency department with an on-site helipad, and clinic space for local providers and visiting specialists. Plans also include diagnostic imaging, laboratory, procedural and therapy services.
The project comes at a particularly meaningful time for Freeman Regional. Its hospital traces its history back nearly 75 years, and the new facility is intended to carry that tradition of local health care forward. Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2028, with a nursing home and additional senior living options contemplated in future phases.
That mission is especially significant in rural South Dakota, where having high-quality medical services close to home can make an enormous difference for patients, families and communities. As Unruh told KELOLAND at the groundbreaking, residents of Freeman deserve access to the same quality health care available in larger communities.
For Woods Fuller, helping health care organizations navigate complex projects like this one is ultimately about helping them fulfill their missions. We are proud to have played a role in Freeman Regional’s journey and grateful to celebrate this important day alongside its leadership, employees, community and fellow project partners.
Congratulations to Freeman Regional Health Services on breaking ground and on an exciting new chapter for health care in Freeman.