Welcome to Avera McKennan

By Dr. Luis Rojas

Warmest greetings to readers of La Voz. It's our privilege at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center to share vital health information with you. I am Luis Rojas, MD, and I am an OB/GYN physician, specializing in the care of female cancer.

Avera McKennan is a 545-bed hospital in Sioux Falls and much more. We are also a network of community hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities throughout the region. Although located right here in Sioux Falls, Avera McKennan is among the top-rated hospitals in the United States. In fact, we are the only hospital in South Dakota to be among the Top 100 Hospitals® as named by Thomson Reuters in 2008.

I mention this because I feel it's important for the Hispanic community to understand that Avera offers very high quality health care, along with the latest technology and cutting-edge treatments. Patient care is our top priority.
What's more, Avera cares for the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Founded by Catholic sisters in 1911, Avera McKennan has nearly a century-long history of compassionate care.

It's our mission to impact the lives of others, regardless of their race, culture, beliefs or background. Avera McKennan makes every effort to provide the highest level of care to people of multicultural backgrounds. I myself am a native of the Dominican Republic.  I've had the pleasure of working directly with the Hispanic community for a number of years in Philadelphia and Cleveland where I completed my residency and fellowship. Language is not a barrier to receiving quality health care at Avera. There are physicians, nurses and other caregivers, like myself, who speak Spanish. Or, we can provide an interpreter for you.

In taking care of your own health and the health of your family, primary care and prevention are top priorities. In other words, don't wait until you are sick to seek medical care. Many serious diseases, like cancer, can be detected early through screening tests, greatly improving your chances to live a long, healthy life. Children should have well-child check-ups and recommended immunizations. Women should have annual pap smears to check for cervical cancer, as well as annual breast exams and mammograms after age 40 to check for breast cancer. Adults - both men and women - should have regular checks of their cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and weight.

For help finding a doctor, or for more information about Avera McKennan, feel free to call 1-877-AT-AVERA (1-877-282-8372). Interpreters are available to help with your call. You may also access quality care through Curaquick Avera locations at Hy-Vee food stores on Minnesota Avenue and 49th Street and Louise Avenue. Curaquick Avera is an affordable, convenient option at only $25 per visit.

We look forward to keeping you updated about the world of health care in La Voz. Here's to your good health!