Pipestone County Medical Center has been recognized by the Minnesota Department of Health as a Gold-Tier RespSafe Facility for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season.
The RespSafe program recognizes Minnesota hospitals and long-term care facilities that demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting patients, residents, staff, and communities from respiratory illnesses through employee vaccination efforts and evidence-based prevention strategies. Participating organizations are encouraged to adopt proven practices that promote influenza and COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare personnel and to track vaccination rates throughout the respiratory illness season.
Gold-tier recognition is the highest level awarded by the RespSafe program and is reserved for facilities that successfully implement vaccination improvement strategies and achieve high vaccination coverage among healthcare personnel.
“This recognition reflects our employees’ commitment to creating a safe environment for our patients, residents, visitors, and one another,” said Brad Burris, PCMC CEO. “Preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses is an important part of providing high-quality care, and we are proud of our team’s efforts to support our community’s health.”
The Minnesota Department of Health developed the RespSafe program to encourage healthcare organizations to strengthen protection against respiratory illnesses for healthcare workers and the vulnerable populations they serve. The program recognizes organizations that actively promote vaccination, implement best practices, and prioritize patient safety. A full list of RespSafe facilities can be found here:
RespSafe Facilities – MN Dept. of Health
PCMC remains committed to providing safe, high-quality care and to promoting practices that help protect patients, residents, staff, and the broader community year-round.