YANKTON, SD.— Two health care providers are joining forces trying to build a better health care system for patients in the Yankton area.

Avera and Yankton Medical Clinic are entering into a professional services agreement to attempt to strengthen health care services and physician recruitment. The agreement takes effect January 1, 2026.

“This agreement is not a purchase. The Yankton Medical Clinic will remain a separate, independent organization.” Dr. Brent Adams, President, Board of Directors, Yankton Medical Clinic, P.C. said in a news release, “This is a collaboration between Yankton Medical Clinic and Avera Sacred Heart and is being done to ensure that the Yankton area has first-rate quality health care into the foreseeable future.”

The health providers say the goal of the agreement is working together to have high-quality care, hiring of medical professionals, using the same medical records system, and having better access to healthcare for patients. Patients will receive care from the same providers.

"Collaboration, not competition, is the foundation of our decision," Regional President and CEO for Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton Victoria Hanson said.

The media professionals for both health care providers did not give any more information and say more information is to come later.

Avera has 30 locations in Nebraska including Creighton, Hartington, O'Neill, and Pierce.

YMC has six Nebraska locations including Creighton, Norfolk, Niobrara, and Osmond.