May 21, 2021

Construction has started on Kirby Place, which will more than double patient and family lodging adjacent to Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.

The addition to Walsh Family Village will feature 14 guest rooms and 6,500 square feet of space, along with connecting two of the three existing buildings at the complex. When completed, there will be two facilities: Kirby Place and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Sioux Falls residents Jennifer and Joe Kirby provided the $1.3 million lead gift and were joined by more than 400 other donors across the Avera footprint and beyond, raising $3.3 million and exceeding the campaign’s $2.5 million goal by more than 30 percent to also provide permanent endowment support for patient and family lodging.

“I learned firsthand about the importance of patient housing in 2014 when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Having a welcoming place to stay turned a scary time into one where we felt supported and loved. I’m thrilled that we can help make this possible for more Avera patients,” said Jennifer Kirby, who co-chaired the Home for Hope campaign with Carolyn Cutler.

Last year, more than 6,300 people were served through Avera’s patient and family lodging in Sioux Falls as they sought care. With support from donors, hundreds more stayed at area hotels because Avera lodging facilities were full.

“Thanks to Jennifer and Joe and countless other benefactors, Kirby Place will be a refuge – a safe and welcoming place where patients and families can take a break from the challenges of their respective health care journeys,” said Dzenan Berberovic, Avera chief philanthropy officer.

Nearly 60 percent of people served at Avera McKennan come from outside Sioux Falls.

“This project will be impactful to those we serve,” said David Flicek, president and CEO of Avera McKennan.

“Avera is a leader in cancer, orthopedics, transplant, behavioral health, neurology, trauma and other subspecialties. This draws patients from a wider region to this higher level of care.”

Kirby Place will open in spring 2022.