As the Good Samaritan Society counts down to 100 years of service, President and CEO Randy Bury is counting down to retirement. Randy became president of the Society in 2019 and will retire at the end of this year. During his time at the helm, he’s witnessed the Society’s mission of caring for those in need at work.
“As you go from building to building at Good Samaritan, it really doesn’t seem to matter if you’re in a small rural facility in South Dakota or you’re walking the halls in Kissimmee on this great big campus. The mission of the organization, the commitment to the residents, the faith-based foundation that the company sits on, it stays consistent,” Randy says.
That consistency is shepherding the Society through the COVID-19 pandemic. Randy says COVID-19 has led to the most difficult period ever in the long-term care industry. He’s grateful for staff members showing up each day to care for residents and each other.
“I have no doubt that’s exactly what the staff and the company of Good Samaritan will do (in the future). Good Samaritan will be one of the companies that comes through this – we already have – and does well and continues to provide great service for another 100 years, at least,” Randy says.
He adds, "The strong will come out stronger." Randy credits the “why” behind the Society’s work as proof the future is bright.
“The growth of the company and the mission has always driven this company. That mission to serve,” Randy says.
Opportunities with integrated health system
A century ago, the Good Samaritan Society was one building in North Dakota. Today the Society has more than 200 locations in 26 states.
Realizing the opportunities that come with the Society’s merger with Sanford Health is what makes the future exciting.
“We merged so that we could help provide an integration between acute care services and long-term care,” Randy says.
He points to the home hemodialysis den at Good Samaritan Society – Sioux Falls Village in South Dakota as an example.
“Those residents no longer need to get in a van three days a week in all kinds of weather to travel for dialysis,” Randy says.
“We’re just scratching the surface of the things that can be done to improve care for our residents.”
In addition to keeping everyone safe from COVID-19, Randy sees the integrated health system improving quality of life. These improvements will be for people from birth to end of life and everything in between.
“That’s why it made it such a good marriage with Sanford Health. Sanford Health has grown from Sioux Valley and then all the other organizations in Fargo, Bismarck and Bemidji. We all share such a common mission and vision. It’s all about caring for people,” Randy says.
