YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- While many businesses continue to struggle to find enough workers, it is especially critical for health care providers.

Doug Ekeren, President of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, and Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, says it really is a problem for their facilities in smaller towns.

Ekeren says they have two employment tracks to fill.

Avera Health is investing fifty million dollars in raises and a higher starting wage to keep and attract workers. Ekeren says that is especially critical in long term care facilities.

Avera Health employs over eighteen thousand people across their network.