Rural Health Funding: Gov. Larry Rhoden awarded $31.5 million in Rural Strong grants to 28 projects across 20 health systems, aiming to boost access, modernize tech, strengthen the rural workforce, and improve care coordination—plus maternal health and Tribal-focused initiatives. Hospital Expansion: Monument Health broke ground on a $48 million Children’s Hospital expansion in Rapid City, including a redesigned NICU with 17 private rooms and a mother-in-one-room LDRP setup, targeting completion in February 2028. Nursing Shortage Focus: A South Dakota nurse is calling out the state’s growing RN shortage, especially in rural areas, and urges more support for nursing education and staffing. Injury Prevention: Sanford pediatric ER doctors warn that more kids are arriving with serious injuries from e-bikes and e-scooters—head injuries are the biggest risk, with helmets and supervision emphasized. Food Safety Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of Organic Lentil Soup—Light in Sodium in multiple states after a lid defect could compromise the seal, with no obvious damage on the outside. Workforce & Care Access: Avera Research Institute’s Mobile Unit is stopping at Avera Sacred Heart (July 29-30) to connect communities with research and programs like ECHO and Healthy Start. Health Costs Snapshot: New BEA-based data ranks South Dakota among the higher per-capita health care spending states (3rd at $12,451 in 2024). Local Wellness Support: Healing Reins received a $25,000 donation from First Interstate to expand adaptive equine and outdoor therapy for mental and physical well-being.