AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Mergers: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health have signed a definitive deal to merge into one nonprofit system, with a planned $600 million investment in North Memorial’s Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals—aimed at keeping care available close to home. Public Health & Access: A new study finds miscarriage care is getting worse in states with abortion bans, with more patients pushed toward less effective medication approaches. Local Health Leadership: Sioux Falls City-County Health District named Meghan Velure as administrator, highlighting a continued push for rural-focused public health staffing. Safety on the Road: Fatal crashes continue to make headlines around Rapid City and Sioux Falls, including reports of unbelted victims and helmetless motorcyclists. Community Health: LifeServe scheduled blood donor days in Mitchell this June, as summer typically brings donation dips. Wildlife & Wellness: Sioux Falls Great Plains Zoo mourned the loss of a 13-year-old red wolf, Uyosi.

Health Workforce & Care Access: UAMS celebrated 1,237 graduates across medicine, nursing, health professions, pharmacy, and public health. Local Public Health Leadership: City-County Health District named Meghan Velure as administrator, highlighting rural-focused nursing and public health experience. Mergers & Hospital Stability: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health signed a definitive deal to merge, with a planned $600M investment in Robbinsdale/Maple Grove hospitals. Maternal Health Under Pressure: A new JAMA study finds miscarriage care shifts in abortion-ban states—more patients end up with less effective medication approaches or watchful waiting. Safety & Tragedy on SD Roads: A fatal crash west of Rapid City identified Leah Thornton and passenger Lyla Henrichsen; separate Sioux Falls-area reports also detail deadly motorcycle collisions. Community Health & Prevention: LifeServe set blood donor days in Mitchell, and SDPB spotlighted Missing and Murdered Indigenous People month with local vigils and resources. Military & Retirement: WalletHub ranks South Dakota among the top states for military retirees, citing no state income tax and VA resources.

Sanford Health merger: Sanford Health has signed a definitive deal to merge with North Memorial Health, aiming to invest about $600 million into North Memorial’s Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals—an effort to protect long-term access to care. Local health & safety: A Rapid City woman died after a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 16; preliminary reports say seat belts weren’t used. Public health policy: A new study links abortion bans to worse miscarriage medication care in states with restrictions, raising concerns about gaps in treatment. Nursing education: Joyce University’s MSN program earned the maximum 10-year CCNE accreditation. Community wellness: LifeServe is running Blood Donor Days in Mitchell this June. South Dakota spotlight: WalletHub ranks South Dakota among the top states for military retirement, citing no state income tax and other supports. Health system upgrades: Sioux Falls VA is receiving funding for maintenance and infrastructure projects.

Workforce & graduation momentum: Hill City seniors marked a Mount Rushmore commencement tradition with 40 graduates crossing the stage, while Western Dakota Tech celebrated more than 360 grads ready for hands-on careers in trades and health. Public health & safety: The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day removed over 19,000 pounds of unwanted meds across the Midwest, and South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating deadly Highway 16 crashes near Rapid City. Health care access politics: A fast-moving court fight over telehealth access to the abortion pill mifepristone is drawing scrutiny in South Dakota, with AG Marty Jackley warning about safety and oversight. Community care: “Ink for Tomorrows” raised nearly $20,000 for mobile play therapy for kids. Local health infrastructure: Sioux Falls VA Health Care System received funding for upgrades, including electronic health record support and kitchen renovations. Sports: Sioux Falls Stampede won the Clark Cup Finals opener behind a shutout by Linards Feldbergs.

Crash Tragedy Near Rapid City: A 76-year-old Rapid City woman died after a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 16, about six miles west of town. The Highway Patrol says a 1996 Toyota Corolla entered from Busted Five Court and was hit by a westbound 2019 GMC Sierra; the Corolla passenger was ejected and later died, and both Corolla occupants were not wearing seat belts. Road Safety: Another deadly crash was reported in Sioux Falls after a motorcycle collided with a Mitsubishi Raider, with the rider dead at the scene and the second rider later dying in hospital. Medication Safety: DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day removed more than 19,000 pounds of unwanted meds across the Midwest, including South Dakota. Health & Policy: South Dakota’s AG is watching the fast-moving legal fight over telehealth access to the abortion pill mifepristone. Black Hills Trees: Pine engraver beetles are starting to show up as drought-stressed pines face more insect pressure.

Health Policy in Court: A fast-moving legal fight over telehealth access to the abortion pill mifepristone is drawing national scrutiny, with South Dakota’s AG arguing the FDA is overstepping and raising safety concerns. Local Health & Care: Sioux Falls VA Health Care System says it’s getting funding for maintenance and upgrades, including electronic health record infrastructure and kitchen/cafe renovations. Mental Health Fundraising: “Ink for Tomorrows” in Sioux Falls raised nearly $20,000 for mobile, trauma-informed play therapy for kids. Community Health & Support: The annual MS Walk at Cherry Rock Park brought families together to fund research and support caregivers. Environment & Health: Pine engraver beetles are showing up in the Black Hills as drought stresses trees, and foresters warn a second wave could follow if conditions don’t improve. Sports: Sioux Falls Stampede is one win from the Clark Cup after a 3-0 Finals Game 2 shutout by Linards Feldbergs. Health Systems Watch: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health have signed a definitive plan to merge, aiming to invest $600 million in Robbinsdale/Maple Grove hospitals.

Health Care Merger: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health have signed a definitive deal to merge, creating a bigger nonprofit system and planning a $600 million investment in North Memorial’s Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals—aimed at keeping care available close to home. Food & Safety: A new look at “honey” warns that imported products may be stripped of pollen and marketed as local benefits they may not deliver. Public Health & Benefits: South Dakota’s Department of Social Services is revisiting two rule changes tied to TANF benefits and hospital payment methods after strong public pushback, with comments open until May 25. Mental Health in Rural SD: The Rapidan Heritage Society is hosting suicide and mental health education, including the QPR approach for helping someone in crisis. Water Watch: The Bureau of Reclamation has increased Pactola and Deerfield outflows multiple times this week as drought concerns grow in Rapid City. Ag Pressure: Farmers are still bracing for fertilizer and trade shocks as planting season ramps up.

Health Care Deal: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health have signed a definitive merger agreement, aiming to create a combined nonprofit system and invest about $600 million into North Memorial’s Robbinsdale/Maple Grove hospitals—framed as a way to protect local access as costs and pressures rise. Water Watch: The Bureau of Reclamation has been ramping up Pactola outflows multiple times this week, more than doubling releases since early May as Rapid City navigates worsening drought conditions and shifting downstream demands. State Benefits: South Dakota is revisiting last year’s proposed changes to TANF benefits and hospital payment methods after public backlash; hearings happened Friday, with comments open until May 25. Public Health & Safety: A South Dakota Human Services Center employee was named Employee of the Month, while a Rapid City dispatcher story highlights how coaching callers can be lifesaving—from CPR to childbirth. Community Health: Vermillion’s water system earned a Drinking Water Certificate of Achievement, and a new Sioux Falls nursing facility expands training capacity.

Health Care Consolidation: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health have signed a definitive deal to merge into one nonprofit system, with a planned $600 million investment in North Memorial’s Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals—aimed at keeping care financially stable for the long run. Farming & Food Costs: With planting season underway, farmers are still wrestling with fertilizer prices and supply worries tied to global shipping disruptions; a U.S. Senate push for fertilizer price transparency is gaining attention. Public Health & Safety: A Rapid City woman, Taylor Bird Horse, was released on 10 years’ probation after a no-contest plea in her mother’s death case; separately, police say a Rapid City man was arrested after threatening officers with a metal rod and being subdued with a Taser. Community Health: Vermillion’s water system earned a Drinking Water Certificate of Achievement, and Dakota Wesleyan opened a new Sioux Falls nursing facility to expand training capacity. South Dakota Spotlight: The SD Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class, and R-CALF USA’s Rapid City convention lineup is set for June 16–18. Air Quality Alert: Hazardous dust-driven air prompted warnings for parts of the Upper Midwest, including Watertown, South Dakota—stay inside and limit outdoor activity.

Health Care Expansion: Sanford Health has signed a definitive deal to merge with Twin Cities-based North Memorial Health, aiming to invest about $600 million in Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals—framed as a way to protect long-term access to care. Caregiving Support: Vermillion is hosting an Alzheimer’s/dementia caregiver support group at the public library (May 18 for this month). Public Health & Safety: South Dakota’s DANR recognized Vermillion’s drinking water system for meeting state standards. Workforce & Training: Dakota Wesleyan cut the ribbon on a new Sioux Falls nursing facility, doubling classroom space and adding simulation rooms to help meet statewide demand. Air Quality Alert: Dust storms pushed hazardous air into parts of the Upper Midwest, with EPA warnings urging people to stay indoors and keep windows shut. Community Health: A Vermillion structure fire sent one firefighter and one civilian to the hospital; the cause is under investigation. Rural Cancer Costs: A new American Cancer Society survey says rural patients are more likely to struggle with cancer care costs, delay treatment, and rack up medical debt.

Sanford Health merger: Sanford Health has signed a deal to combine with Twin Cities-based North Memorial Health, with about $600 million planned for upgrades at North Memorial’s Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals—aimed at long-term stability and keeping care close to home. Wildfire watch: A red flag warning is in effect for 37 western Minnesota counties, with conditions also stretching into parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and Nebraska—officials warn embers can travel fast. Local health & safety: A Vermillion structure fire sent one firefighter and one civilian to the hospital, and a Rapid City pedestrian was seriously hurt in a crash where alcohol is suspected. Rural cancer costs: A new American Cancer Society survey finds many rural patients struggle with cancer bills, travel, and delayed care. Prevention push: Native American diabetes screenings and education drew attention in Rapid City, while DEA Take Back Day collected 642,410 pounds nationwide. Health workforce/innovation: Northern State University opened its Business and Health Innovation Center.

Health System Merger: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health have signed a definitive deal to merge into one nonprofit system, with Sanford’s CEO Bill Gassen leading the combined organization and North Memorial’s CEO Trevor Sawallish continuing to run the Twin Cities region; the plan includes about $600 million in investments for North Memorial’s Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals. Mental Health Awareness: South Dakota’s AG Marty Jackley is urging residents to “wear green” this May and get help if they’re struggling, while also highlighting the need for more access to behavioral health care. Consumer Health: Jackley also pushed hearing tests during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month and warned about misleading hearing-aid sales tactics. Cybersecurity: The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Plains in Yankton says an AI-powered “deep fraud” attack in April stole $200,000 from a reserve account, without compromising personal data. Public Safety & Health: A pedestrian was seriously hurt in a Rapid City crash at Sixth and Omaha, and the DEA’s Take Back Day collected 642,410 pounds nationwide, including 19,000+ pounds in the Omaha division. Diabetes Prevention: A Rapid City event offered diabetes screenings and education for tribal members.

Health Care Deal: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health have signed a definitive merger agreement, aiming to create a single nonprofit system and invest about $600 million in North Memorial’s Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals—framed as a way to protect local access as costs and regulatory pressure rise. State Politics: In South Dakota’s June 2 GOP primary for Senate District 30, incumbent Amber Hulse faces Julie Frye-Mueller, with Hulse pitching her legislative record and “a louder voice” for the Southern Hills. Community Nutrition: Sioux Falls schools are launching a free summer breakfast and lunch program for kids 1–18 at six elementary sites, no registration needed. Public Health & Safety: A 73-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured in a deer-related crash near Nemo; and Rapid City reported a record April for building permit valuations at $92.7 million. Tobacco Policy: South Dakota’s AG coalition is pushing the U.S. Supreme Court to keep tighter guardrails on flavored e-cigarette approvals.

Health Care Mega-Move: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health have signed a definitive merger deal, with Sanford’s CEO Bill Gassen leading the combined nonprofit and a $600 million investment planned for North Memorial’s Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals in Minnesota. Nurse Staffing Pressure: At Maple Grove, hundreds of nurses voted to authorize an unfair labor practice strike, citing staffing and retention concerns while merger talks continue. Mental Wellness Push: May’s Mental Health Awareness Month spotlighted local crisis warning signs and resources, while a Watertown mental health officer was honored for helping lead a response program that’s reduced suicides since 2021. Community Health & Movement: Sioux Falls is offering free bus rides for cyclists this week to make biking plus transit easier. Public Health Policy: A coalition of state attorneys general urged the FDA to reverse draft guidance that would make flavored e-cigarettes easier to approve, arguing it fuels youth nicotine addiction. Local Sports: Ethan/Parkston swept team titles at the Southeast South Dakota Conference track meet in Tyndall.

Mental Health in the Spotlight: The Rapidan Heritage Society is hosting a May 22 community presentation on suicide and mental health, featuring licensed clinical social worker Colleen Stegenga and a practical QPR-style approach for how neighbors can help. Abortion Pill Fight in Court: South Dakota joined a 23-state coalition backing Louisiana in a Supreme Court push to keep a stay blocking mail-order mifepristone distribution. Vaping Crackdown: South Dakota’s AG coalition is urging the FDA to reverse draft guidance that would make it easier to sell flavored e-cigarettes, arguing it worsens youth addiction. Nursing Labor Tension: Nurses at North Memorial Health’s Maple Grove Hospital voted to approve a strike tied to unfair labor practice claims, as a Sanford merger looms. Cost Pressures: Xcel Energy’s South Dakota electric rates are set to rise 9.5% starting July 1, with about 107,000 customers mainly in the Sioux Falls area seeing higher bills. Health Equity Watch: A new report finds deep racial and ethnic health disparities persist in South Dakota, with cost barriers to care rising again.

Creative Aging Grants: The South Dakota Arts Council named seven teaching artists for its “Creative Aging SD” program, bringing hands-on sessions for adults 55+ across senior centers, healthcare facilities, tribal communities, and other local spaces. Graduation & Giving Back: USD commencement speaker Susan Tuve urged grads to “give back,” sharing how her education helped her navigate setbacks tied to being a woman. School Safety: Yankton’s board heard updates on its Forward 2029 plan, including how school resource officers and safety protocols are being used to deter illegal activity. Veterans Support: Hy-Vee is expanding its Homefront efforts for America’s 250th—round-up donations (matched up to $100,000), plus free coffee and breakfast for veterans and active-duty service members. Public Health Workforce: Western Dakota Tech is using upgraded high-tech mannequins and a mobile simulation unit to train more nurses and address rural staffing gaps. Cannabis Rules: A Sioux Falls-area city is rethinking medical cannabis fees after a cultivator says local charges run higher than other municipalities. Officer Wellness: Rapid City highlighted National Police Week resources aimed at officer stress management and retention. Voter Deadline: South Dakota’s May 18 registration deadline is near, and new proof-of-citizenship rules may require bringing physical documents.