AGP Executive Report

Behavioral Health Access: A new $13 million federal investment aims to expand South Dakota’s behavioral healthcare crisis response with a same-day, 24/7 mobile service, building on CCBHC modernization and workforce support. Women’s Health: Sanford Black Hills added Dr. Miranda Pray-Dede to provide specialized women’s health services at the Sanford Health Haines Ave. Clinic in Rapid City, now accepting new patients. Public Health & Safety: Rapid City Transit is holding public workshops on a micro-transit feasibility study, seeking input on demand-based shared rides that could improve curb-to-curb access. Community Support: The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids program kicked off in the Black Hills, distributing free winter coats to hundreds of children over two days. Prescription Drug Costs: South Dakota joined a coalition seeking court approval for a $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with eligible consumers potentially able to claim compensation. Health Records: South Dakota’s new vital records system has led to reported delays in death certificates, creating financial and administrative headaches for families. Recovery Courts: Pennington County Drug Court held a graduation ceremony marking completion of treatment-focused supervision for people working toward long-term recovery.

Rural Health & Research: The NIH awarded $11.09M over five years to create the South Dakota Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Research (SD-ACT), a statewide partnership led by Avera Research Institute, South Dakota State University, and USD Sanford School of Medicine to speed up prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Behavioral Health Funding: South Dakota announced $13M in behavioral health grants to expand rural mental health and substance-use services, including mobile crisis support. Drug Safety: Federal officials warn of highly potent fentanyl analogues like carfentanil, fluorofentanyl, and methylfentanyl, tied to thousands of overdose deaths since 2023—urging faster recognition by first responders and clinicians. Prescription Costs: Michigan AG Nessel (and other states) urged consumers to check eligibility and file claims in a multistate settlement over inflated generic drug prices. Health Care Affordability: The Trump administration began mailing $500 “Obamacare” refund checks to nearly 1M Americans in 30 states who paid full premiums without subsidies. Local Health Policy: Rapid City’s Legal and Finance Committee reviewed a new AI policy for city staff, focusing on safe use and accountability. Public Health Reminder: New research highlights that only 60% of liver transplant recipients are vaccinated against hepatitis B, leaving many at risk. Crash Response: Watertown Fire Rescue responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 212; one person was transported for treatment.

ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration has started mailing $500 rebate checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states who bought health insurance through the federal Affordable Care Act marketplace, with eligibility tied to not receiving premium assistance and living in HealthCare.gov states like South Dakota. Public Health Warning: Federal officials are warning about highly potent fentanyl analogues—carfentanil, fluorofentanyl and methylfentanyl—saying they’ve been linked to thousands of overdose deaths since 2023. Rural Health Funding: South Dakota is moving forward on rural health improvements under the Rural Health Transformation Program, including technology/cybersecurity for providers and more behavioral and mental health support. Hepatitis B Safety Gap: New research finds only 60% of liver transplant recipients are vaccinated against hepatitis B, leaving many at risk for serious complications. Local Health Workforce & Access: South Dakota Pharmacists Association and InStockRx are partnering to launch a member marketplace to help pharmacies trade excess inventory and reduce medication waste. Community Wellness & Learning: Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains is launching “Prairie Sparks,” a free after-school reading, math and science enrichment program for early elementary students in Brookings.

Behavioral Health Funding: South Dakota is awarding more than $13 million in behavioral health grants to expand rural mental health care, including 12 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic modernization grants to boost crisis response, capacity, technology, and the workforce. Medicaid Access Fight: Opponents of South Dakota’s Amendment I say it could roll back Medicaid expansion if federal funding drops below 90%, reducing care for about 30,000 people and shifting costs to private insurance. Water Safety Watch: A Brookings water-quality ranking put the city near the bottom for lead and PFAS, but local officials dispute the results and say their treatment and regular testing better reflect real conditions. COVID Care Debate: A roundtable discussion featured doctors arguing ivermectin and other repurposed treatments helped COVID-19 patients, while also criticizing hospital protocols. Public Health & Policy: In the governor’s final debate, candidates clashed on data centers, education, health care, and tribal relations. Community Health Events: SDSU Extension announced a free Soil Health Hour webinar series for farmers and ranchers, focused on no-till, cover crops, residue management, and measuring soil health. Pregnancy Loss Awareness: The 10.15 Project is launching a 480-mile relay to raise awareness and support for pregnancy and infant loss across North Dakota. National Health Headlines: Trump’s administration says it will start sending $500 ACA refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans.

PFAS & drinking water: A national “college town” water-quality ranking put Brookings at 45th out of 50 for lead and PFAS, but Brookings Municipal Utilities says the score doesn’t reflect local treatment and testing. Medicaid ballot fight: South Dakota voters face Amendment I, with opponents warning it could roll back expanded Medicaid if federal funding drops—potentially cutting care for about 30,000 people and shifting costs to private insurance. Public health & safety: A nationwide recall targets chlorthalidone 25 mg (dissolution failure may reduce effectiveness), and consumers are urged to check lot numbers and not stop meds without a clinician. Healthcare access in Rapid City: Children’s Home Society opened new Life Skills and Family Engagement rooms at its Rapid City campus, aiming to support independence and family connections for youth in residential care. Local health workforce: Sanford Health welcomed a new pediatrician to its Rapid City clinic. Policy & health costs: Attorney General Alan Wilson urged consumers to claim compensation tied to inflated generic drug prices. Election health policy debate: Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers clashed on affordability, healthcare, and data-center impacts during the final gubernatorial debate.

New Rapid City Youth Support: Children’s Home Society of South Dakota cut the ribbon on new Life Skills and Family Engagement rooms at its upcoming Rapid City campus, funded by a humanitarian grant, aiming to help youth in residential care practice everyday independence while strengthening family therapy and visits. Consumer Drug Costs: South Dakota Attorney General Alan Wilson is urging people to check eligibility and file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices. Health Access Programs: SDSU Extension is launching free Better Choices, Better Health® South Dakota Discovery Sessions (virtual) to help adults build skills for chronic disease self-management. Research on the Move: Avera Research Institute’s Mobile Unit will stop in Yankton Oct. 1 to share free, family-friendly info about studies and programs, including child health research. Pediatric Care Update: Sanford Black Hills added a new pediatrician, Elizabeth Farnsworth, MD, now seeing patients at the Sanford Health Jordan Drive Clinic in Rapid City. Hospital Pricing Watch: A RAND study reports Mayo Clinic charged privately insured patients more than twice as much as Medicare for outpatient care in 2022. Road Safety Tragedies: A woman died after a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash in White River; separate fatal crash reports also continue to come in from Faulk County. Sleep, Wellness, and Community: Avocado Green Mattress expands retail presence across the Midwest via HOM Furniture, while local weather brings a quieter, mild stretch for western South Dakota.

Pediatric Care in Rapid City: Sanford Health added Elizabeth Farnsworth, M.D., to provide pediatric primary care at the Sanford Health Jordan Drive Clinic, offering wellness visits, immunizations, and developmental/behavioral screenings. Hospital Pricing Watch: A RAND study reports Mayo Clinic charged private insurance more than twice Medicare for admitted patients in 2022, and over four times for outpatient care—highlighting a wider U.S. trend of faster private-insurance price growth. Road Safety Tragedies (White River): Two separate pedestrian/vehicle incidents in the White River area left a woman dead after being struck on U.S. Highway 83; investigators say the crash remains under review. Local Health Support for Veterans: Rapid City’s annual Veterans Stand Down brought housing, healthcare, legal help, and VA enrollment services together in one place to connect veterans with support. Community Health Access: A “Save a Life Day” event in Sioux Falls aimed to connect residents with naloxone and other lifesaving resources. Rural EMS Funding: South Dakota lawmakers continued discussions on long-term EMS funding solutions for rural communities. Falls Risk (National): Colorado’s senior fall death rate ranked among the highest in the nation, underscoring the importance of fall prevention for older adults. Agriculture & Nutrition: USDA crop ratings for corn and soybeans stayed “good to excellent” overall, with South Dakota’s corn condition slightly improving week to week.

Wildlife & Wellness: Thousands gathered at Custer State Park for the annual Governor’s Buffalo Roundup, where riders guide buffalo for sorting, tagging, and health checks—part of the long-running effort to protect South Dakota’s herd and wild spaces. Community Health & Cancer Support: In Pierre, Korner Grocery owner Larry Robinson is battling cancer and asked neighbors to keep shopping despite reduced hours for doctor visits—while local groups are rallying to help. Public Health & Safety: South Dakota Highway Patrol reports a fatal two-vehicle crash in Faulk County near Cresbard, killing a 72-year-old Harrold man; the SUV driver was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Food & Nutrition in Schools: A national push for “lunch from scratch” faces real-world hurdles, including limited kitchen space and equipment—highlighting why healthier meals can be harder to implement than it sounds. Mental Health in Focus: Sioux Falls Gold Star Family Day also doubled as a reminder during National Suicide Prevention Month that PTSD and grief deserve open, stigma-free support. Online Child Safety: Call to Freedom is partnering with Avera and federal investigators for a free “Keeping Kids Safe Online” workshop in Sioux Falls on Nov. 3.

Road Safety: A 72-year-old man from Harrold died Saturday after a two-vehicle crash near Cresbard in Faulk County; the 2021 Ford Edge driver was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries and the F-350 driver had minor injuries as Highway Patrol investigates. Mental Health & Veterans: Gold Star families gathered at Veterans Park in Sioux Falls, including families affected by suicide, to push for more open conversations and support for PTSD and mental health. Online Child Safety: Call to Freedom is partnering with Avera and Homeland Security Investigations for a free “Keeping Kids Safe Online” workshop in Sioux Falls on Nov. 3, teaching parents and teens practical steps to prevent and respond to sextortion. Alzheimer’s Awareness: The Walk to End Alzheimer’s drew 600+ walkers in Sioux Falls and raised over $295,000 so far for research and support. Community Wellness: Sioux Falls hosted a farm-to-table Indigenous food event by Glean for Good, plus the Manny Memorial boxing show at the YMCA focused on mental health and checking on one another. Rural Health & Food Safety: Research-backed guidance says remove net wrap before feeding hay to cattle to reduce rumen buildup risks like diarrhea and weight loss.

Community Health & Care Access: Sioux Falls hosted a Walk to End Alzheimer’s with 600+ walkers and more than $295,000 raised so far, while local groups also kept mental health on the radar with a Manny Memorial boxing event at the Sioux Falls YMCA aimed at suicide awareness and connection. Nutrition & Culture: Glean for Good brought a free farm-to-table Indigenous food event in Sioux Falls, featuring local ingredients like Dakota wild rice and spotlighting community through food. Veterans Support: Rapid City’s VA Stand Down brought multiple service providers together in one place to help veterans with needs like housing, legal help, and enrollment. Local Wellness Resources: A Siouxland nonprofit opened a third location offering free clinical care and parenting support, and a “Save a Life Day” event connected residents with overdose-prevention resources including naloxone. Public Health & Safety Reminder: A man died after choking during a hot dog speed eating contest in Custer—another stark reminder to prioritize safe eating and quick response at events. Health System News: Chrysalis Health and Curaechoice expanded access to no-cost mental health services in South Dakota and nearby states through in-person and virtual options.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk: Sioux Falls residents turned out for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, with 600+ walkers and more than $295,000 raised so far, even in rainy weather. Veterans Support Access: Rapid City hosted a VA Stand Down that brings legal, housing, enrollment, and other services into one place to help veterans get help faster. Mental Health Care Expansion: Chrysalis Health and Curaechoice are teaming up to expand no-cost mental health services across multiple states, including South Dakota, via in-person and virtual options. Flu/Community Health Efforts: Viborg-Hurley received $5,000 from T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights to improve outdoor athletic space—supporting healthier routines for students. Local Care Spotlight: Yankton Medical Clinic highlights the benefits of a multi-specialty setup “under one roof,” aiming to speed care from primary visits to specialist follow-ups. Public Health Funding: FEMA awarded Cherokee, Iowa, funds for flood-damaged properties and provided health and wellness resiliency support options for responders.

Mental Health Access: Chrysalis Health and Curaechoice are teaming up to expand no-cost, in-person and virtual mental health services for employer plans, including South Dakota. Behavioral Health Funding: Gov. Rhoden announced $13 million in behavioral health grants, with awards going to clinics across the state. Pediatric Care Boost: Children’s Hospital Colorado in Colorado Springs received a $40 million gift to expand pediatric programs and capacity. Community Health & Safety: FEMA awarded grants to Cherokee and North Sioux City, and funded health, wellness and resiliency initiatives for firefighters. Measles Watch: CDC reported 3,659 measles cases nationwide as of Sept. 24, with South Dakota among the affected jurisdictions. Rural Health & Care Delivery: Yankton Medical Clinic highlights how multi-specialty care in one location can speed diagnosis and treatment. Public Health Preparedness: South Dakota’s National Guard civil support team trained with the FBI for chemical/biological threat response. Local Wellness Efforts: Sioux Falls families are pushing a “Baby of the Year” campaign to support Baby2Baby, with plans to donate to Sanford Children’s Hospital. Health-Related Community Events: Save a Life Day connects Sioux Falls residents with overdose prevention and support resources.

Mental Health Access: Chrysalis Health and Curaechoice are teaming up to expand no-cost, in-person and virtual mental health services for employer plans, including South Dakota. Behavioral Health Funding: Gov. Rhoden announced $13 million in behavioral health grants, with federal funding also set to create mobile crisis services for substance abuse and mental health needs in South Dakota. Public Health Alerts: The CDC reported 3,659 measles cases nationwide as of Sept. 24, with South Dakota among the listed jurisdictions. Caregiver & Dementia Support: The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is set for Oct. 3 in Aberdeen, with updates on blood testing and early-stage treatments. Local Wellness at Home: Rapid City’s YMCA shared chair-exercise tips in HealthWatch for safer, low-equipment workouts. Emergency Preparedness: Rapid City Regional Airport held a full-scale emergency response drill with about 150 responders, including Monument Health. Workplace Inclusion: KOTA TV received an inaugural Accessible Workplace Ally award from the Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills. Rural Health & Safety: FEMA awarded Cherokee, Iowa $113,000 for flood-damaged property buyouts, and North Sioux City’s volunteer firefighters received $19,000 for protective equipment and wellness initiatives.

Behavioral Health Boost: Gov. Rhoden announced $13M+ in Rural Health Transformation grants to modernize 12 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, aiming to expand crisis services, workforce, and IT in rural South Dakota. Suicide Prevention Fundraiser: The 437 Project’s statewide relay raised $405,000+ for mental health and suicide prevention, benefiting the Helpline Center. Mobile Crisis Services: HHS announced $13M for 24/7 mobile crisis response teams for substance abuse and mental health, routed through South Dakota’s CCBHC initiative. Cancer Research Push: Local advocates urged Congress to increase cancer research and prevention funding and pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act. Hospital Safety After Threat: Rapid City’s Monument Hospital was cleared after a bomb threat hoax; operations continued and the case heads to federal agencies. Maternal & Family Care Access: ZoeCare opened a new free clinic center in Vermillion, expanding confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STD services. Community Wellness Events: Emily’s Hope hosted “Save a Life Day” in Sioux Falls with free naloxone plus wraparound resources like meals and haircuts. Active Living: Dakota Wesleyan cut the ribbon on a free nine-hole disc golf course in Mitchell. Nutrition Support: South Dakota expanded state coverage for reduced-price school meals for about 10,000 eligible students.

School Meals Relief: About 10,000 South Dakota students now get reduced-price meals covered by the state, easing a paperwork burden for families and freeing district funds for meal quality. Behavioral Health Access: Gov. Rhoden announced $13M in Rural Health Transformation grants to modernize 12 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic sites, with a focus on crisis services, IT, and workforce. Mobile Crisis Funding: HHS is directing $13M for 24/7 mobile crisis response teams in South Dakota to bring substance-use and mental-health care closer to home. Suicide Prevention Fundraising: The 437 Project’s statewide relay raised $405,000+ for suicide prevention, benefiting the Helpline Center. Naloxone + Wraparound Support: Emily’s Hope’s “Save a Life Day” in Sioux Falls handed out free naloxone and connected people with clothing, haircuts, and other local resources. Cancer Research Push: Advocates urged Congress to boost cancer research and prevention and pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act. Hospital Safety Incident: Rapid City’s Monument Health bomb threat was deemed a hoax; operations continued. Food Safety Recall: Another produce recall was issued over possible contamination with life-threatening bacteria (STEC and/or Salmonella). Flu Shots On the Go: Hy-Vee will run drive-thru flu vaccine clinics with no appointment needed.

EMS Funding Push: South Dakota lawmakers say they still need a long-term plan to fund emergency medical services, with ideas like a vapor tax or a $1 hotel fee under discussion and a proposed permanent advisory council to guide how money is distributed. Public Safety & Health: Rapid City police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash on West Omaha Street where a man was hit outside a marked crosswalk and later died. Kratom Warning: National attention is growing after two University of Mississippi student deaths where packaged kratom was found at both scenes; officials say investigations are ongoing and kratom legality varies by state. Hospital Quality Spotlight: Forbes’ 2026 five-star hospital ratings put several smaller South Dakota hubs in the top tier, including Avera St. Luke’s (Aberdeen), Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center, Brookings Hospital, and Prairie Lakes (Watertown), plus Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. Cancer Support in the Hills: A Spearfish business fundraiser helped a local couple facing lymphoma treatment, highlighting community support during serious illness. Rabies Prevention for Pet Owners: Sioux Falls animal control urges residents to take bat contact seriously during cooler months and get bats tested after bites or possible scratches. Food & Nutrition Planning: Avera hosted a “Future of Food” conservation seminar tied to South Dakota’s first Food Landscape Assessment, focusing on affordability, assistance, and access to healthier food. Hantavirus Update: Federal testing found no confirmed hantavirus infection tied to a Pine Ridge public health concern, but officials stress safe cleanup around rodents.