AGP Executive Report

Suicide Prevention (988 Day): Southeastern Behavioral Health in Sioux Falls says awareness sparks conversations, and conversations connect people to help—highlighting school-based therapists and a mobile crisis team that works with law enforcement. Youth Mental Health (Rapid City): Rapid City Youth City Council is hosting “Chalk the Walk” outside City Hall to spread hope and encourage mental health talks. School Nutrition (South Dakota): Families can apply for free or reduced-price school meals for 2026-27; eligibility thresholds for a family of four are $42,900 (free) and $61,050 (reduced). Food Insecurity: Feeding South Dakota reports more than 130,000 people facing food insecurity, including one in five children, and is urging action during Hunger Action Month. Healthcare Growth (Rapid City): Rapid City issued a record $55.8M in building permits in August, with a major driver being Monument Health’s Neonatal ICU project. Public Health & Safety (Rabies): NDSU’s vet lab reports rising rabies testing positives, mostly bats, across North Dakota and nearby regions including South Dakota. Maternal/Child Health (Rapid City): The Neonatal ICU permit underscores continued investment in local hospital services. Workforce & Training (Build Dakota): South Dakota awarded Build Dakota Scholarships to 618 students for 2026-27, tied to living and working in-state after graduation. Emergency Preparedness (Rapid City): Rapid City Fire Department moved annual aircraft rescue drills to a new training location to stay certified for aviation emergencies.

988 Day: South Dakota’s 988 director Scott Wilson says call volume keeps rising and urges people to remember the simple, free number for trained, local support. Dental Workforce: Lake Area Technical College launched South Dakota’s first Dental Hygiene AAS program, with initial accreditation and a first cohort of 13 students. Suicide Prevention: Yankton’s 10th annual Suicide Prevention Walk is set to raise awareness with community partners and a local helpline focus. Blood Supply: Vermillion-area blood drives in September aim to refill supplies after Labor Day, supporting Sanford Vermillion and other local patients. Avian Flu Alert: South Dakota confirms bird flu return in two flocks (turkeys and a backyard flock), with health alerts for possible human exposure. Farm to School Nutrition: South Dakota added Farm to School grant awards for projects like hydroponics and raised garden beds to boost hands-on nutrition learning. Preparedness: Pennington County urges residents to plan for disasters now—especially keeping medication and reliable warning methods ready. Recovery Month: A Sioux Falls-area advocate highlights “Red Road” sobriety support during National Recovery Month.

National Recovery Month: A Sioux Falls advocate and Pine Ridge influencers are sharing “Red Road” recovery stories, highlighting a Native approach to holistic healing and sober living. Rural Health & Access: In the first South Dakota governor debate, Larry Rhoden and Dan Ahlers sparred over Medicaid expansion conditions and what it could mean for rural hospitals as the state weighs constitutional amendment I. Public Health Watch: South Dakota officials confirm avian flu is back in two flocks (turkeys in Beadle County and a backyard flock in Brule County), with euthanization and a human exposure alert issued. Preparedness: Pennington County urges residents to be ready for disasters by having a reliable way to receive alerts and keeping essentials like prescription meds on hand. Mental Health: Out of the Darkness community walks for suicide prevention are set for Aberdeen, Belle Fourche, and Sioux Falls in September. Community Health & Care: Watertown’s Benedictine nuns are moving forward with “The Village at Harmony Hill,” a major plan combining housing, education, and health care. Hospital Quality: A new patient-experience ranking puts Wisconsin first and South Dakota second among states. Food Safety Policy: A federal recall request for a seed supplier tied to a multi-state bacterial outbreak shows how recalls can stall when companies don’t respond.

Food Safety & Recalls: Federal regulators say they can’t easily force a recall after a seed supplier linked to a 15-state bacterial outbreak didn’t respond to an FDA request, leaving shoppers without clear lot/brand details to check. Rural Health & Access: In South Dakota’s governor debate, both candidates weighed in on rural health care, with Rhoden pointing to $350 million in rural broadband expansion as a support for care delivery. Mental Health Support: Three South Dakota communities are hosting “Out of the Darkness” suicide prevention walks—Aberdeen (Sept. 12) and Belle Fourche + Sioux Falls (Sept. 19)—to fund prevention and support. Public Health & Substance Policy: North Dakota lawmakers are debating a kratom ban after overdose concerns and calls to restrict unregulated products. Community Health Infrastructure: Watertown’s monastery is being transformed into a housing and health care campus, continuing a long tradition of service. Soil & Nutrition for Wellness: USDA research highlights sunflowers in corn-soybean rotations to improve soil structure and boost corn yields in dry years—good news for farm resilience and local food systems. Local Workforce: Rapid City’s “Hire the Hills” event (Sept. 9) connects job seekers with major employers, including health systems.

Suicide Prevention: Three South Dakota communities are hosting “Out of the Darkness” walks this September—Aberdeen (Sept. 12), Belle Fourche (Sept. 19), and Sioux Falls (Sept. 19)—to fund mental health research, prevention education, and support for families affected by suicide. Rural Health & Access: In the first gubernatorial debate, Gov. Larry Rhoden pointed to a $350 million rural broadband push as a “game changer” for rural health care, while challenger Dan Ahlers criticized efforts he says tried to undo voter-approved marijuana and Medicaid expansion. Food & Health Policy: The debate over importing foreign beef is heating up: Rhoden called the Trump plan “wrongheaded,” and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the move highlights the need to strengthen on-shore U.S. food production. Cancer Support: Mitchell Tech cancer survivor Emily Christensen helped launch the MTC Cancer Fund to ensure students and staff facing cancer don’t have to fight alone. Workforce & Well-Being: Rapid City’s “Hire the Hills” hiring event is set for Sept. 9 (noon–2 p.m.) with local employers including Monument Health, VA Black Hills Health Care System, and Safeway. Community Outdoors: Spearfish’s Dakota Five-O mountain bike race drew hundreds to support Black Hills trail maintenance. Agriculture for Soil Health: USDA research finds sunflowers and small grains in corn-soybean rotations can boost soil biology and yields, especially in dry years.

Rural Health & Broadband: In the first South Dakota governor debate at the State Fair, Gov. Larry Rhoden highlighted $350 million spent on rural high-speed internet as a “game changer” for rural health care, while challenger Dan Ahlers criticized the administration’s handling of Medicaid expansion and marijuana implementation. Public Health & Safety: A vaccine warning was issued to West River ranchers after anthrax was confirmed in a Meade County cattle herd, with officials urging producers to follow guidance to protect animals and people. Cancer Support: Mitchell Technical College launched the MTC Cancer Fund, led by breast cancer survivor Emily Christensen, to help students and staff affected by cancer with support so they don’t face the fight alone. Soil Health & Nutrition: USDA research near Brookings found that adding sunflowers and small grains to corn-soybean rotations can boost soil structure and microbial activity, with higher corn yields in dry years and added pollinator benefits. Community Wellness: Farm Credit Services of America pledged $15,000 to the State Fair Swine Barn campaign, supporting youth agriculture and the fairgrounds’ long-term improvements. Sports & Injury Watch: Northwestern beat South Dakota State 34-18 in the season opener, while Iowa’s L.J. Phillips (a South Dakota transfer) left a game with a lower-body injury.

Health & Policy at the State Fair: Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers sparred at the South Dakota State Fair on rural issues, including property taxes and education funding, with both also weighing in on Trump’s beef import plan. Soil Health & Nutrition Link: USDA research in South Dakota finds that rotating corn and soybeans with sunflowers and small grains can boost soil microbial activity and, in dry years, raise corn yields—plus cover crops can support pollinators. SNAP “Soft Drink” Rule: South Dakota moved forward with a SNAP waiver to exclude soft drinks, but retailers warn enforcement will be messy and could create unintended impacts. Public Health on the Field: Local reporting highlights concussion basics: symptoms may show later, athletes should be removed from play when suspected, and “when in doubt, get out” is the safest approach. Cancer Support Locally: Mitchell Technical College launched the MTC Cancer Fund to help students and staff affected by cancer feel less alone. Food Safety Alert: Anthrax has been confirmed in a Western South Dakota cattle herd, prompting vaccine guidance for ranchers.

Prep Sports (Health Angle): Tripp-Delmont-Armour-Andes Central-Dakota Christian’s Thunderhawks rallied from a 14-0 hole to beat Burke 44-20, led by Jamian Medicine Horn’s 366 rushing yards and five TDs. Local Health & Safety: Sanford’s Dr. Josefine Combs reminds athletes and families that concussions don’t always involve losing consciousness, and urges “when in doubt, get out” and prompt reporting for safer recovery. Public Health & Food Access: South Dakota moved forward with a SNAP waiver to exclude soft drinks, but retailers warn enforcement will be messy and could create unintended impacts. Rural Disease Watch: Anthrax was confirmed in a Meade County cattle herd; the state veterinarian says the herd was vaccinated, and ranchers are urged to avoid moving suspect carcasses before diagnosis. Community Support: A free Keystone family retreat (Oct. 23–24) still has 22 spots, with sessions including supporting children’s mental health and special education. Mental Health in Rural Areas: Crisis Text Line reports higher suicide-related mentions from Mountain West rural texters, including South Dakota. Health Care Careers: Mitchell High seniors can earn college credit while exploring health careers through the new Avera Academy partnership.

Anthrax Alert (Meade County): South Dakota confirmed its first anthrax case of 2026 in a cattle herd in Meade County after deaths began in Butte County; the Animal Industry Board quarantined the herd, vaccinated adult cattle, and urged ranchers to contact a veterinarian or the AIB and not move suspect carcasses. SNAP Soft-Drink Waiver (Implementation Worries): South Dakota moved forward with a SNAP waiver to exclude soft drinks, but retailers warn enforcement will be messy because “soft drink” definitions can get complicated and other states have faced legal pushback. Bangs Tag Guidance (Livestock Health): The state veterinarian clarified that USDA allows either metal or electronic Bangs vaccine tags for interstate movement, and producers may need official 840 electronic tags for sexually intact cattle 18 months or older. Family Support (Keystone Retreat): A free October parenting retreat in Keystone still has 22 spots left, with sessions on mental health support and special education, plus a Parent Café and leadership panel. Mental Health Access (Rural Crisis Texting): A national report finds people in Mountain West rural areas—including South Dakota—are more likely to mention suicide in Crisis Text Line chats, pointing to barriers like isolation and fewer local resources. Local Health Education (Avera Academy): Mitchell High seniors are starting health career exploration earlier through an Avera Academy partnership that includes college credit and department rotations. Public Health & Safety (Rabies Delay): Yosemite officials confirmed a rabies-positive bat found in May but didn’t alert the public until months later, prompting questions about when people should seek care after possible bat contact.

Suicide Prevention Focus: A 10th annual Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk is set for Sept. 12 in Yankton, with registration at 8:15 a.m. and a remembrance ceremony at 9 a.m., aiming to reduce stigma and connect people to help. Mental Health Awareness: In Rapid City, HealthWatch marks Suicide Prevention and Recovery Awareness Month with reminders that asking for help is a first, hard step—and support can be multi-part (counseling, meds, and more). Cancer Care Spotlight: The South Dakota Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees, including Dr. Daniel Petereit, a Rapid City radiation oncologist focused on expanding accessible cancer care West River, with the ceremony Sept. 11–12 in Chamberlain and Oacoma. Public Health & Food Safety: South Dakota confirmed its first anthrax case in a Meade County cattle herd; officials urge ranchers to consult veterinarians about vaccination and avoid moving carcasses before diagnosis. Community Wellness & Access: Cheyenne River Youth Project distributed fresh produce and school supplies to hundreds of families and elders on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, easing financial stress and improving access to healthy food. Health Tech & Education: USD will host an AI Symposium (Sept. 8) and the South Dakota Biomedical Computation Consortium (Sept. 9), with a keynote on AI in medicine.

Anthrax Alert (Livestock): South Dakota confirmed its first 2026 anthrax case in a Meade County cow-calf herd after illness and deaths, with officials tracing likely exposure to grazing in Butte County; the herd is quarantined and adult cattle vaccinated, and ranchers are urged not to move carcasses before diagnosis. Food Safety (Sprouts Recall): A recalled sprouts outbreak linked to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella has been confirmed as distributed to only Minnesota and Wisconsin, even though illnesses were reported in 15 states—leaving investigators still working to explain how cases occurred elsewhere. School Health & Safety: A Sioux Falls pilot program funded by opioid settlement dollars will launch this fall in six schools to prevent student substance abuse and improve early intervention, citing rising fentanyl risks. Local Wellness Access: Cheyenne River Youth Project delivered fresh produce to 337 families and 65 elders plus school supplies to 100 families, aiming to reduce back-to-school stress and improve food access. Healthcare Workforce/Access: BAART Programs is expanding opioid treatment options by adding office-based buprenorphine at 11 locations across six states. Public Health Policy (SNAP Soda): South Dakota is seeking a waiver to restrict SNAP purchases for soft drinks, with the state facing an annual financial hook if approved.

Pediatric Safety: Brookings police report a 6-year-old was airlifted to Sioux Falls after a vehicle vs. bicycle crash at Medary Avenue S and Fifth Street S; the driver swerved to avoid the child, and investigators say the girl may have lower-extremity injuries. Hospital Spotlight: Sanford USD Medical Center was ranked No. 1 in South Dakota for the 2026-2027 U.S. News Best Hospitals list, with high-performing marks in multiple specialties and procedures. Community Health Support: Sanford Health announced a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1 million for Sioux Empire United Way, running until March 1, to help fund local health and human services. Maternal Care Accreditation: ZoeCare in Yankton received AAAHC accreditation, highlighting its outpatient pregnancy center standards and safety training. Public Health Trends: A new national report looks at why overdose deaths have been declining recently, pointing to multiple harm-reduction and treatment efforts rather than one single cause. Workplace & Family Policy: South Dakota is seeking a SNAP waiver to restrict soda purchases, with the state facing potential added costs if approved. Food & Nutrition: Bel’s U.S. cheese business says it’s investing in South Dakota production as consumer demand shifts toward protein and smaller portions, while “natural” American cheese marketing continues to heat up. Fire Safety: A Red Flag Warning is in effect in parts of western South Dakota ahead of Labor Day, with very low humidity and strong fire danger—outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

Rural Health Tech Funding: Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison won $101,859 to upgrade its PointClickCare electronic health record system, add computers for nursing staff, and strengthen telemedicine through Avel eCare—part of South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation push to modernize care in underserved areas. Heart Health Awareness: September marks Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month; Sanford Health’s Dr. Anand Dayama explains PAD as narrowed leg arteries that can cause leg pain and raise stroke risk, while noting it’s often treatable by managing risk factors like smoking, cholesterol, and blood-thinning strategies. SNAP Soda Policy Fight: South Dakota has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow a waiver to ban soft drinks purchased with SNAP benefits, after a June court decision vacated similar bans in other states—an effort that could cost the state hundreds of thousands annually if approved. Healthcare Leadership Change: Crook County Medical Services District decided not to renew CEO Micki Lyons’ contract, citing a contract/EMR dispute and financial fallout after records became inaccessible. Community Wellness Spaces: Gregory is moving ahead with a Downtown Gregory Parkette using a $15,000 AARP Community Challenge Grant to create a safer, more welcoming gathering spot downtown. Public Health & Safety: State officials reported an inmate death at Mike Durfee State Prison after a brief illness, and a separate incident in Iowa involved a shattered pickup windshield after an object was thrown from a vehicle.

SNAP Soda Waiver: South Dakota has submitted a waiver to exclude soda-like drinks from SNAP purchases, with the state likely covering about $250,000 a year (plus administration costs) if approved—aimed at reducing high-sugar beverage buys for roughly 72,000 recipients. Women’s Health Access: The South Dakota Department of Health is expanding the All Women Count! program by lowering the minimum age from 30 to 21, opening more breast screening access. Bird Flu Watch: DOH reports avian influenza detected in poultry flocks in Edmunds and Hamlin Counties, urging providers to watch for flu-like illness after animal exposure and to start antivirals quickly. Rural Health Tech Boost: Gov. Larry Rhoden awarded 82 grants totaling $90 million for rural health modernization, including cybersecurity and data upgrades for underserved providers. Healthcare System News: Sanford Health completed its merger with North Memorial Health after a 10-year Minnesota oversight agreement. Public Transit Equity: A Sioux Falls resident is pushing for expanded paratransit coverage so people can reach key medical providers outside current service boundaries. Native Healthcare Legacy: A new wave of Native women is continuing the healthcare legacy inspired by Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte. Rest & Recovery: A wellness piece argues rest is more than sleep—quiet, low-effort activities that help restore energy and mood.

Public Transit Access: A Sioux Falls resident says paratransit limits are leaving people stranded just outside service boundaries, making it hard to reach key medical providers. Healthcare Mergers: Sanford Health says its merger with North Memorial Health is now complete after a 10-year Minnesota oversight agreement, with $600 million in Minnesota investments and commitments to preserve core services. Bird Flu Watch: South Dakota health officials detected highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry flocks in Edmunds and Hamlin Counties and urged providers to watch for flu-like illness after animal exposure. Food Safety & Outbreaks: Cyclospora concerns continue after South Dakota reported cases tied to contaminated produce supply chains, renewing calls for stronger scrutiny of regional food producers. SNAP Rules: South Dakota submitted a federal waiver to restrict SNAP purchases of soft drinks statewide, aiming to cut high-sugar beverage spending. Privacy & Policing: Minnehaha County residents renewed pressure to remove Flock cameras, citing privacy and surveillance concerns while law enforcement defends their crime-fighting use. Community Wellness: SDSU Extension is launching a free “Fall into Fitness” movement challenge for October, encouraging any kind of activity to build healthier routines.

SNAP Soda Ban Push: South Dakota DSS has submitted a request to USDA to block soft drink purchases with SNAP benefits, after a June court ruling vacated similar bans in other states; the state’s law defines “soft drinks” as sweetened nonalcoholic beverages (with exemptions for milk and some juices) and would start the ban about six months after federal approval. Food Access in Sioux Falls: The Sioux Falls Mobile Market relaunches this week to fight food insecurity, bringing sponsored fresh groceries directly into neighborhoods with no sign-up and no ID required. Nutrition Support for Families: The “Double Up Food Bucks” program is expanding on South Dakota reservations and remote areas, doubling SNAP dollars for eligible fruits and vegetables at participating stores. Public Health & Safety: H5N1 reporting resumes after nearly a month of no federal updates, with new detections in dairy cattle and commercial poultry; South Dakota also reported poultry outbreaks recently. Food Safety Recall: FDA-linked sprout recalls expand after E. coli and Salmonella concerns, including an additional recalled sprout mix due to possible cross-contamination. Livestock Feed Safety: SDSU Extension is offering free nitrate testing for forages as dry conditions raise nitrate risks for livestock, especially pregnant animals. Local Health Incident: A Mount Vernon school bus driver died after a heart attack during a student pickup in Mitchell, and the district provided support resources for families.