AGP Executive Report

Protein supply squeeze: Global demand for protein is colliding with a shortage of food-grade whey, pushing prices to record highs and leaving grocery shelves packed with “protein” claims but fewer ingredients to back them up. Food safety alert: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to its highest risk level after potential Salmonella contamination, affecting products distributed in 41 states including South Dakota—check UPC 0039954921963 and affected lot/best-by dates. Mosquito season warning: South Dakota health officials confirmed the first West Nile virus mosquito pools of the season in Brown County and urge residents to use effective repellents, wear long sleeves, and remove standing water. EMS funding focus: An Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force will meet for the first time in Pierre to explore ways to stabilize ambulance services statewide, including whether EMS should be treated as an essential service. Stay active, South Dakota: SDSU Extension is offering a free virtual 5K (July 5–11) with an optional walking/running plan and chronic disease awareness tie-in. Local health workforce training: SDSU Extension will host a June 23 CAFO environmental training for concentrated animal feeding operation operators in Huron.

EMS Funding: South Dakota’s new EMS Funding Task Force is set to meet in Pierre to study how to keep ambulance services running, including whether EMS should be treated as an essential service; providers say low reimbursement—especially from Medicare—has pushed some rural services to shut down. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to its highest-risk Class I level after a dry milk powder ingredient was flagged for possible Salmonella contamination; the recall covers 913 cases distributed across 41 states, including South Dakota. Maternal Health: A U.S. shortage of the only first-line medication recommended for pregnant women with syphilis to protect babies is raising fears of worsening congenital syphilis outcomes, with states urging prioritization and patient support to access treatment. Nutrition & Supply: Protein demand is colliding with a whey shortage, driving higher prices and making it harder for food makers to meet the “more protein” trend. Rural Access: Rural South Dakota residents report growing frustration with USPS reliability and reduced rural delivery frequency, adding to the strain of already-limited services. Local Health Care Quality: Regional West earned recertification as a Primary Stroke Center, highlighting faster stroke response and treatment for patients across western South Dakota and nearby regions. Community Wellness: Rapid City’s Greenway Days wrapped with a Humane Society “Dog Parade” focused on summer adoption, pairing fun with vaccination and medical history info for prospective families.

FDA Recall Update: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall in 41 states to its highest risk level (Class I) after a dry milk powder ingredient was flagged for possible Salmonella contamination; the recall covers 913 cases in 3-lb., 7-oz sealed bags (UPC 0039954921963) with best-by dates spanning Jan. 12, 2028 through April 20, 2028. Nutrition & Food Prices: Protein cravings are colliding with supply limits—whey protein demand is outpacing availability, driving shortages and higher prices as whey gets added to more everyday foods. Local Health Access: Regional West earned Primary Stroke Center recertification, highlighting faster stroke response and advanced treatment for patients across western Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota. Immunization Reminder: South Dakota health groups urged families to review vaccination records before summer travel as measles concerns rise in other states. Community Wellness: Rapid City’s Greenway Days wrapped with a “Dog Parade” adoption event, pairing outdoor fun with pet health records and vaccination info.

Hospital Update: U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, 84, was admitted to a hospital June 14 and is “receiving excellent care,” though the reason wasn’t immediately confirmed. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a recall of 913 cases of Alfredo sauce to a Class I, highest-risk level over possible salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient, with distribution reported across 41 states including South Dakota. Nutrition & Prices: A global surge in protein demand is colliding with limited whey supply, driving shortages and higher prices for whey-based foods and supplements. Vaccines & Travel: South Dakota health groups are urging families to check vaccination records before summer trips as measles concerns rise in other states; they recommend staying current on routine shots like MMR. Community Health & Wellness: Rapid City’s Greenway Days wrapped with a Humane Society “Dog Parade” adoption event, plus charity disc golf and a creek cleanup tied to local outdoor health and community connection. Healthcare Workforce: The Dr. Yorell Manon-Matos Scholarship opened its 2027 application period, offering a $1,000 award for undergraduate students pursuing healthcare careers.

FDA Recall: The FDA issued a highest-risk (Class I) recall for Alfredo sauce in 41 states after a dry milk powder ingredient was linked to possible salmonella contamination, affecting 913 cases with specific batch and best-by dates. Measles Watch: South Dakota health groups urged families to check vaccination records before summer travel as measles outbreaks continue in other states; they recommend staying current on MMR and other routine shots. Pediatric Mental Health Funding: New funding will expand rural access to pediatric behavioral and mental health support through BEAM-SD, adding screening tools, consultation, and training for providers statewide. EMS Planning: South Dakota’s Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force meets June 17 to review EMS statewide needs and updates on the Rural Health Transformation Project. Community Health & Wellness: Rapid City’s Greenway Days included a charity disc golf “Ace Race” benefiting Make-A-Wish and a Rapid Creek cleanup tied to the festival. Sports for Health: The Sioux Falls Marathon returns Sept. 20 with multiple race distances and proceeds supporting Sanford Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Nutrition Trend: A global whey protein shortage is driving higher prices as demand for high-protein products keeps outpacing supply.

Vaccination Check: South Dakota health groups are urging families to review immunization records before summer travel as measles concerns grow in other states, reminding residents to stay current on routine shots like MMR, Tdap, and COVID-19. Pediatric Mental Health Boost: New funding will expand early screening and access to behavioral and mental health support for rural and frontier South Dakota children and young adults, helping pediatric providers connect families to no-cost consultations and treatment resources. EMS Funding Planning: South Dakota’s Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force will meet June 17 to map out EMS priorities, including updates tied to the Rural Health Transformation Project. Non-Emergency Transport Strain: A regional nonprofit in Fairmont says demand for non-emergency medical rides has doubled since early 2026, and it’s now calling for more volunteers to help people reach care. Local Health Philanthropy: USD’s Dakotathon has topped $2 million for children’s healthcare, supporting Sanford Children’s Hospital and families across the region. Safety Exercises: Sioux Falls first responders and health systems joined Air National Guard partners for mass-casualty drills ahead of the upcoming air show. Road Safety Reminder: A Yellowstone visitor reported a dangerous bison encounter where someone ran toward the animals—rangers stress staying well back and driving slowly. Forage Safety: SDSU Extension is encouraging livestock producers to test hay and forage nitrate levels to reduce health risks, especially for pregnant animals.

Rural Pediatric Mental Health Funding: South Dakota is expanding access to pediatric behavioral and mental health support in rural and frontier areas, using new funding to help providers screen earlier and connect families to no-cost consultations and diagnostic support. Emergency Care Planning: The state’s Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force will meet June 17 to review EMS statewide needs and updates tied to the Rural Health Transformation Project. Volunteer Non-Emergency Transport: CREST in Fairmont says demand for non-emergency medical rides has doubled since early 2026, and it’s calling for more volunteers to help seniors reach appointments. Public Safety Drills: First responders and health systems joined Air National Guard partners for mass-casualty practice ahead of the Sioux Falls Air Show. Food & Feed Safety: SDSU Extension is urging forage producers to test hay and feed for nitrate levels, warning high nitrate can harm livestock—especially pregnant animals. Eye Health Reminder: A health alert highlights that habitual eye rubbing can worsen keratoconus risk, especially for people prone to the condition. Community Health Access: Sioux Falls mayoral candidates will debate publicly today, with local health and housing partners helping shape questions.

Eye Health Reminder: A new health explainer warns that repetitive eye rubbing can worsen keratoconus risk by stressing the cornea—especially for people with allergies or dry-eye irritation. Livestock Nutrition Safety: SDSU Extension urges forage producers to test hay and feed for nitrate using low-cost strip tests, since high nitrate can harm pregnant animals and cattle; testing is available at multiple regional offices. Hunting & Wildlife Management: Game, Fish and Parks is tightening southeast South Dakota deer hunting while keeping pronghorn limits strict as pronghorn numbers recover unevenly. Community Health & Care Access: Sanford Health hosted a cancer survivorship picnic to support patients and caregivers after treatment. Early Childhood Health: A Marcus daycare provider faces an upcoming arraignment in a shaken baby case tied to serious infant injuries in 2023. Medical Education in SD: USD’s Sanford School of Medicine dean says the move to Sioux Falls will expand clinical training and research opportunities for students. Public Health Equity: A new study finds childhood lead levels are down overall, but disparities persist for children of color and low-wealth families, including data from South Dakota. Cancer Support Locally: Meals On Wheels and a senior center in Rapid City expanded their kitchen to serve more homebound seniors with meals and wellness checks.

Medical Education Move: USD Sanford School of Medicine Dean Tim Ridgway is traveling to reassure South Dakotans about relocating the medical school program from Vermillion to Sioux Falls, saying students will get more integrated training, earlier clinical exposure, and stronger research and recruitment. Kids’ Health: Black Hills Pediatrics’ HealthWatch encourages families to use summer for annual wellness visits and sports physicals, plus updates on vaccines, sleep, anxiety/depression, headaches, and other issues that may not come up during everyday care. Lead Safety: A new national study finds lead levels in young children have dropped, but disparities remain—children of color and low-wealth families still face higher exposure, including South Dakota data. Community Care: Meals on Wheels and the Minneluzahan Senior Center in Rapid City celebrated an expanded kitchen that boosts meal delivery (about 1,000 hot meals daily) and adds wellness checks and friendly visits. Rural Maternal Support: A USD Sanford student won an award for a rural pregnancy-loss project in Mobridge focused on education, patient-centered care, and mental health resources. Public Health & Environment: Rapid City’s Greenway Days kicks off with free events along the creekside park system, built as a memorial after the 1972 flood. Wildlife Reminder: Game, Fish and Parks urges Spearfish residents to give black bears space during the summer breeding season.

Health Care Leadership: Sanford Health’s Dr. Joshua Crabtree was named to Modern Healthcare’s list of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives, highlighting leadership focused on rural access and clinician well-being. Pediatric Comfort in Hospitals: Sioux Falls’ PatientX Agency won an Aster Award (Silver) for a pediatric hospital coloring book project that donated books to kids in hospitals across the U.S. and abroad. Allergy Relief Tips: Black Hills allergist Dr. Halie Anderson shared practical guidance for summer allergies—tree, grass, and weed pollen—and when to use long-acting antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays. Tribal Health Update: The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe backed Mark Cruz’s nomination to lead the Indian Health Service, calling it a step toward stronger treaty-rights-based care. Community Nutrition Support: A new Sioux Falls café, Simply Good Café, opens June 16 and will funnel 100% of profits into meal programs for adults 60+ across the Sioux Empire. Public Health Safety: The South Fork Fire has expanded to 23,112 acres with evacuations still in effect near Fort Robinson and Crawford, underscoring ongoing health risks from smoke and emergency displacement.

Sanford Health Expansion: Sanford Health is adding new clinic space at the Sanford USD Medical Center campus in Sioux Falls, with Medical Building 4 set to open after construction starting in June 2026—bringing dermatology and plastic surgery services closer to where USD medical students train. Emergency Care Upgrade: Monument Health in Rapid City is opening a new standalone 24/7 emergency room June 10, adding exam rooms plus X-ray/CT and lab services to better serve the growing east side and the I-90 corridor. Community Nutrition Support: A new Sioux Falls café, Simply Good Café, opens June 16 and will funnel 100% of profits into congregate dining and home-delivered meals for adults 60+ across the Sioux Empire. Rural Health Convening: Avera St. Benedict hosted a regional rural health meeting, bringing together state and federal leaders to focus on improving access and outcomes in rural communities. Public Health & Safety Watch: Advocates are warning of potential sex trafficking risk around major sporting events like the World Cup, urging preparedness as visitors and temporary workers arrive. Local Health Policy: A federal appeals court heard arguments over South Dakota’s ballot-question petition deadline changes, a fight tied to Dakotans for Health’s lawsuit. Health Justice: South Dakota’s attorney general announcement highlights a multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution for affected consumers. Homelessness Planning: Minnehaha County is launching a coordinated, community-driven strategy to tackle homelessness in Sioux Falls, aiming to align health care, nonprofits, faith groups, schools, and people with lived experience.

Health Care Costs & Competition: A new report warns hospital mergers can drive up prices, pointing to Minnesota’s consolidation trend and noting South Dakota’s Sanford Health is pursuing another deal after a Fairview attempt. COVID Testing Accountability: Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a $4.87M multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests from 2020–2022, with restitution and reimbursement available to affected consumers. Local Hospital Growth: Sanford Health is expanding the Sioux Falls Medical Center campus with a new clinic space for dermatology and plastic surgery, aiming to improve access by 2027. Rural Workforce Training: Avera St. Benedict hosted rural health leaders to discuss collaboration and programs supporting recruitment and retention. Emergency Care Access: Monument Health will open a free-standing 24/7 emergency department in Rapid City along I-90, adding imaging and lab services. Respiratory Care Education: Avera Queen of Peace partners with SDSU to train respiratory therapy students with hands-on clinical rotations in Mitchell and beyond. Food Safety Alert: A Salmonella outbreak linked to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting FDA recall updates. Livestock Health Watch: New World screwworm concerns continue for producers, with guidance emphasizing daily animal monitoring and prompt vet reporting. Air Quality Reminder: Rapid City urges residents with allergies or asthma to monitor air quality during windy conditions that can stir up pollutants.

Severe Weather & Air Safety: The Twin Cities metro is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 7 a.m., with warnings for damaging winds, while Rapid City is also urging residents to monitor air quality as windy conditions can stir up pollutants. Food Safety Alert: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting FDA recall updates. Rural Health Workforce: Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell is partnering with SDSU’s Respiratory Care program to offer respiratory therapy education and hands-on clinical training for up to eight students a year. Emergency Care Access: Monument Health will open a new 24/7 free-standing emergency department in Rapid City on June 10 to bring faster imaging and lab services closer to I-90 corridor communities. Local EMS Funding: Yankton County’s ambulance service says it cut its deficit after bringing billing in-house, with discussions continuing about future funding models. Public Health & Community Safety: South Dakota officials are warning about unusually high rattlesnake activity in the Black Hills after three bites in a week, stressing not to handle snakes and to seek emergency care fast. Health Coverage for Veterans: A Davison County Veterans Service Office open house will explain PACT Act benefits and other eligibility changes, including support for PTSD-related needs.

Veterans Health Access: Davison County’s Veterans Service Office in Mitchell is hosting a 5–7 p.m. open house to walk veterans through PACT Act updates and other VA eligibility changes, with local support for PTSD resources. Scholarship for Caregivers: Sioux Falls surgeon Dr. Yorell Manon-Matos has opened 2027 scholarship applications for healthcare students across nursing, medicine, pharmacy, public health, and allied health. Substance Use Support: Brown County now has Emily’s Hope’s Post-Overdose Response Team (PORT), offering peer support, free naloxone, and help connecting to treatment for overdose survivors. Heat Safety: A heat advisory is in effect for the Yankton area Tuesday afternoon, with heat index values around 102—plan for hydration and limit outdoor exertion. Rural Housing for Health Workers: Hot Springs’ Fall River Health Services is funding affordable housing near the hospital to address a workforce shortage driven by lack of local housing. Infectious Disease Watch: CDC reports U.S. measles cases are on pace to surpass 2025’s high, with most cases in unvaccinated people. Outdoor Protection: South Dakota is nearing peak season for mosquito and tick-borne illness risk, with West Nile and Lyme prevention tips for residents.

Hospital Housing Push: Hot Springs’ Fall River Health Services is funding a $2.3M share of a new subdivision to create 48 affordable units near the hospital—aimed at easing a staffing shortage driven by lack of local housing. Medical Training Stability: USD’s shift of most Sanford School of Medicine training to Sioux Falls won’t affect Yankton’s clinical campus, officials say—protecting local training access. Public Health—Heat: A heat advisory hits the Yankton area Tuesday (1–9 p.m.) with highs near 100 and heat index around 102, plus a storm chance later. Substance Use Support: Emily’s Hope expanded its Post-Overdose Response Team to Brown County, offering free, confidential peer support, naloxone, and help connecting to treatment for up to a year. Nutrition for Food Insecurity: Feeding South Dakota received a major Prairie Farms milk donation—10 pallets of 1% half-gallons—plus a matching-donation push during Dairy Month. Infectious Disease Watch: National measles cases are surging, on pace to surpass 2025’s record high, with most cases among unvaccinated people. Safety Alerts: Two separate motorcycle crashes reported this weekend—one in Sioux Falls (2 dead) and another in the Le Mars area (rider died after a high-speed crash). Community Health Events: Rock Steady Boxing 5K is set for June 10 in Pipestone, supporting Parkinson’s-focused exercise programming.

Rural Hospital Drug Relief: A $3.2 million grant will help rural hospitals pool purchasing power for cheaper generic meds, aiming to reduce drug shortages that hit smaller facilities hardest. Cannabis & Mental Health Debate: A new report highlights how high-THC cannabis use can raise risks for cannabis use disorder and psychosis, especially for younger people, as states argue over how “legal” products should be regulated. Cancer Survivorship in Sioux Falls: Avera Health marks National Cancer Survivors Day by encouraging screenings and early detection, while also spotlighting community support for survivors and caregivers. Community Wellness Through Movement: Pipestone County Medical Center is hosting a Rock Steady Boxing 5K benefit June 10, supporting Parkinson’s patients with exercise and social connection. Health Care Leadership Update: Monument Health names new executive leaders—Paula McInerney-Hall as General Counsel and Ross McKie as Vice President of Philanthropy—strengthening governance and fundraising. Public Safety & Health Impacts: Two people died in a Sioux Falls motorcycle crash, and a Rapid City fairgrounds shooting suspect was found and no longer a threat, underscoring how quickly health emergencies can escalate. Environmental Health Training: SDSU Extension will hold a CAFO environmental training in Huron June 23, covering odor, manure management, soil health, and water quality.