AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat Safety: A dangerous heat wave is spreading across much of the U.S. ahead of the Fourth of July, with officials opening cooling centers and urging people to watch for heat illness—especially those on heart, blood pressure, or psychiatric medications. Local Health Care Growth: Sanford Health is planning a new 52,000-square-foot Medical Building 4 at the Sanford USD Medical Center campus in Sioux Falls, adding dermatology and plastic surgery space, with work starting in June 2026 and completion targeted for late 2027. Food Safety Alerts: The FDA issued the highest-risk recall for certain Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips over possible Salmonella contamination, and it’s also investigating a cyclospora outbreak linked to packaged salad mixes sold by Hy-Vee, Aldi, and Jewel-Osco. Public Health Watch: CDC says the West Nile virus season is starting earlier than ever, with more cases reported by late June than usual—mosquito bite prevention is key over the holiday weekend. Community Health & Wellness: Rapid City’s YMCA shared a hip-flexor strength routine for summer activity, and local health coverage highlighted warning signs of heat-related illness. Medicaid Snapshot (SD): Aberdeen Medicaid payments for radiology procedures rose to $117,612 in 2024, up from $88,319 in 2023.

Food Safety Alert: The FDA is investigating a cyclospora outbreak tied to packaged “garden salad mix” from Hy-Vee, Aldi, and Jewel-Osco, prompting voluntary recalls—check your bags and avoid the listed store-brand products. Local Health & Wellness: Sioux Falls launched a monthlong Traffic-Calming Pilot on 10th Street to make downtown safer for walking, biking, and everyday errands. Community Grants: Four Sioux Falls-area nonprofits received 2026 Sustainable Community Grants for recycling education, composting expansion, youth environmental learning, and plastic waste reduction. Veterans Support: Veterans groups gathered at Black Hills Harley-Davidson to help people access VA benefits, health care enrollment, and mental health support. Public Health Access: South Dakota’s WIC income guidelines are updating July 1, with new eligibility rules rolling out statewide. Outdoor & Fitness: Pierre opened the Missouri River Overlook Trail, a new scenic loop for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. Health in the Heat: With heat advisories lingering nationwide, officials are urging proactive steps for safety and livestock care.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Rapid City officials say smoke from regional wildfires is bringing hazy skies and “Moderate” air quality, urging people with asthma, heart or lung conditions, older adults, and others sensitive to smoke to limit time outdoors and check AirNow for hourly updates. Heat & Power Risks: A major heat wave is already stressing the grid, with tens of thousands without electricity and storm threats ahead of the Fourth of July—raising the odds of outages as demand spikes. Storm Recovery in South Dakota: Highmore is assessing major damage after straight-line winds up to 131 mph, with officials surveying for possible federal disaster assistance. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Signs: South Dakota is rolling out permanent 988 signs across communities to make crisis help as familiar as 911, with free, confidential support via call/text/chat. Meals on Wheels Continuity: Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell is taking over the local Meals on Wheels delivery program to keep nutritious meals going for people who can’t prepare food due to age, illness, surgery, or disability. PFAS in Bottled Water: The FDA plans to regulate PFAS levels in bottled water, aligning standards with EPA drinking-water limits. Public Safety Reminder: Sioux Falls is reminding residents about fireworks rules, hydration, and mosquito control during July 4 celebrations.

Meals on Wheels Update: Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell is taking over the local Meals on Wheels delivery program to keep nutritious meals going for people who can’t cook due to age, illness, surgery, or disability. Mental Health Access: South Dakota is rolling out 988 signs across the state—112 aluminum signs in eight communities—to make crisis support feel as familiar as 911, with free, confidential help via call/text/chat. Suicide Prevention: The 988 push is tied to rising concern, including an estimated 149,000 South Dakota adults living with mental health conditions and serious suicide thoughts among teens. Public Safety (Fireworks & Heat): Sioux Falls is reminding residents about fireworks rules (many types illegal in city limits), plus hydration and mosquito-control awareness during July 4. Rural Health & Nutrition: South Dakota WIC income guidelines are updated for July 1, expanding eligibility for pregnant and postpartum people and young children. Air Quality Watch: Wildfire smoke is bringing moderate air quality to Rapid City (AQI around 60), with guidance for sensitive residents to limit outdoor time. Cancer Care Expansion: Avera Cancer Institute opened a new Yankton facility consolidating oncology, radiation, infusion, genetic counseling, and support services under one roof.

WIC Updates: South Dakota’s Department of Health released new Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) income guidelines taking effect July 1, with eligibility set at 185% of the federal poverty level (for example, a family of four must earn $61,050 or less). Families can check eligibility and apply online or schedule an appointment at local WIC offices. Mental Health Access: South Dakota is installing more than 100 outdoor signs statewide to promote the 988 lifeline, a 24/7 resource for mental health, substance use, and self-harm concerns. Local Care Expansion: Sanford Health is opening a new clinic in Dakota Dunes to replace the existing site and expand specialty services, including nephrology, pulmonology, pediatric care, vascular, and reproductive endocrinology, with first appointments next month. Community Health Planning: Sioux Falls says it’s using its 2025 Community Health Assessment to guide parks and recreation investments, focusing on healthy living, adolescent mental health, and access to care. Public Safety Reminder: In Rapid City, two motorcyclists were injured after swerving to avoid turkeys; responders noted guidance differs for two-wheelers versus enclosed vehicles. Wildlife Management: The GFP Commission voted to close nine southeast South Dakota units for apprentice, mentored, and youth deer hunting seasons this year to reduce antlerless harvest and grow deer herd rates.

Parks & Public Health Partnership: Sioux Falls is using its 2025 Community Health Assessment to steer parks, trails, and recreation planning toward top needs like healthy living, adolescent mental health, and access to care. Mental Health Access: South Dakota is installing 100+ outdoor signs statewide for the 988 lifeline, urging people to call, text, or chat 988 for mental health, substance use, or self-harm support. WIC Updates: New WIC income guidelines take effect July 1, with a family of four needing to earn under $61,050 (185% of the federal poverty level) to qualify, plus reminders to apply through local offices or online. Heat Safety: Rapid City Fire Department is warning residents about dangerous heat ahead of the holiday weekend, urging hydration, light clothing, and immediate help for heat stroke. Storm Recovery in Highmore: After 131-mph wind gusts tore through Highmore, officials are coordinating safety checks and cleanup, including support for a damaged nursing home. Cancer Care Expansion: Avera Cancer Institute held a grand opening for its new Ness Family Center in Yankton, aiming to bring more cancer resources “under one roof” for patients close to home. SNAP Policy Shake-Up: A federal judge blocked USDA “junk food” SNAP purchase waivers in five states, raising questions about similar restrictions elsewhere.

Severe Storm Recovery: Highmore is assessing major damage after early Monday storms with reported 131 mph straight-line wind gusts, tornado reports nearby, and power outages; the governor says officials are working toward possible federal assistance while residents are being supported. Public Safety Updates: Sioux Falls police investigated three weapons incidents over the weekend, including two reported shootings and a stabbing in a business parking lot; one suspect was arrested and injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. Drug Enforcement: Federal prosecutors say they dismantled four major drug trafficking organizations tied to Mexican cartels, securing convictions for 54 people and major prison sentences after methamphetamine and fentanyl were allegedly flooding South Dakota communities. Health & Care Access: Highmore Health says it is evacuating higher-need patients to other hospitals after storm damage, with remaining patients moved to a local auditorium. Community Wellness Outdoors: The Black Hills Area Community Foundation launched the Beautiful Black Hills Initiative, investing $200,000+ to support healthy natural spaces, outdoor recreation, and community-building across the region. Nutrition Policy Watch: National reporting highlights SNAP payment error-rate debates, with advocates warning that stricter thresholds could raise costs for states and affect food assistance.

Heat Safety: A Heat Advisory is in effect for parts of eastern South Dakota and the Sioux Falls area, with heat index values near 104°F—officials urge hydration, breaks in A/C or shade, and extra checks for kids, seniors, and pets. Wildfire Preparedness: Black Hills Energy issued an Emergency Public Safety Power Shutoff Watch for Monday for areas west of Cheyenne, warning some customers may see temporary outages to reduce wildfire ignition risk. SNAP & Food Security: The Trump administration points to a 10.6% SNAP payment error rate in FY2025, while advocates warn new rules tied to errors could threaten benefits for millions; South Dakota is highlighted as the most efficient state with a 4.47% error rate. Local Health Care Update: Highmore Health says no residents were harmed after storm damage, and it’s evacuating higher-need patients to Miller and Gettysburg hospitals. Water & Health: EPA announced $1.6 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in South Dakota and other states, including work to address PFAS and lead. Livestock Wellness: SDSU Extension urges forage nitrate testing, especially after drought stress or heavy nitrogen, to prevent nitrate toxicity in cattle and other ruminants. Community & Nature: The Black Hills Area Community Foundation’s Beautiful Black Hills Initiative is funding projects focused on healthy natural spaces, outdoor recreation, and community building.

Advanced CT for South Dakota: Sanford Black Hills is now using a photon-counting CT scanner, aiming for sharper images and lower radiation—especially for cardiovascular care and follow-up scans. Clean water funding: The EPA announced $1.6 million in grants for drinking-water upgrades in South Dakota and other states, targeting PFAS, lead sources, and local system needs. Dementia home safety: A Prairie Doc guide breaks down practical steps for caregivers to reduce falls and other risks at home for people living with dementia. Rural senior care updates: Good Samaritan highlighted safety and quality gains in its 2025 report, including expanding Sanford virtual care to more South Dakota facilities. AI in healthcare: Sanford Health leaders shared best practices for scaling AI in clinical workflows at national conferences in Boston. Legal aid shortfall: Dakota Plains Legal Services faces a $176,000 budget deficit that could affect staffing and services for low-income South Dakotans. Community health fundraising: Sioux Falls’ Bikes & Brews returns to support congenital heart disease research and families, with donations going to Heartworks. Heat safety: A heat advisory warns of dangerous heat index values around Yankton and nearby areas, urging hydration and never leaving kids or pets in cars. Nonprofit for recovery alternatives: A new Mitchell nonprofit, MSDR AlterNatives, is pairing peer support and practical help to offer positive alternatives to addiction and isolation.

Drinking Water Funding: The EPA is awarding $1.6 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in South Dakota and other states, targeting upgrades plus PFAS and lead concerns. AI in Healthcare: Sanford Health says it will share its approach to scaling AI in patient care at national HIMSS conferences in Boston. Advanced Imaging in the Hills: Sanford Black Hills is now using a photon-counting CT scanner, aiming for sharper images and lower radiation—especially for cardiovascular care. Rural Health Access: Good Samaritan highlighted rural access gains in its 2025 Quality Report, including expanding Sanford virtual care to more facilities and lowering UTI rates. Heat Safety: A heat advisory covers parts of South Dakota and Nebraska with heat index values near 104; officials urge hydration, staying indoors, and never leaving kids or pets in cars. Community Health Events: Sioux Falls’ Bikes & Brews returns to raise funds for congenital heart disease research, while a CarFit event helps older drivers check comfort and safety behind the wheel. Legal Aid Under Pressure: Dakota Plains Legal Services faces a $176,000 budget deficit that could affect staffing and services for housing, family law, and other civil cases.

Photon-Counting CT Upgrade: Sanford Black Hills says its new photon-counting CT scanner (NAEOTOM Alpha with Quantum Technology) delivers sharper images, richer detail, and lower radiation—especially boosting cardiovascular imaging and helping with emergency, oncology, and pulmonary scans. Rural Senior Care Wins: Good Samaritan’s 2025 Quality Report highlights expanded Sanford virtual care to 27 South Dakota facilities, a new safety reporting system, and a drop in urinary tract infection rates from 5.12% to 2.69% (July 2023–Dec 2025). Community Health Fundraisers: Sioux Falls’ “Bikes & Brews” returns for a third year to support congenital heart disease research via Heartworks, while a weekend walk-in tattoo event raises $20 per tattoo for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Heat Safety Alert: A heat advisory covers parts of Yankton area counties Sunday through Monday with heat index values up to 104°F—urging hydration, staying indoors, and never leaving kids or pets in cars. Care Access for Kids: Delta Dental’s mobile program is coming to Yankton Aug. 3–6, offering no-cost dental exams, cleanings, and fillings for eligible children (registration due July 30). Healthcare Infrastructure Boost: Avera opened a new Avera Cancer Institute in Yankton, expanding infusion bays, exam rooms, and bringing cancer services under one roof.

Heat Safety: A National Weather Service heat advisory is in effect for parts of South Dakota (including Yankton and nearby counties) Sunday through Monday, with heat index values up to 104°F—officials urge people to avoid leaving kids or pets in cars, drink fluids, stay in air conditioning, and check on neighbors. Senior Driver Support: Hawarden Regional Healthcare and USD’s occupational therapy team are hosting a CarFit event Saturday to help older adults and families fine-tune seat position, mirror settings, and pedal reach for safer driving. Cancer Care Expansion: Avera opened a new Avera Cancer Institute in Yankton, adding 19 private infusion bays and 15 exam rooms to bring more oncology services under one roof. Oral Health Access: Delta Dental’s mobile dental program is returning to Yankton Aug. 3–6, offering free exams, cleanings, and cavity fillings for eligible kids and teens. Nutrition Assistance Watch: South Dakota is again leading the nation on SNAP payment accuracy, with the lowest error rate reported for FY25. Water Quality Concern: A Mitchell couple says a lead service line in their rental is harming their health, while the landlord points to test results below federal action levels.

Cancer Care Expansion: Avera opened a new Avera Cancer Institute in Yankton, adding 19 infusion bays and 15 exam rooms to bring medical and radiation oncology services under one roof. Dental Access: United Way of Greater Yankton will host Delta Dental’s Mobile Program in Yankton Aug. 3-6, offering free exams, cleanings, and cavity fillings for eligible kids and teens. Imaging Tech: Sanford Health is bringing first-of-its-kind CT imaging technology to South Dakota, aiming to improve care coordination and diagnostics. SNAP Health Link: South Dakota’s SNAP program posted the lowest payment error rate in the U.S. at 2.47% for FY25, supporting accurate benefits for people buying food to stay healthy. Public Health & Safety: Yellowstone reported a 12-year-old injured in a bison encounter and reminded visitors to keep safe distances. Water Quality Funding: EPA announced $1.6 million in drinking-water grants for South Dakota and other states, targeting PFAS and lead-related upgrades.

SNAP Spotlight: South Dakota is again the national leader for SNAP payment accuracy, with a 2.47% error rate in FY2025—far below the 10.62% U.S. average—meaning fewer improper payments and more reliable food support for people who need it. Food Security Funding: The Prime Time Gala in South Dakota raised $292,620 for Feeding South Dakota, helping deliver protein-rich meals to families facing food insecurity. Mental Health Access: Great Plains Tribal Health’s 988 Tribal Response Program is running a logo design contest (no AI art) to promote suicide and crisis support, with submissions accepted in Rapid City. Caregiving Rules Change: LifeQuest in Mitchell helped push state tracheostomy care regulations to allow family caregivers in shared living programs to be paid for those tasks—removing a long-standing barrier for families. Workforce Strain in EMS: Lemmon’s ambulance service is at risk of shutting down due to staffing shortages, raising concerns about emergency coverage across multiple counties. Wellness & Community: Stardust Fest returns as a one-day spirituality and wellness event in Rapid City. Nutrition Ideas: Monument Health’s Create Kitchen shares a protein-packed summer salad recipe built for leftovers.

SNAP Accuracy Watch: South Dakota is ranked #1 for accurate SNAP payments, with a 2.47% payment error rate in fiscal 2025—far below the national 10.62% average—while USDA says improper SNAP payments totaled about $10.1 billion nationwide. Budget Pressure Ahead: A new federal cost-sharing rule kicks in for states with SNAP error rates above 6%, meaning some states could face penalties starting in October 2027 if they don’t reduce mistakes. Rural Health Tech: Avel eCare highlights how “virtual health system” models can help critical access hospitals stabilize staffing and reduce unnecessary transfers—arguing it’s more than basic telemedicine. Local Health & Safety: Four people were seriously injured in a Brookings County head-on crash and airlifted to hospitals. Reproductive Care Legal Fight: A federal judge heard arguments in South Dakota over Mayday Health’s website and the state’s abortion-pill advertising ban, with both sides framing the case as either protected speech or illegal promotion. Community Health Events: Zoofari returns as an adults-only fundraiser for the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium.

Reproductive Health Court Fight: Mayday Health and South Dakota await a federal judge’s ruling on a preliminary injunction tied to the state’s ban on advertising abortion drugs, after a cordial but tense hearing in Rapid City. SNAP Accountability & Costs: USDA says improper SNAP payments topped $10.1 billion in fiscal 2025, with a national error rate of 10.62%, and states with high error rates could face new penalties starting in 2027—raising concerns about how budget cuts could affect health and nutrition access. Local Public Health Planning: Sioux Falls is pairing its Community Health Assessment with parks and recreation planning, aiming to build more neighborhood parks, trails, and indoor options that support healthier living. Food Safety Recall: Power Plate Meals recalled nearly 6,000 pounds of frozen meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes due to an undeclared soy allergen, shipped to Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Community Health Reminder: LifeServe Blood Center is urging summer blood donations to prevent shortages for local hospitals serving Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Illinois. Health Workforce Pressure: New federal student-loan caps starting July 1 are deterring would-be physician assistants, a potential hit to rural care capacity. Wheat Research: SDSU researchers are working to strengthen wheat disease resistance to reduce crop losses for South Dakota producers.