AGP Executive Report

NIH Research Boost: Avera Research Institute, SDSU, and USD Sanford School of Medicine won an $11M NIH award to launch the South Dakota Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Research (SD-ACT), aiming to improve prevention and care for rural and underserved communities. Flu Shot Reminder: Sanford infectious disease experts say it’s a great time to get a flu vaccine now—about 10 days to two weeks before protection kicks in—and it can reduce severity even if you still get sick. Medicaid Drug Costs: South Dakota could save about $750,000 a year under a new federal Medicaid drug pricing model, with the state identifying medications that may qualify for extra rebates. Generic Drug Price Claims: South Dakota’s AG is urging consumers to check eligibility and file claims tied to a multistate settlement over allegedly inflated generic drug prices (claims due March 8, 2027). Cybersecurity for Care: Dakota State University received a $1M grant for CyberRx SD, offering statewide, vendor-neutral help to strengthen healthcare cybersecurity—especially for rural and under-resourced providers. Primary Care Innovation: A new Mitchell clinic, 605 Health, opened Sept. 14 blending traditional primary care with functional medicine to focus on whole-health prevention. Rural EMS Planning: A legislative task force discussed regionalizing ambulance services to protect rural coverage, but says it will take years and likely some state funding. Community Health Events: Hy-Vee is offering drive-thru flu vaccine clinics, and Pennington County Treatment Courts are holding multiple public graduation ceremonies.

Medicaid Drug Savings: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota could save about $750,000 a year under a new federal Medicaid drug pricing model, with the state identifying three medications that may qualify for extra rebates. NIH Research Boost: The National Institutes of Health is awarding $11M over five years to create a statewide clinical research center (SD-ACT) led by Avera Research Institute, SDSU, and USD’s Sanford School of Medicine, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. Maternal & Baby Support: Sanford’s NIC-U is running the “Babies with Books” read-a-thon, encouraging parents to read aloud to support brain development and reduce stress for families. Nursing Workforce Push: USF reports a 72% jump in nursing majors, as demand for RNs keeps rising nationwide. Suicide Prevention in Action: Rapid City Youth City Council held “Chalk the Walk” to raise awareness and connect people to mental health support. Veteran Outreach: Veteran Buddy Check Week urges communities to check in on veterans, emphasizing that a simple call can prevent a crisis. Food Access Timing: SNAP recipients in South Dakota generally receive October benefits on the 10th, with payment schedules varying by state. Local Health & Community: LOVE INC marked 25 years of service in the Black Hills, including programs that help with transportation and medical support.

Suicide Prevention in Rapid City: The Rapid City Youth City Council held “Chalk the Walk” outside City Hall to spotlight suicide prevention and connect people to help, with Monument Health’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner urging kindness and community ties. Food Access & Local Farms: South Dakota’s Healthy Nutrition Collaborative launched FRANK interactive charts, showing 260 “local farms” statewide—more per capita in the Black Hills than in the Sioux Falls/Brookings region—plus a community push to close service gaps. Statewide Research Boost: Avera Research Institute, SDSU, and USD Sanford School of Medicine won an $11.09M, five-year NIH grant to create the South Dakota Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Research (SD-ACT), aiming to speed real-world health improvements across rural areas. Flu Shots Made Easier: Hy-Vee Pharmacy will run drive-thru flu vaccine clinics in South Dakota and other states, no appointment or prescription needed. Avian Flu Update: South Dakota is seeing an uptick in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases as fall migration begins, with officials stressing early detection and vet coordination. Healthcare & Education: Northern State University hit its highest enrollment on record, while Avera, USD, and SDSU also appear in major grant activity. EMS Policy Watch: South Dakota lawmakers may consider creating a permanent emergency medical services panel to guide statewide response.

Measles Watch: The CDC reports 3,294 measles cases in the U.S. in 2026, with most tied to a recent outbreak—about 45% of cases are ages 5–19, and unvaccinated people are driving severe clusters. Youth Nicotine Trends: South Dakota’s 2025 Youth Tobacco Survey finds fewer middle schoolers tried nicotine than in 2023, but daily use is slightly up, and Native American students still show higher rates. Suicide Prevention Push: Avera is urging families to ask direct questions during Suicide Prevention Month and point people to the 988 Lifeline and local supports. Mental Health Funding: The 437 Project says it raised $400,000+ for the Helpline Center, boosting awareness and crisis connections across South Dakota. Rural Health Access: Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics opened a $50 million expansion, adding emergency response capacity, labor and delivery services, and modernized care. Flu Shots Made Easier: Hy-Vee will run drive-thru flu vaccine clinics in September in South Dakota (no appointment needed). Food & Senior Support: South Dakota Meals on Wheels is short on volunteer drivers for daily routes and wellness checks. Community Health & Safety: Police are investigating a fatal early-morning Sioux Falls crash; excessive speed may have been a factor. Public Health & Policy: A stalled Senate plan to make daylight saving time permanent is raising concerns about dark winter school mornings in South Dakota.

Suicide Prevention Push: Avera is urging South Dakotans to talk directly during National Suicide Prevention Month with its “Ask the Question” campaign, pointing people to 988 and warning signs to watch for. Community Mental Health Funding: The 437 Project’s relay raised more than $400,000 for Sioux Falls’ Helpline Center, boosting crisis and connection resources statewide. Local Suicide Resources: Southwest District Health is promoting 988 and local support options as September spotlights suicide prevention. Flu Shot Convenience: Hy-Vee will run drive-thru flu vaccine clinics in September (no appointment or prescription needed) in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, with regular and high-dose shots. Senior Nutrition Help Needed: South Dakota Meals on Wheels says it’s short on volunteer drivers to deliver meals and wellness checks to hundreds of seniors. Health Care Access Policy: South Dakota’s Medicaid expansion ballot language is under scrutiny after the attorney general said it could automatically end expansion if federal funding drops. Animal Health & Welfare: The Humane Society of the Black Hills opened “Kitty City” to reduce stress for cats and improve adoption outcomes.

Respiratory Health Data: The CDC’s fall respiratory illness map is showing gaps for Iowa and South Dakota, with Iowa’s data feed cut off after a May system change and South Dakota listed with no emergency department data—making the “at a glance” illness color less reliable for families planning indoor time. Flu Prevention Access: Hy-Vee is running drive-thru flu shot clinics in September (no appointment or prescription needed) in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, with regular and high-dose options for eligible ages. Medicaid Drug Costs: President Trump announced a “most-favored-nation” Medicaid drug pricing program rolling out across all 50 states, aiming to lower prescription costs and free up money for other health needs. Local Senior Nutrition: South Dakota Meals on Wheels is facing a volunteer driver shortage, threatening daily meal delivery and wellness checks for hundreds of seniors. Animal Health & Welfare: The Humane Society of the Black Hills opened “Kitty City” to reduce stress for cats and improve adoption outcomes, including a kitten nursery. Community Health Events: The annual Walk to Defeat ALS in Sioux Falls drew hundreds to support local care, education, and research funding. Public Health Watch: Bird flu is hitting commercial flocks in the Dakotas as fall migration begins, raising monitoring and biosecurity concerns for producers.

Medicaid Drug Savings: President Trump says all 50 states (plus D.C. and Puerto Rico) will use “most-favored-nation” pricing for some Medicaid drugs, aiming to cut costs and free money for other health care needs. South Dakota Medicaid Ballot Confusion: South Dakota’s Nov. 3 ballot measure on Medicaid expansion is drawing scrutiny after the attorney general’s language suggests automatic repeal if federal funding drops, while lawmakers say it would only give them authority to consider changes. Flu Shot Convenience: Hy-Vee will offer free drive-thru flu vaccines in September across Iowa and South Dakota, no appointment needed, with Medicare and most insurance accepted. Senior Nutrition Crisis: South Dakota Meals on Wheels is short on volunteer drivers, threatening daily meal delivery and wellness checks for hundreds of homebound seniors. ALS Fundraiser: The annual Walk to Defeat ALS in Sioux Falls drew community support and raised funds for local education and care. Animal Health & Shelter Stress: Rapid City’s Humane Society opened “Kitty City,” a quieter cat facility designed to reduce stress-related illness and speed adoptions. Public Health Access: A South Dakota urban Indian health site is expanding walk-in hours on Mondays. Community Mental Health: Runners in South Dakota are crossing the state for mental health awareness, adding momentum to local support efforts.

Medicaid Ballot Confusion: South Dakota’s Nov. 3 Amendment I could automatically end Medicaid expansion if federal funding drops below 90%, the state attorney general says—despite lawmakers’ claims it would only give them authority, setting up a voter-friendly-but-confusing advance voting start. Drug Pricing Push: President Trump announced the “GENERous” Medicaid model, letting all 50 states use most-favored-nation pricing on some brand drugs, with South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden saying the state could save about $750,000 a year. Mental Health on the Road: The Four-37 Project continues across South Dakota to spark suicide prevention conversations, with runners and local supporters pointing people to 988 for help. Basic Needs for Students: Rapid City Area Schools opened the General Beadle Family Resource Center with showers, laundry, and groceries to help reduce barriers to attendance. Veterans Get Direct Support: A Sioux Falls stand-down connected homeless veterans with food, clothing, medical, legal, mental health, and job resources. Health Care Workforce & Access: Avera and other regional updates highlight ongoing efforts to expand care options, including rural and frontier pediatric behavioral health support. Public Health Watch: Measles updates and bird flu alerts continue to track risks across the region. Corrections Health Tragedy: A state prison offender, Michael Kaiser, died Sept. 8 after a brief medical issue, according to the Department of Corrections.

Medicaid Drug Costs: President Trump announced the “GENEROUS” most-favored-nation pricing model will be available to Medicaid programs in all 50 states, aiming for major savings on prescription drugs; South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden joined the announcement, with state officials saying they’ve identified a few medications that could qualify. Food & Health Access: Rapid City residents, advocates, and producers gathered for a “Future of Food” discussion tied to South Dakota’s first Food Landscape Assessment, focusing on barriers to healthy, affordable food. Homeless Veterans Support: A Sioux Falls stand-down connected homeless veterans with food, clothing, and direct medical, legal, and mental health resources plus job counseling. School Health Basics: Rapid City Area Schools opened the General Beadle Family Resource Center to help families with showers, laundry, and groceries—support meant to improve attendance. Livestock Health Alert: South Dakota confirmed its first anthrax case of the year in Meade County cattle, urging producers to monitor herds and consider vaccination. Strength & Independence: SDSU researchers are recruiting for the StrengthenHER study for women ages 50–75, a virtual resistance-training and nutrition program aimed at reducing sarcopenia risk.

Pediatric Mental Health Funding: The South Dakota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and USD’s BEAM-SD initiative received new funding to expand pediatric behavioral health support across rural and frontier communities, boosting screening and provider connection. Cancer Access: South Dakota is expanding its All Women Count breast and cervical cancer screening program, adding providers in every county and lowering eligibility age to 21. Heart Health Check: Monument Health’s HealthWatch highlights National Cholesterol Education Month, stressing that high cholesterol often has no symptoms and encouraging regular blood tests. Food Security Help: Feeding South Dakota is meeting rising need with a monthly mobile food pantry that serves all 66 counties, delivering boxes of produce, protein, and shelf-stable items. SNAP Stretching: SDSU Extension’s Double Up Food Bucks South Dakota matches SNAP dollars for fruits and vegetables at participating stores and farmers’ markets, including Buche Foods locations. Health Care Education Expansion: SDSU and Sioux Falls celebrated the renovated Metro Center, a 44,000-square-foot hub for nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, medical lab sciences, and public health training. Medicaid Expansion Fight: A constitutional amendment proposal could jeopardize Medicaid expansion for about 30,000 South Dakotans if federal funding drops below 90%. Tobacco Trends: A new DOH survey finds fewer middle schoolers tried nicotine, but daily use ticked up slightly since 2023, with higher rates among Native students. Community Care: Ronald McDonald House in Rapid City is nearing completion, with Monument Health nurses taking an early walkthrough ahead of opening.

Food Access: Feeding South Dakota is expanding mobile food distribution to reach all 66 counties, handing out monthly boxes of fresh produce, protein, and shelf-stable staples as food insecurity rises. Women’s Health: South Dakota is expanding the All Women Count breast and cervical cancer screening program, adding providers in every county and lowering the eligible age to 21. Public Health & Safety: South Dakota reports fewer middle schoolers have tried nicotine, but daily use is slightly higher than in 2023, with Native students seeing higher rates. Community Health: The Ronald McDonald House in Rapid City is nearing completion, with Monument Health nurses touring the new facility ahead of opening for families traveling for pediatric care. Animal Health: South Dakota confirmed anthrax in cattle in Meade County, urging producers to monitor herds and use available vaccination. Food Recalls: Walmart shoppers are warned about multiple recalled items, including frozen berries and choking-hazard candy. Mental Health: The 437 Project relay is underway across South Dakota to boost suicide-prevention awareness and connect people to local resources. Health Policy/Access: SDSU Extension’s Double Up Food Bucks program is helping SNAP dollars stretch for fruits and vegetables at participating stores and farmers’ markets. Election Health/Access: Absentee voting opens Friday, with new proof-of-citizenship requirements under the SAVE Act.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 refunds tied to federal Obamacare “user fees” overcharges. Farm Bill Push: The Senate Ag Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on a party-line vote, keeping nutrition and production agriculture in the mix as it heads toward the full Senate. Nicotine Update: South Dakota middle-schoolers are trying nicotine less than two years ago, but daily use is slightly higher, with e-cigarettes and flavored products still leading. Suicide Prevention in Motion: The 437 Project kicks off a 437-mile relay across South Dakota to raise awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention, with community events also underway like Belle Fourche’s Out of the Darkness walk. Public Health & Safety: A White House drug threat notice warns about fentanyl analogues, including carfentanil and fluorofentanyl, and urges extra caution with any unprescribed pills. Local Health Care Moment: Avera NICU is joining the national NICU Read-a-thon with book giveaways and staff reading to support early literacy for families. Food & Farming Health: Anthrax has been confirmed in a South Dakota beef herd in Meade County, with quarantine and vaccination steps underway. Community Wellness Event: Custer State Park’s Buffalo Roundup returns Sept. 25 with safety-focused viewing and herd testing, branding, and sorting planned.

Obamacare refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 checks after federal “user fees” overcharged premiums for Obamacare marketplace operations. Mental health push statewide: The 437 Project kicked off its 2026 relay across South Dakota, with runners and community partners focusing on suicide prevention and mental health support. NICU literacy: Avera’s NICU joined the national NICU Read-a-thon, with staff reading to babies and families during the Sept. 24 event window. Suicide prevention walk: Belle Fourche’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk is set for Sept. 19, with local organizers raising nearly $20,000 toward a $40,000 goal. Public health & safety: Sioux Falls reported a crash where an intoxicated driver struck a motorcyclist, sending the rider to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Opioid prevention on tribal lands: South Dakota’s Tribal Relations Department held STOMP to connect state and tribal leaders on overdose response, prevention, and culturally tailored recovery. Tobacco trends: South Dakota middle-school nicotine experimentation is down since 2023, but daily use is slightly up, with Native youth still higher than non-Native peers. Food security: Feeding South Dakota says food insecurity is at an all-time high, driven by rising costs and growing need. Animal health alert: Anthrax was confirmed in a South Dakota cattle herd in Meade County, triggering quarantine and vaccination steps.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 refunds for alleged Obamacare “user fee” overcharges tied to higher premiums. Veteran Housing: The VA awarded $2.9 million in South Dakota grants to prevent evictions and rapidly rehouse veterans experiencing homelessness, with support for women and older veterans. Nursing Workforce: Dakota Wesleyan University expanded its Rapid City nursing program after graduating 19 students now entering the workforce, raising the enrollment cap to 32 per semester. Food Access Planning: South Dakotans can help shape the future of nutrition after the state released its first-ever Food Landscape Assessment, pointing to affordability and access gaps. Workplace Health: Avera was named No. 3 on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers 2026 list for South Dakota. Safe Driving for Seniors: AARP-backed CarFit highlights how older drivers can improve seat, mirror, and pedal fit to stay safer on the road. Air Quality Note: A national clean-air roundup places South Dakota among the states with cleaner air, alongside Wyoming and others. Public Health Watch: Federal officials warn deadlier fentanyl analogues are spreading nationwide, including carfentanil and fluorofentanyl.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 refunds for alleged Obamacare overcharges tied to federal exchange “user fees,” with checks expected to start soon. Veteran Housing Funding: The VA is awarding $2.9 million in grants to South Dakota organizations to prevent evictions, rapidly rehouse homeless veterans, and expand transitional support, including for women and veterans with mental health challenges. Hospital Leadership: Parkridge Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls named Paul Smith as its new CEO, with a focus on expanding access to behavioral healthcare. Bird Flu Watch: Highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to spread in the Upper Midwest; federal data cites multiple South Dakota commercial turkey flocks affected since August, as fall migration ramps up. Drug Safety Alert: Federal officials warn that deadlier fentanyl variants—including carfentanil—have spread across every U.S. region, tied to thousands of deaths since 2023. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a sprouts recall to its highest risk level after illnesses and hospitalizations linked to recalled alfalfa sprouts. Community Health Events: LifeServe Blood Center announced multiple October blood drives in Mitchell, encouraging donations during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Employer Health Coverage: Nice Healthcare rolled out “Nice Plan,” a new employer health plan designed to pair with its primary care model so visits help avoid insurance claims, now available in South Dakota and 14 other states. Dental Access for Veterans: Orchard Meadows Family Dental and Denture Clinic is offering free dental care through Freedom Day USA—Oct. 5 in Spearfish and Nov. 6 in Rapid City—for eligible veterans and active-duty members (one free extraction, filling, or preventive visit; appointments required). Food Costs & Health: A new South Dakota Food Landscape Assessment says nearly a third of residents are skipping meals due to rising costs, with multiple counties showing higher-than-national food insecurity; community “Future of Food” gatherings start Sept. 16. Heart Health Fundraising: Hy-Vee is partnering with the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign, letting shoppers round up purchases at checkout throughout September. Avian Flu Update: H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry across multiple states including South Dakota, with additional dairy herd infections reported in Idaho. Local Care Access: South Dakota Urban Indian Health will add Monday walk-in appointments in Sioux Falls (8 a.m.–4 p.m.), serving all South Dakotans. Community Support: Sioux Falls Mobile Market has relaunched to bring fresh food to neighborhoods, accepting EBT/SNAP and card payments.