AGP Executive Report

Hospital Updates: Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls earned a 5-star CMS rating, highlighting strong performance across mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience, and timely care. Nutrition Access: Hy-Vee now lets South Dakotans use WIC benefits for online shopping with curbside pickup and delivery (within South Dakota), making it easier to get healthy foods for pregnant people, new parents, and kids. Public Health & Safety: Black Hills officials are urging safer riding as Sturgis Rally-related crashes mount; Pennington County and Rapid City leaders point to speed, alcohol, and the need for helmets and extra space on the roads. Food Safety Alert: Walmart-exclusive Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter was recalled in 19 states after Florida testing found salmonella; no illnesses reported, but shoppers are told not to eat the affected lot. Animal Health Story: Kirby, a dog missing for weeks in the Black Hills, was found severely malnourished and is now receiving advanced care after transfer to Colorado State University. Community Health: Avera St. Mary’s Hospital and Avera Health announced new board leadership for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Heat Safety: A Rapid City doctor warns Sturgis-week heat can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke—prioritize water plus electrolytes, take breaks in cool air, and watch for confusion, dizziness, slurred speech, and sudden loss of sweating. Food Safety: Health officials report a salmonella-linked Walmart pistachio nut butter recall (plus an earlier egg recall) and note more salmonella alerts as shoppers should check labels and lot numbers. Water Security: Federal and state officials say cyberattacks have hit water systems in multiple states, including South Dakota, raising fears of unsafe service if attacks go undetected. Public Health Outbreak: The CDC says cyclospora (cyclosporiasis) has spread to 47 states with nearly 23,000 total cases and two deaths linked to the illness in Michigan. Local Justice/Health Context: South Dakota AG Jackley and DCI say two Sioux Falls officers were justified in a July 7 officer-involved shooting after the suspect fired at law enforcement. Community Wellness & Access: Falls Community Health highlights low-cost care options for working families, while a new study finds some Eastern South Dakota farmers are adopting drones to spot crop issues earlier. Safety on the Road: Multiple fatal crashes and a Rapid City stabbing underscore the need for seat belts, helmets, and slower driving—especially during high-traffic rally periods.

Senate Race Update: South Dakota’s Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Julian Beaudion ended his campaign, citing a devastating house fire, personal financial hardship, and “intimidating threats,” leaving the race to incumbent Mike Rounds and independent Brian Bengs. Public Health Access: Falls Community Health in Sioux Falls is positioning itself as more than a “free clinic,” serving thousands of patients a year with low-cost medical and dental care and sliding-scale help for working families. Air Quality & Safety: Wildfire smoke is blanketing western South Dakota, and SDSU researchers are feeding satellite-based tools into national air-quality forecasts to help track smoke movement. Water Security: Cyberattacks targeting U.S. water systems are raising alarms about security gaps at utilities, even as officials say drinking water hasn’t been affected. Injury & Emergency Response: A fatal hit-and-run in Eagle Butte ended with a suspect in custody, while a separate Mellette County crash killed two people and left one with life-threatening injuries. Community Health Events: Emily’s Hope and ABC are installing free naloxone access at Sturgis Rally locations to help reverse opioid overdoses.

Public Health & Safety: Emily’s Hope and ABC are installing a free naloxone distribution box at The Armory in Sturgis, with anonymous kits restocked daily during the rally to help reverse opioid overdoses fast. Healthcare Quality: CMS’s 2026 hospital quality star ratings show most South Dakota hospitals are average or better, but Avera St. Mary’s Hospital (Pierre) and Huron Regional Medical Center landed in the below-average 2-star group. Maternal Health: A $10,000 supplemental grant to the South Dakota Perinatal Quality Collaborative will expand respectful maternity care training statewide and pilot bibliotherapy to support maternal mental health. Workforce/Compliance: South Dakota is adding Saturday CDL exam hours for drivers with a K restriction to update medical certification before the Aug. 28 deadline. Community Wellness: Rapid City’s new $10 million, 20-year sports complex naming partnership with Sanford Health will fund sports medicine and performance services. Food Safety: The CDC reports a Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños; South Dakota has no reported illnesses so far, but neighboring states have cases. Cybersecurity: Experts warn water systems are being targeted by hackers nationwide, highlighting security gaps that could affect utilities even if drinking water hasn’t been impacted.

Food Safety Recall: Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including South Dakota, is being recalled due to possible salmonella contamination (no illnesses reported yet). Check the UPC 194346207961 and lot code LB028ACP04; don’t eat affected jars—throw away or return for a refund. Sturgis Health Prep: Monument Health is expanding access ahead of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with added Rapid City care sites, including 24-hour emergency coverage near I-90, plus more urgent and primary care options. Heart Care Quality: 24 South Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines recognition for improving treatment for heart disease and stroke. Access to Care: Falls Community Health marks National Health Center Week, highlighting low-cost, sliding-fee primary, dental, and behavioral health services in Sioux Falls. Medicaid Spending Watch: New Medicaid spending figures show sharp local growth in vision services in Yankton (up 77.3% in 2024) and rising medical/surgical supplies payments in Rapid City (up 45.4%). Local Mobility & Health: A Rapid City report links transportation barriers to employment and quality of life, underscoring how getting to care and work can be a health issue. Rural Health Policy: South Dakota’s congressional delegation is pushing for year-round, nationwide E15 ethanol approval, with the Senate farm bill including the change.

CDC Leadership: The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next CDC director, a big moment for national public health as vaccine policy questions stay front and center. Heart Care Quality: 24 South Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association recognition for improving treatment for heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines. Clean Air: A new national ranking puts South Dakota near the top for clean air and respiratory health, highlighting low asthma rates and fewer industrial pollutants. Food Safety Alerts: FDA issued a recall for bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including South Dakota, due to possible salmonella contamination; USDA also flagged Costco burritos with an undeclared egg allergen. Local Health Access: Horizon Health is celebrating National Health Center Week, spotlighting community-based care in central South Dakota towns. Sturgis Medical Capacity: Monument Health says it’s expanding care sites for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Medicaid Fraud Push: Multiple state AGs are urging Congress to expand states’ authority to investigate Medicaid recipient fraud. Public Health & Safety: Fire restrictions increased in the Black Hills National Forest, and officials urged residents to double-check campfire rules.

Abortion Pill Fight in Courts: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley appealed a federal ruling that temporarily blocked enforcement of a new state law restricting abortion-pill advertising and distribution, escalating the dispute with Mayday Health. Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Jackley joined 16 AGs urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act to expand Medicaid Fraud Control Unit powers beyond provider fraud, aiming to protect taxpayer dollars and benefits. Drug Pricing Antitrust: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with trial expected in 2027. Hospital Quality Watch: CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings show most South Dakota hospitals did well, but Avera St. Mary’s (Pierre) and Huron Regional Medical Center landed at 2 stars. Blood Supply Alert: LifeServe Blood Center says donations are down and supply is tight, urging eligible donors to book appointments now. Food Safety Recall: Walmart recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter in 19 states due to possible salmonella contamination. Rural Health & Safety: SDSU Extension is offering nitrate testing drop-offs for livestock forage to help prevent health risks, especially for pregnant animals. Community Care Access: Monument Health is expanding care sites ahead of Sturgis to handle the surge with more urgent and emergency options. Public Safety Tragedies: A Wall woman died in a rollover near Scenic; separate reports also describe a deadly West Lake Okoboji boating collision involving a Sioux Falls man and five minors.

Blood Supply Alert: LifeServe Blood Center says donations are down and supply is tight—right now it has only a 1–2 day supply of type O-negative, O-positive, and A-negative, urging eligible donors to book appointments ASAP. Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers should check pantries—Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter (6.7 oz, lot LB028ACP04, UPC 194346207961, exp. Jan. 28, 2027) is recalled in 19 states due to possible Salmonella. Workforce & Health Care Pipeline: Western Dakota Technical College launched the Catapult Stakeholders Group, a 3-year effort with 65 regional leaders to tackle west river job talent gaps, with health care a key focus. Rural Health Quality Watch: CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings show two South Dakota hospitals—Avera St. Mary’s (Pierre) and Huron Regional Medical Center—rated “below average,” while five earned 5 stars. Public Health & Safety in Heat: Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department reports call volume more than doubled in July amid extreme heat and fire danger, with crews also responding to medical calls. Community Health Event: South Dakota native Kim Kaufman will host a mother-daughter golf fundraiser next week at Great Shots, with proceeds supporting the Sanford Sports Scholarship Fund. Local Incident: A Sioux Falls man, Zhong Jie Teng, died after a West Lake Okoboji boat collision; alcohol was ruled out.

Air Quality Update: Wildfire smoke is easing in the Black Hills Tuesday, but moderate “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” conditions may linger and smoke is expected to return Wednesday, including into the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Rural Hospital Funding: A Rural Health Transformation Fund discussion says the real problem isn’t just “saving hospitals,” but low Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement that drives closures and inpatient cutbacks. Hospital Quality in SD: CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings show two South Dakota hospitals at 2 stars in 2026—Avera St. Mary’s (Pierre) and Huron Regional Medical Center—while five earned 5-star marks. Medication & Fraud: Missouri AG Catherine Hanaway backs federal action to expand states’ power to investigate Medicaid fraud beyond provider cases. Drug Pricing Crackdown: AG Jeff Jackson and other attorneys general reached a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over generic drug price-fixing, with changes promised to comply with antitrust laws. Food Safety: Walmart-linked pistachio nut butter is recalled in 19 states due to possible Salmonella contamination. Heart Health Nutrition: New CDC NHANES data finds most Americans have low omega-3 levels, with nearly all below the optimal target. Mental Health: West River Mental Health shares tips to turn back-to-school jitters into positive starts. Reproductive Rights Legal Fight: South Dakota leaders appeal a court block of the state’s abortion-pill advertising ban.

Drug Pricing & Antitrust: South Dakota’s AG team is part of a sweeping $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with Sandoz agreeing to change practices to comply with antitrust laws. Public Health Nutrition: A new CDC NHANES analysis finds most Americans have low omega-3 levels, with nearly all below the optimal target tied to cardiovascular health. Food Safety: Walmart-linked bettergoods pistachio nut butter is recalled in 19 states, including South Dakota, due to possible Salmonella contamination. Reproductive Health Policy: Gov. Larry Rhoden and AG Marty Jackley appeal a court block of South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban, arguing the law should be enforceable while the case proceeds. Local Care Quality: Forbes named Brookings Hospital to its Top Hospitals by State list, highlighting patient outcomes and experience. Rural Health Watch: A national look at rural hospital closures raises concerns about whether new federal “lifeline” models can keep facilities open. Cybersecurity & Water Safety: Rapid City reports a wastewater facility cyber incident, part of a broader wave of municipal water system attacks. Hospital Ratings: CMS star ratings show several South Dakota hospitals earning top marks, including VA facilities in Sioux Falls and Sturgis. Community Support: Interlakes Area United Way launches “First Ride Home” to help newborns get safely home with car seats and safety education.

Livestock Health Watch: New World screwworm cases remain concentrated in Texas and New Mexico, but North Dakota recently sent a suspicious calf sample for lab testing—showing how quickly the risk can spread and why extra caution matters for herds. Blood Supply Alert: LifeServe says the nationwide blood shortage is worse than a typical summer dip, with some critical types at just a 1–2 day supply; donors are urged to book appointments now. Sleep & Safety: The Senate hasn’t passed a daylight saving fix, so clocks still fall back Nov. 1—doctors warn the change can disrupt sleep and travel plans. Heat Grid Readiness: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized backup power dispatch during extreme heat across the Southwest Power Pool, aiming to prevent outages (with hospital backup excluded). Local Wellness Events: Great Plains Tribal Health Program hosted a free Healthy Families Carnival in Rapid City to support family health through activities and community resources. Community Health Access: A Mission for Michael’s survey ranked Rapid City’s Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar among the nation’s top free sunset spots, highlighting how outdoor access supports mood and quality of life. EMS Workforce: South Dakota’s EMS ranks an aging workforce, with the average provider age at 51 and many volunteers in their 70s. Dental Care: A Prairie Doc segment breaks down modern options for replacing missing teeth, including implants, bridges, and All-on-X.

EMS Workforce Aging: South Dakota’s volunteer EMT ranks are getting older, with the state’s average EMS provider age at 51 and dozens in their 70s, raising concerns for rural coverage. Dental Health: A Prairie Doc explains why missing teeth can shift bites and wear down remaining teeth, and outlines modern options like implants, bridges, and All-on-X. Tribal Family Wellness: Great Plains Tribal Health Program hosted a free Healthy Families Carnival in Rapid City with activities, resources, and giveaways aimed at strengthening families. Medicaid Dollars Locally: Medicaid billing in South Dakota shows small but notable shifts, including a 0.2% uptick in Pierre “Procedures/Professional Services” payments in 2024, plus big growth in specific categories like Eagle Butte “Temporary Codes” and Sioux Falls “Vision Services.” Public Safety & Health Access: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized backup power dispatch during extreme heat across the Southwest Power Pool region, with hospital and critical services excluded from the backup-generator limits. Community Health Urgency: Blood banks are calling for donations as summer demand rises and supplies remain tight. Local Crash Updates: A Sioux Falls-area single-vehicle crash in Pennington County left one woman dead and sent the driver to a Rapid City hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

SNAP Updates: August 2026 SNAP benefit dates vary by state, with South Dakota following its own schedule for EBT card deposits. Public Health & Safety Tech: Michigan reported cyberattack activity targeting municipal water systems, with federal warnings noting threats to internet-connected control devices; officials said no public health impacts were known. Mental Health: A guest opinion argues Congress should treat lawmakers’ health and transparency seriously, while another piece highlights rising depression rates and low treatment rates. Food Access: LifeServe Blood Center and local partners are urging blood donations as summer demand strains supplies. Rural Health & Food Insecurity: A grant is backing a mobile food truck delivering meals to tribal communities across South Dakota. Caregiving Costs: A new report compares home caregiver prices by state, showing big differences—South Dakota listed among higher-cost areas. Local Health Recognition: Good Samaritan locations in South Dakota earned AHCA/NCAL Silver Quality awards for quality care. Community & Wellness Events: Wyatt’s Lemonade in Piedmont continues daily through Sturgis, raising funds for local charities. Road Safety: A fatal Bon Homme County crash near Tyndall killed an Omaha man and left a passenger with life-threatening injuries.

Blood Donation Call: LifeServe says blood supplies are still under strain heading into summer, urging donors to sign up and use local donor centers to prevent shortages after major incidents. Rural Health Research: DSU has joined the NIH-funded South Dakota INBRE biomedical research network, expanding paid undergraduate research options across statewide labs. Medicaid Spending Watch: In Madison, Medicaid billing for pathology and laboratory procedures rose 41.4% in 2024, showing how local health dollars shift over time. Food Access for Tribal Communities: A grant-backed Mobile Hunger Hero food truck is delivering meals across remote tribal areas, with dozens of distributions already logged in 2026. Drought & Livestock Safety: SDSU Extension warns that drought-stressed small grains can carry higher nitrate levels, raising risk of nitrate poisoning in cattle and sheep. Community Garden Learning: SDSU Extension hosts a free Watertown garden field day Aug. 6 with talks on soil health, plant disease, pesticide safety, and weeds. Heat & Power Reliability: The DOE issued an emergency order for South Dakota and other states to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat.

Appendix Cancer Awareness: The Appendix Cancer PMP Research Foundation is marking August with state landmark “Light Up Amber” events, expanding a patient registry, and pushing for faster diagnosis of a rare, often-misread cancer. Rural Health Workforce: South Dakota’s Board of Technical Education approved a new two-year radiology technician program at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown to help ease imaging staff shortages. Home Care Costs: A new national price check shows big state-to-state swings in 2026 home caregiver rates, with South Dakota listed at $44/hour—highlighting why families should compare local options. Drought & Livestock Safety: SDSU Extension warns that drought-stressed small grains can carry higher nitrate levels, raising risk of nitrate/nitrite poisoning in cattle and sheep. Food Access for Tribal Communities: A grant is supporting Team Buche Cares’ Mobile Hunger Hero food truck, delivering meals across dozens of rural and tribal communities. Public Health & Water: Mitchell closed public beaches at Lake Mitchell due to high microcystin from blue-green algae, warning residents to avoid contact. Quality in Senior Care: Six Good Samaritan locations earned AHCA/NCAL Silver awards for quality improvements in skilled nursing and assisted living. Mosquito Risk: Minot, ND confirmed West Nile in mosquitoes and plans ground spraying starting Aug. 7. Policy Watch: South Dakota lawmakers’ COVID-era bills largely failed, with several sponsors losing primaries or not seeking reelection.

Rural Radiology Access: The South Dakota Board of Technical Education approved a new two-year radiology technician program at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, aiming to ease rural imaging shortages as demand rises and experienced staff retire. Public Health Alerts: Minot confirmed West Nile Virus in a northwest mosquito sample and will start ground mosquito spraying Aug. 7 to reduce risk. Water Safety: Mitchell closed public beaches at Lake Mitchell after high microcystin levels from blue-green algae, warning residents to avoid contact. Healthcare Funding & Kids’ Care: Madison’s Dairy Queen raised $85,886.68 for Sanford Children’s Miracle Network during Miracle Treat Day, surpassing its $85,000 goal. Extreme Heat: A heat dome continues to push dangerous temperatures across the U.S., raising risks for heat illness and stressing power grids. Medicare Costs: A South Dakota candidate warns seniors could see higher Medicare Part D drug premiums after a federal premium stabilization program ends after 2026. Community Health Infrastructure: Medical Air Rescue Company (MARC) broke ground on a new Rapid City headquarters to expand emergency transport services across the region.