AGP Executive Report

Health Care Costs & Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 refunds for Obamacare overcharges tied to federal marketplace “user fees,” with payments expected to start in October. Local Health Access: South Dakota Urban Indian Health in Sioux Falls adds walk-in appointments every Monday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., starting Sept. 14, with transportation support available. Hospital Quality Spotlight: Monument Health Rapid City Hospital earned U.S. News “High Performing” marks for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and heart arrhythmia care. Early Childhood Development: Sioux Falls’ Center for Disabilities Run, Walk & Roll returns for its fifth year, emphasizing early identification and support for developmental needs. Kids’ Dental Care: Horizon Health’s Smiles for Miles program offers free dental visits for children ages 0-5 at multiple South Dakota locations in October. Food Safety Reminder: The FDA expanded a Walmart berries recall, adding 11 more states/territories for Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend due to possible E. coli contamination. Community Wellness Event: Fairytale 5K in Rapid City supports Storybook Island, helping keep admission free and fund new attractions. Public Health Research: USD researchers are studying a depression treatment (TMS) for potential benefits in Parkinson’s patients. Wildfire Health Watch: A record wildfire season has burned 54,000 fires across 8.5 million acres, raising concerns about smoke and health impacts.

Health Insurance Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 refunds for Affordable Care Act “overcharges” tied to federal marketplace user fees, with payments expected to start in October. Food Safety Alert: The FDA expanded a Walmart recall of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, now listing distribution in South Dakota and more states/territories due to possible E. coli O145 contamination. Parkinson’s Research: USD researchers are testing a depression treatment—transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—for potential benefits in Parkinson’s, using real-time brain signals to target abnormal rhythms. Local Access to Care: South Dakota Urban Indian Health in Sioux Falls adds Monday walk-in hours starting Sept. 14, aiming to make appointments easier for patients who need care sooner. Child Dental Support: Horizon Health’s Smiles for Miles program offers free dental visits for kids ages 0–5 across multiple South Dakota locations each October. Public Health Watch: CDC warns rabies activity is rising and urges anyone with a possible exposure to seek medical care right away.

Public Health Access: South Dakota Urban Indian Health in Sioux Falls is adding walk-in clinic hours every Monday (8 a.m.–4 p.m.) starting Sept. 14, with transportation support available. Cancer Screening Expansion: South Dakota is expanding its All Women Count program, lowering the minimum screening age for breast and cervical cancer from 30 to 21 to help ease rural access gaps. Suicide Prevention & Crisis Support: The state’s 988 hotline performance report says 98% of callers needing “someone to talk to” are stabilized, but South Dakota’s suicide rate still rose in 2024, with firearms involved in most deaths. Food Safety: CDC says a Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce is over after nearly 13,000 illnesses, but FDA’s investigation continues. Rabies Alert: CDC warns of increased animal rabies activity and urges anyone bitten or scratched by a possibly infected animal to seek care right away. Local Health & Safety: Sioux Falls Fire Rescue extinguished an accidental commercial structure fire in about 40 minutes; officials reminded residents to keep smoke detectors working. Healthcare Tech: Hegg Health Center upgraded its 3D mammography equipment to improve efficiency and comfort while maintaining local screening access. Health Coverage Costs: White House says $500 Obamacare refund checks will go to nearly 1 million people in 30 states starting in October.

Women’s Cancer Care: South Dakota is expanding the All Women Count program, lowering the minimum screening age for breast and cervical cancer from 30 to 21 to help ease pressure on limited OB-GYN access—especially for rural patients. Rabies Alert: Pennington County confirmed its first rabies-positive case of 2026 after a bat exposed a cat in Rapid City; officials say there was no human exposure, but the case is a reminder to treat bats seriously. Healthcare Access & Cost Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will receive $500 ACA refunds starting in October, tied to alleged “user fee” overcharges. Public Health & Food: USDA reports several new avian flu outbreaks in South Dakota commercial flocks, with health officials saying affected flocks are euthanized to stop spread. Community Support: Vermillion blood drives are planned in September to help local hospitals during the post–Labor Day dip in supplies. Local Health Workforce: SDSU’s Metro Center is opening as a hands-on training hub for nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, lab science, and public health students. Safety in Custody: Rapid City police faced criticism after a man died following use of the WRAP restraint device; officials say it’s used only when someone is a danger and training includes monitoring breathing.

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including South Dakota—will get one-time $500 checks in October after the White House claims they were overcharged through Healthcare.gov “user fees.” Workforce & Training: A new look inside the SDSU Metro Center in Sioux Falls shows nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, lab science, and public health students practicing in simulated clinical spaces. Rabies Alert: Rapid City’s first Pennington County rabies case of 2026 was confirmed after a bat exposed a vaccinated cat; health officials say there’s no human exposure reported. Avian Flu Watch: USDA reports several new HPAI outbreaks in South Dakota commercial turkey flocks, with large flocks affected and standard euthanization used to stop spread. University Enrollment: South Dakota public universities topped 35,000 students for the third straight year, with some growth in health sciences and other programs. Mental Health & Community: South Dakota’s 988 helpline continues expanding awareness as local events and walks support suicide prevention.

Mental Health Access: South Dakota’s 988 Helpline marks four years of service, with the Helpline Center encouraging people to call, text, or chat 24/7 for emotional crisis support. Suicide Prevention in the Community: “Chalk the Walk” events are set for Sept. 10 (World Suicide Prevention Day), inviting South Dakotans to spread messages of hope and connection across multiple communities. Public Health—Foodborne Illness: The CDC reports nearly 20,000 confirmed Cyclospora cases in the ongoing outbreak, with thousands more pending or unconfirmed as testing and reporting continue. Flu Prevention: Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations in South Dakota are now giving 2026-2027 flu shots with no appointment needed, including options for Medicare and most insurance. Healthcare System Funding: Sioux Falls’ crisis triage center “The Link” is facing a management change and a projected $500,000 funding shortfall, raising questions about next-year support. Local Safety & Health: A man died after becoming unresponsive while in custody following an arrest in Rapid City; the Division of Criminal Investigation is handling the case. Health & Wellness Trends: Instacart says “proteinization and fiberization” is accelerating, with searches for protein and fiber rising sharply as shoppers follow nutrition-focused guidance tied to GLP-1 use. Workforce & Biomanufacturing: A pilot program is launching to grow a biomanufacturing skilled workforce in South Dakota, aiming to support the state’s bioeconomy.

Flu shots made easier: Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations in South Dakota (and nearby states) are now giving 2026-2027 flu vaccines with no appointment or prescription needed, with regular and high-dose options for eligible ages. Local health access: The Link in Sioux Falls is facing a management change as Avera won’t submit to continue running the 24/7 triage center, and officials expect a possible half-million-dollar shortfall next year. Mental health in the spotlight: Rapid City and youth leaders are hosting “Chalk the Walk” events for World Suicide Prevention Day, encouraging connection and mental wellness messages across sidewalks and City Hall. Public health + safety: South Dakota confirmed its first cattle anthrax case of 2026 in a Meade County herd; officials quarantined the animals and notified neighboring ranchers. Community wellness supports: A Brookings-area diaper drive is underway to address diaper need, noting how lack of diapers can affect skin health, infections, and early childhood participation. Urban health environment: Sioux Falls plans about 1,600 fall street-tree plantings through its CommuniTree program to replace ash losses and expand canopy. Healthcare workforce/industry: SDSU’s expanded Swine Education and Research Facility adds new wean-to-finish nutrition rooms, boosting capacity and supporting local agriculture. Health-adjacent local business: A Yankton dental clinic and a Sturgis coffee brewer received state low-interest loans through the Board of Economic Development.

School Meals Access: South Dakota families can now apply for free or reduced-price meals (and free milk) for the 2026-27 school year under state education guidance tied to HB 1082. 988 Mental Health Funding: HHS announced $383 million for mental health, crisis response, and suicide prevention, including about $252 million for 988 services and mobile crisis support, with extra focus on rural and tribal communities. Suicide Prevention in Rapid City: The Rapid City Youth City Council is hosting “Chalk the Walk” outside City Hall to spread hope and encourage conversations as part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Local Health Care Updates: Avera Health says it won’t bid to run Sioux Falls’ The Link crisis triage center, but plans to stay if no other operator steps in. Health & Safety Incidents: A kitchen fire at a Sioux Falls motel sent one person to the hospital; separate crashes in Brookings County and near Brookings left multiple people injured. Corrections Health: South Dakota Department of Corrections reported inmate Michael Kaiser died after a brief medical issue. Maternal Health Warning: A new national analysis finds ectopic pregnancy deaths nearly doubled in recent years, with worse outcomes in states with abortion bans. Rapid City Growth: Building permits hit record highs, including a $34 million Neonatal ICU project at Monument Health.

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.