HURON, S.D., July 26, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development South Dakota State Director Nikki Gronli today announced that USDA is expanding health care across South Dakota with an additional investment of nearly $2.6 million in 17 counties through Emergency Rural Health Care Grants.
“Our rural communities have struggled to provide essential services to their residents close to home. They now have additional resources to improve the quality of life deserved by everyone regardless of where they live,” said Gronli. “The incredible impact felt across South Dakota through these investments will have a lasting impact for years to come.” [Audio: 21sec., 506KB, mp3]
USDA has awarded more than $5.3 million in 21 South Dakota counties through Emergency Rural Health Care Grants to improve health care facilities in our rural communities since early 2022. These investments have helped regional partnerships, public bodies, nonprofits and Tribes solve regional rural health care challenges. These solutions will build a stronger, more sustainable rural health care system for South Dakota’s rural citizens.
Edgemont Senior Citizen Club will purchase kitchen appliances to keep up with the demand for affordable or free healthy meals for senior and disabled citizens in Edgemont. The volunteers not only provide meals but check in on people to make sure they are safe and alright.
Horizon Health Care in Howard will update backup and cyber security equipment to enhance the telehealth services as well as software licensing updates. They also will update their IT department’s computers, as they work with 23 counties and Tribal Reservations.
Mobridge Regional Hospital will replace, update and improve technology used to treat, diagnose and mitigate the spread of COVID. Funds will be used to purchase numerous items including an ambulance, CT scanner, digital x-ray machine, and to staff monthly vaccine and booster clinics for the next three years. Mobridge Regional Hospital is one of eight Trauma Level 4 hospitals in the state, thus essential to South Dakota's rural health care system.
A complete list of all projects funded through Rural Development’s Emergency Rural Health Care Grants can be reviewed at RD.USDA.Gov/SD.
Background: Emergency Rural Health Care Grants
Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021 to deliver immediate economic relief to people impacted by the pandemic. Within months after the Act’s passage, USDA responded quickly by making this funding available to ensure the long-term availability of rural health care services. In August 2021, USDA made the Emergency Rural Health Care Grants available through the American Rescue Plan Act to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to health care services and nutrition assistance.
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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