South Dakota secured approximately $189.4 million in federal funding for the project spanning fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The initiative focuses on improving access to care, strengthening the healthcare workforce, modernizing technology, and supporting sustainable rural health systems, with emphasis on rural and frontier communities. Community conversations informed the focus on workforce shortages, transportation barriers, and expanding telehealth and broadband access. Key contacts: Melissa Magstadt
South Dakota secured $189.4 million in federal funding and initiated its Rural Health Transformation Program, spanning FY2026–FY2030. The state has publicly issued multiple Requests for Proposals and Applications for subgrants across technology, workforce, chronic disease, and provider support initiatives, with several RFPs open or closed and some awards pending. Multiple procurement opportunities are available to local providers. The implementation is moving forward with stakeholder engagement and substantial program infrastructure now operational. State opportunities: 2 active (2 closing soon), $119.0M listed funding. Key opportunities: Building a Sustainable Rural Healthcare Workforce; Multi-tiered System of Support and PBIS Coordination for Rural Behavioral Health. Strategy alignment: supports workforce, telehealth, care access priorities.
RHTP Strategy
Support rural healthcare transformation through targeted workforce initiatives, funding opportunities, and integration of services to improve access and quality.
Key Initiatives
1Technology and Data Connection
2Building a Sustainable Rural Healthcare Workforce
3Expanding and Strengthening Community Health Worker Workforce
4Medicaid Primary Accountable Care Transformation (PACT)
5Regional Maternal and Infant Health Hubs
6Strengthening Chronic Disease Management
7Integrated Behavioral Health System
8Enhancing Sustainable Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Health Priority
Workforce shortages: There are not enough healthcare workers across fields in rural communities, impacting access to care. (Regions: rural and frontier communities)
May 30, 2026
Health Priority
Transportation barriers: Limited transportation options create challenges for rural residents to reach healthcare services. (Regions: rural and frontier communities)
May 30, 2026
Health Priority
Behavioral and mental health access: Mental and behavioral health needs are growing with limited service availability in rural areas. (Regions: rural and frontier communities)
South Dakota secured $189.4 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The state has released multiple rounds of RFPs to support digital health modernization and coordinated care for rural, tribal, and frontier healthcare systems. Three consultant organizations have been selected for implementation and project management support. Key contacts: Melissa Magstadt DOH.info@state.sd.us; DOHmedia@state.sd.us
Event schedule:
- First Round RFP Release - February 25, 2026
- Second Round RFP Release - March 3, 2026
- First Awards Announcement - May 21, 2026
Award: $189.4MHEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · OTHER
Contacts
Melissa Magstadt - <DOH.info@state.sd.us> - Department Secretary - South Dakota
<DOHmedia@state.sd.us> - Media Relations - South Dakota
Core Initiatives
Strengthen rural, tribal, and frontier healthcare systems
The document lists multiple RFPs and grant programs within the South Dakota RHTP for fiscal year 2026, covering diverse areas such as digital health modernization, maternal health, chronic disease, behavioral health, workforce expansion, and payment reform. These announcements indicate an active planning phase with forthcoming application and award cycles.
QUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · HEALTH_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY · WORKFORCE · POPULATION_HEALTH · OTHER
South Dakota was awarded approximately $189.4M in FY2026 under the Rural Health Transformation Program, with a comprehensive, state-led strategy targeting rural hospital stabilization, Medicaid payment transformation, digital health infrastructure, and rural workforce expansion. Core initiatives include health IT modernization, alternative payment models, EMS regionalization, expanded maternal and behavioral health services, and workforce recruitment and retention efforts. The program directly addresses rural health disparities across all 64 rural counties, including Tribal and frontier populations.
Award: $189.4M
Core Initiatives
Promote prevention, address root causes, and chronic care management in rural populations
Strengthen sustainable rural health access and provider networks
Develop, recruit, and retain rural health workforce
Show all initiatives (5)
Promote prevention, address root causes, and chronic care management in rural populations
Strengthen sustainable rural health access and provider networks
Develop, recruit, and retain rural health workforce
Implement innovative care delivery and payment models
Advance health IT, telehealth, data sharing, and cybersecurity
South Dakota received a $189.4M Year 1 federal award under the Rural Health Transformation Program focused on ten strategic initiatives to strengthen rural healthcare systems through technology, workforce development, care coordination, and regional EMS and behavioral health systems. The program was developed with extensive stakeholder engagement and aims for sustainable improvements over a five-year period.
Award: $189.4M
Core Initiatives
Modernize healthcare delivery through technology
Build and sustain rural health workforce
Preserve access to local healthcare
Show all initiatives (4)
Modernize healthcare delivery through technology
Build and sustain rural health workforce
Preserve access to local healthcare
Create coordinated regional systems for EMS and behavioral health
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ApplicationPDF2026
The document summarizes the South Dakota Rural Health Transformation Project supported by CMS/HHS with a federal award of approximately $189.5 million. It outlines multiple grant programs and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) spanning quality improvement, workforce development, data and technology modernization, population health, and finance initiatives.
South Dakota will establish regional maternal and infant health hubs to strengthen clinical and social care coordination in rural and tribal areas. The initiative addresses workforce and social determinants barriers with support for doula programs and patient navigation.
Award: $24.0MQUALITY_IMPROVEMENT · NETWORK_DEVELOPMENT · POPULATION_HEALTH · WORKFORCE · OTHER
South Dakota has launched a comprehensive initiative to transform behavioral health care for rural and frontier populations with a nearly $190 million federal award. The project is focused on implementing the CCBHC and Collaborative Care models, expanding crisis care capacity, and integrating physical and behavioral health systems. Early-phase goals include certifying clinics, developing payment models, and establishing quality assurance and data systems.
Award: $189.5M
Core Initiatives
Enhance crisis care capacity and reduce emergency service costs
Integrate physical and behavioral health care for rural/frontier populations
Establish sustainable, evidence-based, whole-person care models
Show all initiatives (4)
Enhance crisis care capacity and reduce emergency service costs
Integrate physical and behavioral health care for rural/frontier populations
Establish sustainable, evidence-based, whole-person care models
Expand regional coverage and timely access to behavioral health services
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GuidancePDF2026
South Dakota received over $189 million in FY2026 for the Rural Health Transformation Project, with a major focus on digital health modernization for rural and underserved healthcare providers. Approximately $89.4 million will be available for the first grant period in 2026, with competitive sub-grants planned for electronic health records, interoperability, digital equipment, security, workforce training, and regional innovation. No individual recipient awards have yet been made; sub-grant opportunities will be detailed in the forthcoming RFA.
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GuidanceHTML
The program includes initiatives such as technology and data connections, Medicaid Primary Accountable Care Transformation, and behavioral health integration. It offers multiple funding opportunities and resources to support rural health providers and communities. Key contacts: DOH.info@state.sd.us
This summary document compiles state applications to the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) for FY26, outlining high-level strategies, priorities, and proposed funding totals for each participating state. Major themes include addressing maternal and chronic disease disparities, use of new technology such as telehealth, and significant rural workforce expansion efforts. Award rows reflect overall proposed state-level plans as described; no sub-recipient or hospital-specific allocations are itemized.
Core Initiatives
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Reduce chronic disease and maternal mortality
Expand access through telehealth and new care models
Show all initiatives (56)
Make Rural America Healthy Again
Reduce chronic disease and maternal mortality
Expand access through telehealth and new care models
Grow and sustain rural healthcare workforce
Advance value-based care and technology adoption
Improve emergency medical services and hospital sustainability
Empower rural residents to achieve healthy living goals through expanded population health solutions
Expand the supply of care by growing a rural workforce and spreading technologies that improve coordination
Ensure care availability and affordability long-term by pairing affordability measures with strategies that advance quality, efficiency, and fiscal durability
Transform rural health workforce through new apprenticeships, improved IT, and expansion of Area Health Education Centers and pipeline programs
Promote sustainable access and innovative care through new and expanded capacity for primary care, specialty practices, school-based health centers, and behavioral health
Expand access to essential healthcare services for rural residents
Reduce ED visits related to hypertension and diabetes
Improve health and well-being through targeted initiatives and partnerships
Strengthen the foundation of rural health systems through integrated, community-driven solutions
Transform rural health delivery, workforce development, and data exchange capacity
Improve cardiometabolic health outcomes
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SummaryPDFUpcoming2026-2030
South Dakota's PACT initiative establishes a new Medicaid primary care payment and quality incentive model, with $62.7M in grant funding for infrastructure, care management, and technology. The program aims to sustain rural primary care practices by shifting to value-based prospective payments, focusing on prevention, population health, and provider team support. Implementation runs from 2026-2030, beginning with planning and launching statewide in 2028.
This initiative funds statewide implementation of CCBHC and Collaborative Care Models in South Dakota to improve behavioral health care in rural and frontier areas. It includes workforce development, crisis and telehealth infrastructure, payment system transformation, and data infrastructure modernization.
Report Documents (4)
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ReportPDF
This initiative focuses on expanding evidence-based chronic disease management programs in rural South Dakota, including funding for rural healthcare providers and caregiver support. It aims to improve health outcomes through sustainable community-based interventions and enhanced care coordination.
Award: $35.1M
Core Initiatives
Reduce 30-day readmission rates for patients with chronic health conditions
Increase controlled blood pressure among remote patient monitoring participants
Improve Medicaid Health Home Quality Incentive Payment metrics
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ReportPDF2026-2030
South Dakota's EMS initiative targets the development of EMS Hubs to improve coverage and response times, expands workforce training, and integrates advanced technology including telemedicine. The program aims to enhance rural emergency response sustainability and coordination statewide.
Award: $64.0M
Core Initiatives
Establish EMS Hubs/Regions statewide
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ReportPDF
The initiative will establish a statewide digital training platform and deliver virtual and in-person training to enhance rural healthcare workforce capabilities. It aims to improve care quality and provider retention through professional development.
Award: $4.7M
Core Initiatives
Expand access to training for healthcare professionals across disciplines
Ensure equitable access to training for providers in rural, frontier, and tribal communities
Data Documents (2)
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DataPDF2026
The timeline outlines key quarterly activities and funding releases for the RHTP in 2026, emphasizing planning, program launch, and expanded funding for behavioral health, Medicaid support, and digital modernization.
Core Initiatives
Technology and data modernization
Medicaid transformation
Chronic disease planning
Show all initiatives (5)
Technology and data modernization
Medicaid transformation
Chronic disease planning
Behavioral health frameworks
Workforce and EMS planning and stakeholder engagement
South Dakota secured approximately $189.4 million in federal funding for the project spanning fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The initiative focuses on improving access to care, strengthening the healthcare workforce, modernizing technology, and supporting sustainable rural health systems, with emphasis on rural and frontier communities. Community conversations informed the focus on workforce shortages, transportation barriers, and expanding telehealth and broadband access. Key contacts: Melissa Magstadt
Event schedule:
- First Round of Rural Health Transformation Requests for Proposals - February 25, 2026
- Second Round of Rural Health Transformation Requests for Proposals - March 3, 2026
- Announcement of $189.4 million funding secured - December 29, 2025
- Announcement of first awards for Rural Health Transformation Grant Program Management - May 21, 2026
Contacts
Melissa Magstadt - Department Secretary - Statewide
Documents predating or adjacent to the RHTP program — useful background, excluded from main activity feed.
SD - 2022 - Chronic Disease | South Dakota Department of Health
2022-2027 · HTML
Handbook for Public Playground Safety
PDF
Source Checks
Last checked
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Core Initiatives
Expand rural healthcare workforce
Enhance rural health technology and data infrastructure
Improve quality and sustainability of rural health systems
Show all initiatives (4)
Expand rural healthcare workforce
Enhance rural health technology and data infrastructure
Improve quality and sustainability of rural health systems
Advance population health and chronic disease management
Core Initiatives
Keeping Healthcare Local and Strong
Connecting Technology and Data
Advancing the Rural Workforce
Show all initiatives (4)
Keeping Healthcare Local and Strong
Connecting Technology and Data
Advancing the Rural Workforce
Transforming Systems for Sustainability
Draft RFP/RFI - 2025-12-31
Release RFPs/RFIs - 2026-02-01
Initiate Contracts and Joint Planning - 2026-05-01
Core Initiatives
Reduce maternal and infant health disparities
Improve access to high-quality prenatal and postpartum care in rural and tribal areas
Award: $189.5M
Core Initiatives
Modernize rural health technology and digital infrastructure statewide.
Improve access, interoperability, and operational efficiency for healthcare entities in rural South Dakota.
Enhance patient safety, outcomes, and sustainability of rural health systems.
<DOH.info@state.sd.us> - South Dakota Department of Health general contact - South Dakota
Core Initiatives
Building a sustainable rural healthcare workforce
Expanding and strengthening community health worker workforce
Strengthening chronic disease management
Show all initiatives (5)
Building a sustainable rural healthcare workforce
Expanding and strengthening community health worker workforce
Strengthening chronic disease management
Enhancing sustainable emergency medical services
Integrating behavioral health systems
Recruit and retain talent in rural communities
Strengthen and stabilize rural provider financial health
Conduct statewide assessment of rural health needs and implement Coordinated Regional Integrated Systems (CRIS)
Modernize rural healthcare systems by strengthening digital backbone and increasing virtual care access
Strengthen rural infrastructure by improving access to specialized care
Build a statewide network of rural healthcare hubs to expand access to care, improve outcomes, and empower communities
Unify and standardize technology and data sharing across rural providers
Strengthen healthcare workforce and financial solvency for rural providers
Embed prevention and community health at the center of care
Focus on workforce development and right-sizing the healthcare system
Make Rural Nevada Healthy Again through value-based care models
Improve behavioral health, perinatal care, chronic disease management, oral health, and primary care access
Improve healthcare availability in rural New Jersey by investing in primary and specialty provider expansion
Transform healthcare access and quality through specialty care expansion and chronic disease management
Improve health outcomes through Make Rural America Healthy Again and primary care initiatives
Catalyze innovative care models, transform the rural care experience, and create a sustainable rural healthcare delivery system
Rebuild and retain rural health workforce through new residencies and workforce pipelines
Prevent chronic disease, restore health, and reduce costs by launching nutrition and physical activity evidence-based practices
Improve access to care through clinically integrated networks (CINs), community-based clinics in K-12 schools and college campuses, mobile health care services, rural hospital improvements, and home visits.
Improve health outcomes through expansions of behavioral health services.
Improve chronic disease health outcomes such as reduced A1C and increased levels of hypertension management.
Expand technology to build remote monitoring and telehealth, expand EMR usage for pharmacists, and pilot innovative screening technologies for chronic management.
Build a future where every community has access to high-quality, locally grounded care connected through technology and supported by a rural workforce.
Reduce preventable hospitalizations and emergency visits year over year.
Advance whole-person health through connected care technologies and coordinated pathways for behavioral health, chronic disease, maternal health, and social needs.
Statewide access to certified integrated behavioral health care
Sustainable value-based payment implementation for behavioral health care
Modernized, efficient, and connected data infrastructure for behavioral health care
Show all initiatives (5)
Statewide access to certified integrated behavioral health care
Sustainable value-based payment implementation for behavioral health care
Modernized, efficient, and connected data infrastructure for behavioral health care
Timely access and continuity of care for behavioral health patients
Improved clinical outcomes through integrated and collaborative care
Achieve full EMS agency integration with State HIE
Reduce EMS response times
Show all initiatives (5)
Establish EMS Hubs/Regions statewide
Achieve full EMS agency integration with State HIE
Reduce EMS response times
Increase certified EMS personnel
Improve coordinated coverage through telemedicine and shared resources
Increase retention of trained providers in South Dakota healthcare workforce
The South Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program strategic plan (2025-2031) proposes statewide investment in workforce, technology, and system transformation to improve rural health outcomes, reduce disparities, and strengthen hospital and clinic sustainability. Four core areas guide the strategy: modernizing health IT and data, addressing rural workforce recruitment and retention, preserving and optimizing facility access, and advancing sustainable EMS and behavioral health systems. The plan prioritizes rural/Tribal population needs, emphasizes local flexibility and partnerships, and aims for long-term sustainable impact.