Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary Department of Health, was the featured speaker at the annual All District meeting held Tuesday, February 19, in Pierre. The Secretary expressed appreciation to SDAHO and its members for their collaboration on several health care initiatives over the past few years, including contributions to the Health Care Solutions Coalition. An area of focus for the Department of Health will be innovation with the Primary and Prenatal Care Innovation Grant. The Department will be seeking innovative solutions from providers in the area of primary and prenatal care. The grant will be a competitive process to select, fund and evaluate new ideas and develop alternative care models.
In addition to innovation, the Secretary spoke about workforce and discussed with members the importance of the Rural Residency Program and the Rural Healthcare Facility Assistance Program.
SDAHO members were briefed by Tim Rave on state and federal issues and updated on the association’s strategic plan priorities.
SDAHO expressed gracious appreciation for the strong vision and leadership the secretary has provided on behalf of our membership.
