The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) hosted its annual Rural Health Leaders Conference in Fort. Pierre, June 25-26, 2024. This in-person two half day event was attended by healthcare professionals from across the state who participated in robust conversations focusing on South Dakota’s healthcare challenges, solutions and more. Several key areas included: state and federal advocacy updates, Medicaid Expansion, workforce initiatives, housing solutions, the media’s role in healthcare, rural mental health, effective leadership, and creating a people-first work culture.
Michella Sybesma, VP of Education and Communication, “We had a great turn out at this year’s conference, and we are grateful for those that could join us this year. A big thank you to all our sponsors who partnered with SDAHO on this year’s event, in addition to our presenters who provided great information and resources for those in attendance.”
The conference included several sessions featuring SDAHO Staff sharing information and updates on areas specific to their departments. “SDAHO’s Director of Advocacy and Reimbursement Jacob Parsons provided an update on Medicaid Expansion in our state along with some highlights of the upcoming legislative session.” Said Sybesma. In addition, SDAHO’s CEO, Tim Rave spoke to the results of the primary election in early June, in addition more in-depth comments on the upcoming election and what we may expect with healthcare legislation during the upcoming legislative session. Lindsay Stroman, SDAHO’s Workforce Development Coordinator provided an update on the association’s workforce grant, work done so far and goals for the coming year. This year also included two panel discussions moderated by SDAHO’s Marketing and Media Relations Manager, Stephanie Rissler. “On the first day, representatives from the Housing industry joined us to share information on possible solutions to our housing crisis in South Dakota. On day two, we provided a panel conversation on the role the media plays in the perception of healthcare with the public. Paul Heinert Director of Sanford Health and Sigrid Wald Swanson the Communications and Public Relations Partner from Avera Health, alongside the CEO of South Dakota News Watch Carson Walker all provided best practices when it comes to working with the media.” said Sybesma.
Last, closing out the event, Lisa Waldon, a speaker, strategist and consultant with Good Company Consulting provided a generational look at the workforce, touching on everyone from the baby boomers to the next workforce group, Generation-Alpha.
This year’s conference was made possible in part through sponsorships provided by SDAHO Enterprises, McGough Construction, and CMBA Architects.
Registration for SDAHO’s 2024 Annual Convention will open July 1, 2024, with this year’s theme “Moving Mountains Together”, as it is taking place in Rapid City, September 25-27, 2024.
