Connecting the Dots: Community Resources, 211, 988 & Medicaid Work Requirements
Connecting patients, residents, and families with the right resources can make a meaningful difference in their health and well-being. During SDAHO’s November 5, 2026 webinar, Isabella Oliver with the Helpline Center and Mary Johnley with the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) shared valuable information about community services and upcoming Medicaid changes.
Here are five things we learned.
1. 211 Connects South Dakotans to Essential Resources
Available 24/7, the 211 Helpline connects individuals with housing, food, transportation, childcare, financial assistance, and other community resources. Local specialists help identify services based on individual needs and location. Individuals can call 211, text 898-211, or email help@helplinecenter.org.
2. 988 Offers More Than Suicide Prevention
The 988 Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support for anxiety, emotional distress, substance use, and mental health crises. According to the Helpline Center, more than 97% of calls are de-escalated without requiring law enforcement involvement. Additional services include grief support, suicide prevention training, and substance use care coordination.
3. Customized Resource Guides Are Available Online
The Helpline Center website allows healthcare professionals to search for local services and create customized, printable resource guides. These tools can be especially helpful for discharge planning, social workers, case managers, and long-term care professionals connecting individuals with community support.
4. New Medicaid Requirements Begin January 2027
Beginning January 1, 2027, certain Medicaid expansion recipients will be subject to new community engagement requirements. Qualifying activities may include employment, education, or volunteer service, with exclusions for certain individuals. Current recipients will be evaluated at their next regularly scheduled renewal, while new applicants will be assessed under the new requirements beginning in January.
5. Volunteering Can Help Meet Community Engagement Requirements
The Helpline Center’s Volunteer Connections program matches individuals with local service opportunities. These activities may help eligible Medicaid recipients meet community engagement requirements while strengthening connections within their communities.
Visit Helpline Center or South Dakota DSS for additional information.
Continue Learning with SDAHO
These takeaways are just a snapshot of the valuable information shared. Watch the full webinar recording through SDAHO’s Education Portal. Visit members.sdaho.org/events for upcoming educational offerings.
