Rural Health
Our mission is to improve the delivery of health services to rural and medically underserved communities, emphasizing access. We work primarily at the local level.
Specific program examples include recruiting health professionals, assisting facilities such as hospitals and rural health clinics, helping interested organizations develop and use technology applications, and providing general information and referrals.
Rural Health Day
Governor Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Health are proud to join organizations and communities across the country in celebrating National Rural Health Day on Nov. 20, 2025. Led by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), this annual observance recognizes the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural communities and honors the dedication of those who work each day to support the health and well-being of nearly 61 million people living in rural America.
Press Release
South Dakota Department of Health Celebrates National Rural Health Day 2025
Governor Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) are proud to join organizations and communities across the country in celebrating National Rural Health Day on Nov. 20, 2025.
Rural Health Hero for the 2025 Community Star Recognition
The South Dakota Office of Rural Health is pleased to announce Jones County Ambulance Service as our 2025 Community Star. Their team continues to demonstrate strong dedication to serving residents across central South Dakota through skilled emergency response, compassion, and a deep commitment to community. Their work strengthens rural healthcare and reflects the power of rural communities supporting one another. Congratulations to Jones County Ambulance Service.
Office of Rural Health and Emergency Services
05-01-2025
Strategic Analysis of South Dakota’s Rural Healthcare Programs, 2024
The Office of Rural Health and Emergency Services conducted a Strategic Analysis of Rural Healthcare Programs using a comprehensive five-step process to evaluate South Dakota’s rural healthcare access needs, assess current state programs, and determine their adequacy in addressing those needs. The five steps included an Environmental Scan, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Leading Practice Identification, and Recommendation Development.
This analysis identified four core issues impacting healthcare access in rural South Dakota and provided actionable recommendations, sub-recommendations, and steps to address these challenges.
View the Data Analysis Summary Access the Infographic Summary
For inquiries, please contact Josie Petersen at Josie.Petersen@state.sd.us.
Shortage Areas
Learn about health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) and medically underserved areas (MUAs).
Recruitment Assistance for Healthcare Professionals
Rural Health staff administer a variety of programs to assist communities and facilities in recruiting healthcare professionals.
J-1 Waiver Program
The J-1 Visa Waiver Program helps rural communities recruit foreign or international medical graduate physicians.
Critical Access
The Critical Access Hospital Program helps small rural hospitals adjust to the rapid changes in health care.
November 21, 2024 - Rural Health Day Proclamation
Listservs — Email Groups
-
Subscribe to South Dakota Rural Health Listserv
When you subscribe, you will receive about 20 email newsletters throughout the year about various topics, such as recruitment program information; opportunities for attending conferences, webinars, or meetings; sharing information from federal resources; etc. You will also stay up-to-date on grant-related details from the federal level.
Reports
South Dakota Healthcare Workforce Trends, 2025
South Dakota healthcare workforce trends and data from the Labor Market Information Center.
Strategic Analysis of South Dakota’s Rural Healthcare Programs, 2024
The Office of Rural Health conducted a Strategic Analysis of Rural Healthcare Programs using a comprehensive five-step process to evaluate South Dakota’s rural healthcare access needs, assess current state programs, and determine their adequacy in addressing those needs. The five steps included an Environmental Scan, Data Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Leading Practice Identification, and Recommendation Development. This analysis identified four core issues impacting healthcare access in rural South Dakota and provided actionable recommendations, sub-recommendations, and steps to address these challenges.
South Dakota Healthcare Workforce Trends, 2024
South Dakota healthcare workforce trends and data from the Labor Market Information Center.
You Might Also Like
EMS & Trauma Program
Find information on emergency medical services (EMS), including licensing and certification requirements, BLS education and additional EMS resources.
PHPR
Discover essential resources and guidelines for healthcare providers on emergency preparedness.
Healthcare Professionals
Access surveying and licensing information, public health laboratory testing, preparedness resources, response resources, and a statewide trauma registry.
Careers and Recruiting
Find a variety of available career and educational opportunities for current and future healthcare workers and support at and beyond the SD DOH.