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.
Nominate a Rural Health Hero for the 2025 Community Star Recognition
Do you know someone who’s making a real difference in the health and well-being of South Dakota’s rural communities? Whether it’s a dedicated provider, a passionate volunteer, or an organization creating change — now is the time to recognize their efforts!
The Community Star Recognition Program, established by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) in 2015, celebrates individuals and groups who go above and beyond to improve rural health. Their inspiring stories are shared nationwide each year on National Rural Health Day, and more than 400 Stars have been honored so far!
Who Can Be Nominated?
Anyone working, volunteering, or leading efforts in a rural area — including:
- Healthcare professionals and first responders
- Community health workers and volunteers
- Schools, libraries, and faith-based groups
- Coalitions or partnerships tackling local health needs
- Organizations receiving technical assistance or funding through SORH or FORHP
Let’s shine a light on those making a difference. Help us tell the stories of South Dakota’s rural health champions!
Submit Your Nomination - Deadline to nominate is July 23, 2025
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 additional documents or 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
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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
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.
EMS Regional Services Designation Assessment Report, 2023
The following Regional Service Designation assessment is aimed at identifying current challenges facing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in South Dakota while ensuring all South Dakotans - regardless of where they live - receive high-quality healthcare in a timely and efficient manner.
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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.