News & Statutes
Keeping the public, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders informed is crucial to promoting transparency and facilitating effective communication. On this page, you will find up-to-date news articles, press releases, and announcements covering a wide range of topics, including disease outbreaks, public health campaigns, vaccination updates, and more.
Latest News and Updates
dohmedia@state.sd.us
Tia Kafka serves as the Marketing & Outreach Director for the Department of Health. She oversees the Office of Communication and Marketing and manages the department's media, communications, and marketing initiatives. Tia is a skilled and trained communications professional with over a decade of serving in various capacities within the state government and the private sector. Before transitioning to the Department of Health, Tia worked for the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce as the Convention and Visitors Bureau Director and the Chamber CEO. She specializes in communication strategies including marketing, fundraising, event planning, customer services, public awareness, media relations, and education tactics.
Tia graduated from Minnesota State University, Moorhead in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with an emphasis on public relations and advertising. She and her husband moved to Pierre in 2011. Joe and Tia have two boys, Gavin and Aiden. Outside of work, Tia enjoys spending time with her family fishing, camping, and hiking outdoors. She also enjoys reading, dancing, watching movies, and snuggling with her kiddos and fur babies.
- 2022 Nursing Facility Moratorium Report (updated 12/16/22)
- Manganese in Drinking Water (SD DANR)
- Manganese ToxFAQs (ASTDR)
- Prescription Opioid Abuse Prevention Initiative
- Monthly reports of health and infectious disease data for South Dakota
- Current survey reports for South Dakota nursing facilities
- Current health inspection scores for South Dakota restaurant, lodging, and campground establishments
- South Dakota Health Link
- Department of Health HIPAA notice
Current Food Recalls
Media Relations
Social Media Channels
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Contacts
South Dakota Department of Health staff directory.
About
The South Dakota Department of Health Strategic Plan includes efforts aimed at keeping South Dakotans healthy and strong, providing them with up-to-date health-related information.
Health Data & Reports
View reports, surveys and statistics surrounding South Dakota youth, behavioral risks, birth, death, marriage, divorce and abortions.
News
South Dakota Department of Health Announces Completion of Statewide Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment
The South Dakota Department of Health Office of Lifespan Health has completed a comprehensive, year-long statewide needs assessment aimed at improving the health and well-being of South Dakota’s mothers, infants, children, adolescents, and children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHN).
South Dakota WIC Services Continue Without Disruption
The South Dakota Department of Health confirms that the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program continues to operate as normal.
South Dakota Department of Health Invites High School and Middle School Students to Explore Healthcare Careers through Scrubs Camps
South Dakota Department of Health Invites High School and Middle School Students to Explore Healthcare Careers through Scrubs Camps
South Dakota Health Link Announces 2025 Fall Forum Virtual Sessions
South Dakota’s health information exchange, Health Link, is excited to announce that this year’s Fall Forum will take place in a new format.
Why South Dakota Didn’t Have a Measles Outbreak
South Dakota prevented a measles outbreak through early action, education, vaccination, and strong partnerships to protect communities across the state.
DANR and DOH Announce Air Quality Alert for South Dakota | July 31, 2025
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is issuing an air quality alert for areas of South Dakota where smoke from wildfires in Canada is forecasted to settle.