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 DENR)
- 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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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 Reports Significant Decline in Syphilis Cases: Targeted Outreach and Testing Drive Progress
The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) reports encouraging progress in the fight against syphilis, with provisional data showing a 55.2% decline in early syphilis cases compared to the 5-year median. Overall, syphilis cases across all stages are down 41.5% from the same time last year.
Public Health Notice: Measles Exposure Possible at Rapid City Locations
The South Dakota Department of Health is notifying the public of potential measles exposure at two locations in Pennington County. The individual, who is South Dakota’s second confirmed measles case, visited public places while infectious.
Department of Health Reports First Measles Case in South Dakota
Department of Health Reports First Measles Case in South Dakota
DANR and DOH Announce Air Quality Alert for South Dakota | May 30, 2025
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) will be issuing an air quality alert for areas of South Dakota where smoke from wildfires in Canada is forecasted to settle.
Bat Tests Positive for Rabies at Great Plains Zoo
The Great Plains Zoo (GPZ) reported one bat on its campus, found between the pollinator garden and the farm, that tested positive for rabies.
South Dakota Department of Health Issues New Fish Consumption Advisories Following Comprehensive Sampling 2025
South Dakota Department of Health Issues New Fish Consumption Advisories Following Comprehensive Sampling