Bright Start Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting South Dakota Moms and Babies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Tia Kafka, DOHMedia@state.sd.us
Bright Start Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting South Dakota Moms and Babies
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) is proud to announce the 25th anniversary of Bright Start, a statewide home visiting program that has supported thousands of new and expecting mothers since its launch in 1999. This milestone serves as an opportunity to honor the program’s legacy and highlight its continued role in improving maternal and infant health across South Dakota. Bright Start, which initially served only two cities, expanded in recent years to offer services statewide to reach more families.
“Bright Start has been a trusted resource for families across South Dakota for 25 years,” said Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt. “As we face growing maternal health challenges nationwide, Bright Start continues to be one of the most effective ways to support moms and babies at a critical time in their lives.”
Bright Start pairs registered nurses with pregnant women, offering in-home guidance, health education, emotional support, and help accessing services. The nurses and families continue to work together until the baby turns two years old. The program plays a vital role in reducing risk factors for poor maternal and infant outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Since its inception, Bright Start has supported more than 5,000 families. Nurses not only help families navigate pregnancy and parenting, but also identify and address concerns like postpartum depression, nutrition, child development, and safe sleep practices. The Bright Start program uses the Nurse Family Partnership home visiting model to train the nursing team and provide curriculum and implementation support.
“Happy Birthday, Bright Start! It’s hard to believe that Bright Start has been in South Dakota for 25 years! I have been a nurse with Bright Start for the past 20 years. It is near and dear to my heart. When I started, Bright Start was only offered in Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Then it expanded to a few other sites and is now offered statewide. This type of nursing care is unique in that we can come alongside new moms as a support, as a confidant, as a teacher, and as a cheerleader. We listen to their concerns and fears about becoming a parent and about life in general. We discuss their dreams for the future and guide them on how they can reach those goals. ” – Kristy Hazel, Bright Start nurse from the Sioux Falls area
The Bright Start program continues to support South Dakota’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve access to care across communities. As the state maintains its focus on maternal health, this anniversary highlights the lasting impact of providing early support to mothers and babies.
For more information about Bright Start and how to get involved, visit the DOH website.
At the heart of the Department of Health’s mission is a simple goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans. The department is entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all South Dakotans.
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