South Dakota Department of Health Launches Nexus SD: Connecting South Dakotans to Community Services
For Immediate Release: 03/11/2024
Contact: Tia Kafka - DOHMedia@state.sd.us
South Dakota Department of Health Launches Nexus SD: Connecting South Dakotans to Community Services
PIERRE, SD – The SD Department of Health has created Nexus SD, a technology platform and referral system connecting individuals and families to health care, human, and social service providers across the state, with just one call or contact from the recipient.
“The goal of this platform is to help provide better access to services, not just within healthcare, but to help those who face other barriers like the need for transportation, food insecurities, education, and more,” said Department of Health Secretary, Melissa Magstadt.
Often South Dakota residents struggle with not only finding the resources they need but facing the daunting task of reaching out to multiple service providers, completing abundant paperwork, and navigating the system. These challenges are often barriers to receiving the help and services they are seeking.
Nexus SD streamlines the connection between all the multi-sector providers to quickly address the needs and drive positive outcomes for higher risk populations and those who are underserved.
Nexus SD provides numerous benefits to the individual in need, plus to the providers and the community:
- Individual benefits include:
- Quick connection to appropriate services;
- Telling their story only once;
- Screening identifies additional needs; and
- Elevated level of care and satisfaction.
- Provider benefits include:
- Access to comprehensive resource database;
- Streamlined referrals and communication between providers;
- Shared client story to promote rapid identification of social needs;
- Organizations can more effectively serve community members; and
- Access to outcome data for measuring impact.
- Community benefits include:
- Community data to inform policy, planning, and investment;
- Identification of unmet needs and barriers to access services; and
- Infrastructure to more effectively serve community members.
Training for early adopters within Rapid City and Mitchell begins March 11, 2024, with a pilot project to begin after training. Pilot users will have the opportunity to provide feedback to make any necessary improvements to the system prior to statewide rollout beginning in spring/summer 2024.
For more program information or to submit your interest in becoming a member, visit Nexus.SD.gov or email NexusSD@helplinecenter.org to connect directly with the Nexus SD team.
Thank you to our partners Findhelp, Helpline Center, and South Dakota Health Link for making this community resource available to those who need help in our state.
At the heart of the Department of Health’s mission is a simple yet profound 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 across our great state.
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