South Dakota Department of Health Announces Completion of Statewide Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 3, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Tia Kafka, DOHMedia@state.sd.us
South Dakota Department of Health Announces Completion of Statewide Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) 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).
Conducted every five years as part of the federal Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant program, the needs assessment is a critical step in planning South Dakota’s 2025–2030 State Action Plan. It provides a detailed look at health priorities, strengths, challenges, and service gaps across the state.
“Our goal with this needs assessment was to listen and understand the real challenges and opportunities facing South Dakota families at every stage of life,” said DOH Secretary Melissa Magstadt. “This work gives us a clearer picture of what South Dakotans need and lays the foundation for effective, evidence-based programs that improve health and strengthen communities.”
The Department of Health worked with SLM Consulting, LLC to design and implement the assessment, following best practices such as the Life Course Model and the Social Ecological Model. The process was grounded in principles of evidence-based decision making, sustainable partnerships, reducing duplication of effort, and ongoing engagement with communities, especially those disproportionately impacted by health disparities.
This latest assessment was marked by broad public and partner engagement, with participation from families, healthcare providers, tribal communities, social service agencies, and other key stakeholders. The process included a statewide community survey with responses from 65 of South Dakota’s 66 counties, regional partner meetings, and community conversations, including in rural and tribal communities.
Key priorities identified through the assessment will guide targeted action planning in five Title V domains: women’s health, infant health, child health, adolescent health, and children and youth with special healthcare needs, as follows:
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Title V Domain Area: |
Priority: |
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Women’s Health |
Postpartum Visits |
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Infant Health |
Safe Sleep |
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Child Health |
Food Sufficiency Medical Home |
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Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs |
Medical Home Referrals |
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Adolescent |
Adolescent Well-Visits |
A Needs Assessment and Partner Report summarizing key findings and priorities for each domain has been assembled to share findings back with communities and partners. These are available on the DOH website.
If you have ideas for collaboration, innovative approaches to care, or would like to partner in implementing solutions, we welcome your engagement. Please contact the Office of Lifespan Health to explore partnership opportunities.
Together, we can strengthen systems of care and improve outcomes for mothers, children, and youth across South Dakota.
At the heart of the Department of Health’s mission is a simple goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans.
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