Rural health care providers across South Dakota are set to receive a major technology upgrade.
Governor Larry Rhoden announced that 82 projects will share 90 million dollars through the federal Rural Health Transformation initiative. The funding is aimed at helping health care providers modernize technology, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve the sharing of patient information between facilities and providers.
State officials say demand was high, with 144 applications requesting a combined 336 million dollars in funding.
The grants will support projects ranging from electronic health record upgrades and remote patient monitoring to cybersecurity improvements and new technology training for health care workers. Funding will also help older adults manage health conditions while remaining in their homes.
In addition, Regional Innovation Centers will be established to connect health care providers with schools, community organizations, and technology companies. Those centers will offer training, technical assistance, and opportunities to test new health care technologies.
Governor Rhoden says the goal is to ensure South Dakotans, especially those living in rural communities, have access to quality health care closer to home.
