South Dakota Allocates Over $13 Million in Behavioral Health Grants for Rural Care Expansion

RAPID CITY, S.D. - South Dakota is distributing more than $13 million in behavioral health grants aimed at enhancing mental health services in rural areas. This funding comprises 12 grants designated for the modernization and infrastructure improvement of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics through the state’s Rural Health Transformation program.

State officials indicate that these grants will assist providers in expanding their capacity, enhancing crisis services, upgrading technology, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce. The current cohort of Community Behavioral Health Clinics includes 13 providers from across South Dakota, such as West River Mental Health, Avera Behavioral Health, Capital Area Counseling, Community Counseling Services, and Northeastern Mental Health Center.

The CCBHC model is structured to offer more comprehensive behavioral health services and improve access to care. Governor Larry Rhoden stated that this funding is part of a wider initiative to improve healthcare accessibility in rural communities. An additional round of funding for Rural Health Transformation is anticipated later this fall.