South Dakota Public Health Association

11/24/2025

Bridging the gap!

With South Dakota is facing its highest rate of hunger in a decade, some Avera Health clinics are addressing the issue through wellness pantries. If patients are in need, they leave their doctor's visit with a bag of groceries.

⏬Tap to read more⏬
https://www.sdpb.org/healthcare/2025-11-17/avera-wellness-pantry-tries-to-bridge-the-gap-between-hunger-and-health

11/20/2025

Have you seen the study resources available on UniversiDI? Check out https://thisisdiseaseintervention.org/universidi/ to access free study tools and certification guidance. UniversiDi is here to support your professional development and preparation to earn the Certified in Disease Intervention (CDI) Certification.

What helps you feel prepared? Comment below with your study environment essentials.

11/20/2025

‘You Have to Innovate Just to Survive.’ The head of the National Rural Health Association on the race to keep rural hospitals alive.

11/19/2025

Great read!

The erosion of trust in public health that ensued during the pandemic has also created space for something unexpected: a new generation of communicators abandoning institutional podiums and leaning into newsletters, podcasts, and social media platforms.

Read more about how these communicators are rebuilding trust in public health, one conversation at a time: https://magazine.publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/how-public-health-found-its-voice

11/18/2025

Press release!

The South Dakota Department of Health released new data showing families participating in the state’s Bright Start Nurse Home Visiting program experience significantly stronger early childhood health outcomes compared to the overall Medicaid population.

View the full press release: https://ow.ly/7vMN50Xt7Zq

11/17/2025

Thursday!

National Rural Health Day is next Thursday, Nov. 20! Follow along here to see how NRHA is celebrating the all week.

11/17/2025

Podcast announcement!

Think you can’t change the public’s health? Shelley Hearn might convince you otherwise. Hear her take on advocacy, action and impact on The Nation’s Health Podcast: bit.ly/aphapodcast

11/13/2025

Internship!

NOW HIRING: Chronic Disease Summer Intern in Pierre or Sioux Falls

For more details, https://ow.ly/mCKy50Xpq1G

11/11/2025

11/07/2025

Public Health Nurse Jody Spangenberg recently visited the Agar Blunt Onida School to provide a school-based flu clinic. As a former student, returning to the school is always meaningful. The school helped promote and organize the clinic by sharing information with families and collecting forms in advance, which supported a smooth and efficient process. Jody administered 32 flu vaccinations to students and staff, an increase from last year.

While there, several senior students shared their interest in nursing. Jody spoke with them about nursing career opportunities and the rewarding work of serving others through public health. The Department of Health appreciates partnerships with schools that help keep communities healthy and inspire future healthcare professionals.

11/05/2025

"Honored to be selected to represent region 8 on the council of affiliates"..... Thanks, Shelby!

11/05/2025

Monday’s General Session addressed how to push back against an administration that shows a disregard for science and public health.