Governor Larry Rhoden and the Department of Health (DOH) announced that South Dakota has secured $189.4 million in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, a five‑year federal initiative designed to strengthen healthcare systems in rural communities.
The RHT Program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allocates $50 billion over five years (FY 2026–2030) to support state-driven strategies that expand access, encourage innovation, and promote long-term sustainability in rural health systems.
South Dakota’s award was made possible through broad collaboration among the Governor’s Office, the Department of Health, the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, the state’s three major hospital systems, the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board, provider groups, and rural communities across the state.
Governor Rhoden will provide additional details on the RHT Program during his State of the State Address on January 13, 2026.
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