Category Archives: State

Helmsley Charitable Trust Equips 186 organizations with life-saving equipment.

A $3.7 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, administered over the past three years through the South Dakota Department of Health, has saved the lives of 23 people. The LUCAS® 2 Cardiac Care Project equipped 134 EMS agencies and 52 critical access hospitals in South Dakota with the necessary tools to improve survivability in sudden cardiac arrest victims.

The LUCAS® Chest Compression System (LUCUS® 2) delivers consistent, reliable and uninterrupted chest compressions which allows healthcare providers to concentrate on other equally important aspects of patient care; providing patients with the best opportunity of survival. The LUCUS® 2 device virtually frees up one healthcare worker to perform other essential tasks.

“The LUCUS® 2 devices can save lives,” said Walter Panzirer, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “People living in rural areas deserve access to the same healthcare technology as those living in metro areas enjoy. Working with the State of South Dakota Department of Health we were able to equip first responders in the state with LUCUS® 2 devices, equipment they couldn’t otherwise afford, giving cardiac patients a better chance at survival.”

“We extend our gratitude to the Helmsley Charitable Trust,” said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health. “This investment in rural healthcare will help ensure South Dakotans have access to life-saving care in emergency situations, regardless of transport distance. These devices will continue to support the Department of Health’s mission to promote, protect and improve the health of every South Dakotan for years to come.”

According to those charged with using the new device, the LUCUS® 2 is making a difference when emergency medical units respond to a scene.

“The patient arrested at their place of employment,” said one South Dakota paramedic. “According to bystanders, the patient collapsed and became unresponsive. When we arrived on-scene, no CPR was in progress and after one round of manual CPR, we placed the LUCAS®. The patient achieved ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) on-scene and we did not lose them again. The patient was discharged alive without deficits.

“The LUCAS® is a huge help because it frees up a crew member to do other interventions,” he added. “It makes me feel more confident because I can think and focus on the next steps. It [LUCAS®] played a huge role in this patient surviving.”

The $3,777,926 grant was implemented in January 2014, placing a total of 202 devices in 186 South Dakota EMS agencies and hospitals.

South Dakota public housing residents will be protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke through a new smokefree housing rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that goes into effect on July 30.

“Secondhand smoke is a serious health threat, and can linger in rooms and even travel between homes in multi-unit housing. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke,” said Pat McKone, senior director of health promotions for the American Lung Association.

The Lung Association celebrates this long-awaited health protection, following more than a decade of advocacy for the passage of the rule as well as support for the implementation of smokefree housing policies in local public housing authorities. In South Dakota, it means protections for more than 2,000 residents in local public housing agencies.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life, and ensuring homes are free from the risks of secondhand smoke is a critical step for the health of residents,” said McKone. “This is especially true for children and those who are more vulnerable to the impact of secondhand smoke, such as those living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Today we’re making a healthier future for South Dakota and our country.”

In November 2016, HUD announced a rule requiring all federally-owned public housing to become smokefree by July 30, 2018. This rule will protect close to two million Americans nationwide from being exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes, including 690,000 children.

Secondhand smoke exposure poses serious health threats to both children and adults. Damaging health effects in children and adults include lung cancer, respiratory infections, worsened asthma symptoms, heart attacks and stroke. For residents of multi-unit housing (e.g., apartment buildings and condominiums), secondhand smoke can be a major concern even if people don’t smoke in your unit, as smoke can migrate from other units and common areas and travel through doorways, cracks in walls, electrical lines, plumbing, and ventilation systems.

At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, as “Purple Heart Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal.

“While we are grateful to all of those who have served our nation, the 7th of August is a day designated to remember and recognize the sacrifices endured by those members of the Armed Forces of the United States who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal, ” said Larry Zimmerman, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. “It is fitting to set aside a day to recognize those who have been awarded for their extraordinary sacrifices.”

The governor encourages all South Dakotans to set aside time on Aug. 7 to honor our soldiers who have been honored with the Purple Heart. “The men and women serving in our Armed Forces are tough, determined, courageous and capable of unbelievable acts of courage and sacrifice,” said Gov. Daugaard.

“Our military remains as strong as it has ever been. America’s veterans have been defined by the virtues of selfless service, sacrifice and devotion to duty,” said Zimmerman. “These men and women, who serve and have served, are the flesh and blood of American exceptionalism.”

by Rita Raish/SUN

On Sunday, July 29, the public is invited to, ‘Bringing Dignity to Women,’ an event organized to show South Dakota’s unified effort in raising awareness and educating others in the fight against human trafficking, sex trafficking, and domestic violence. Native Hope, in partnership with the Call to Freedom and Red Ribbon Skirt Society organizations, is hosting the event at the Chamberlain I-90 rest area between exits 263 and 265, beneath the towering sculpture of Dale Lamphere’s ‘Dignity’. Scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., the event will feature speakers, a drum group, music, and a community meal. The event is free of charge.

Native Hope Executive Director Trisha Burke said, “In the past, Native Hope has spent time at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August spreading awareness of human trafficking in South Dakota, which involves a proportionately high percentage of Native American women. This year, we chose to raise awareness by hosting an event along Interstate 90, specifically near Dignity, as she represents the continuous journey for all women to achieve the dignity they deserve.”

Many victims of trafficking are women who have been kidnapped and forced into sex slavery by predators out to exploit women as a way to make money. The average age of a trafficked girl is 16, with girls as young as 12 being preyed upon- an age too young for them to even know what is even happening to them.

Kansas Middletent, an ambassador for Native Hope said, “Sex trafficking and domestic violence doesn’t discriminate, it can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. I-90 is the gateway west, and South Dakota is a mecca for predators. Our women and children are being preyed upon and are being victimized, and it’s our job to stand up and protect them.”

Many victims become trapped into a dark world of abuse after getting duped by the false promises of mentally manipulative people, including those they thought of as a friend, or as a result of a generational family cycle.

Oftentimes victims have entrusted their love to adults who they think are there to protect them; instead, they are flung into a dark world of unimaginable horrors. With no support or resources available to counter the attack, they become isolated economically and psychologically- their souls beaten down with guilt, fear, and shame until they blame themselves for the abuse.

Their plight remains invisible, leaving them with no hope of leaving.

Native Hope’s motto for this cause is, ‘Rally together, and we can end it.’

But first, we must face it.

To show support, people are asked to wear red or blue t-shirts to the event. Various groups will be donating their time to help, from parking cars to serving the meal. If you would like to volunteer, contact Burke or Middletent at Native Hope at 605-234-3566.

Aug. 1 through Aug. 7, South Dakota joins other states and countries around the globe in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week. This year’s theme, “Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life”, focuses on breastfeeding as a universal solution to improve the health and well-being of women and children.

“Breastfeeding is a natural and optimal way of feeding children, and measures need to be taken to make breastfeeding a nonevent that is universally accepted anywhere at any time,” said Beth Honerman, state breastfeeding coordinator for the Department of Health.

According to the 2016 CDC Breastfeeding Report Card, 83.6 percent of South Dakota mothers start breastfeeding. Unfortunately, the rate of mothers who continue breastfeeding at six and 12 months remains low at 53.4 and 31.8 percent, respectively. Honerman noted that the Department of Health is committed to making breastfeeding in South Dakota successful by providing professional support through community health offices with staff that are International Board Certified Lactation Counselors (IBCLCs) and Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs). In addition, breastfeeding peer counselors are available to serve as mentors and support breastfeeding mothers through the WIC Program.

The Department of Health and its partners have also implemented the Breastfeeding-Friendly Business Initiative in several South Dakota communities to help businesses support breastfeeding employees and customers. To date, more than 575 businesses across the state have signed a pledge to provide an environment where mothers and employees can enjoy a welcoming attitude from staff, management and other patrons while breastfeeding.

In acknowledgement of the importance of breastfeeding as a public health issue, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Aug. 1-7 World Breastfeeding Awareness Week in South Dakota.

To learn more about breastfeeding, contact the Department of Health office in your county (http://doh.sd.gov/local-offices/) or visit www.sdwic.org.

Learn more about the Breastfeeding-Friendly Business Initiative at www.healthysd.gov/breastfeeding.

The success of Scottish director, Steven Lewis Simpson’s adaptation of best-selling novel, Neither Wolf Nor Dog​, defies logic—Hollywood logic that is. It was audience-financed with 18 shoot days, a tiny crew, a 95-year-old star and a self-distributed release that started in small towns and is outperforming Hollywood blockbusters in numerous multiplexes.
The film “Neither Wolf nor Dog” is being shown in Winner at the Pix theater. The film opened at the Pix on July 27 and will run until Aug. 2

It has a higher audience score on Rotten Tomatoes than any big Hollywood movie out at the moment; 4.7/5 – 95%. The film has had a longer theatrical run than any other US film released in the past decade and has become the most successful non-Hollywood Native American film in years.

Shot on Pine Ridge, the film has steadily rolled out through the nation, remarkably passing the 150th theater mark within only 15% of the country. South Dakota has proportionally had the most theaters per-capita – an equivalence of 5,185 theaters nationally.
Oklahoma Film Critics Society’s Louis Fowler named ​Neither Wolf Nor Dog​ the number one film of 2017. The film was extended for three weeks in Spearfish due to demand and was the top performing film its first week, beating five big Hollywood movies including the ranking top 3 in the US.

Based on the best-selling Native American novel by Kent Nerburn, ​Neither Wolf Nor Dog​ takes audiences on a deeply moving road trip through contemporary and historical Lakota life and culture. Its humor is wry and pulls no punches, introducing deep characters and poignant vignettes that challenge the viewer to see the world a bit differently.

South Dakotan Dave Bald Eagle stars in the film. He was born in Cherry Creek in 1919 and around 10 years later participated in Deadwood’s Days of ‘76 parade for the first time. He attended the majority of them until he passed away last year aged 97. For a time, his obituary was the most-read feature in the world on the BBC. NPR’s All Things Considered team debated whether Bald Eagle was “the world’s most interesting man.”

Dave was a veteran and was left for dead on D-Day. The other star Christopher Sweeney is also a prominent veteran and a recipient of the Silver Star when a Marine in combat in the Gulf War. The cast is filled with amazing Native actors, Richard Ray Whitman, Roseanne Supernault, Tatanka Means and the wonderful Zahn McClarnon, who most recently has been a star of the TV series Westworld. Local cast from Pine Ridge includes Harlen Standing Bear Sr, Yellow Pny Pettibone and Dawn Little Sky (whose husband was the famous Native actor, Eddie Little Sky).

Nebraskans in the north-central part of the state may have felt a little rumble Saturday morning.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.5-magnitude earthquake about 10 miles north of Valentine, Neb., right on the Nebraska-South Dakota border.

The earthquake happened at about 2:11 a.m. and had a depth of about 6 miles (10 km).

There were no reports of injuries or damage.

Nebraska’s last earthquake was less than a month ago when a few were recorded in Custer County, including a 4.2-magnitude quake.

PIERRE, S.D. – The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to the State of South Dakota by Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment.

“This is the second consecutive year this certificate was awarded to the Bureau of Finance and Management (BFM), which is responsible for completing the State’s annual financial statements” Gov. Dennis Daugaard said. “However, the achievement of this award would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of every accountant in state government, including that of our independent auditor, the Department of Legislative Audit.”

The State’s CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel of GFOA staff and the GFOA Special Review Committee to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story. South Dakota earned the highest grade of “proficient” status in all seventeen grading categories.

This achievement comes after South Dakota state government closed the 2018 budget year with a $16.9 million surplus, while both Fitch and S&P recently reaffirmed South Dakota’s AAA Issuer Default Rating with a stable outlook.

PIERRE, S.D. – Last week Standard & Poor Global announced that it has reaffirmed South Dakota’s AAA Issuer Default Rating with a stable outlook.

“By sticking to conservative budget practices and keeping our reserves at 10 percent of our annual budget, South Dakota continues to benefit from the highest rating possible from S&P,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “It’s been hard work to achieve AAA status during my time in office. I am very proud to say that not only have we been able to reach this status, but we have also been able to maintain it.”

In the report, S&P reflects on the state’s expanding and diverse economy, strong economic trends, well-funded pension system, low debt, strong level of reserve funds, and our conservative and balanced budget requirement as key reasons for reaffirming the state’s AAA. The state general fund budget for fiscal year 2018 ended with a $16.9 million surplus, from both lower expenditures and higher revenues than budgeted. S&P has reported a stable outlook for the state’s fiscal year 2019 with structural budgetary alignment and strong economic metrics.

S&P awarded the state a AAA rating in 2015. Fitch reaffirmed the state’s AAA rating for a third time last month and Moody’s is expected to renew the state’s ratings next month.

Credit ratings give potential bond purchasers a measurement of state performance and credit worthiness. Upgrades typically allow issued bonds to carry a lower interest rate, providing interest savings to issuers as well as the State of South Dakota and taxpayers.

South Dakota has received the highest rating possible under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, or IDEA, for both Parts B and C for the most recent reporting year of federal fiscal year 2016. The state is one of only 14 across the country to meet the requirements and purposes of IDEA under both Parts B and C, according to information released recently from the U.S. Department of Education.

IDEA Part B measures and reports the effectiveness of special education services at the preschool and K-12 levels, while Part C refers to the state’s Birth to Three program, which provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers ages birth to three years with developmental delays.

Under Part B, federal fiscal year 2016 marks the third year in a row that South Dakota “meets requirements,” which is the highest rating a state can receive. Under Part B growth was demonstrated in both the compliance and results measures.

Under Part C, South Dakota had been determined to “need assistance” for the past three years. States could receive a rating of 80 percent or higher to receive the “meets requirements” determination. In federal fiscal year 2016, South Dakota not only met this threshold under Part C, but exceeded it, receiving full points available in results and compliance for a 100 percent rating.

“This achievement reflects the hard work of families, service providers and school districts in providing high quality services to infants, toddlers and students with disabilities to improve results for these youth,” said Interim Secretary of Education Mary Stadick Smith.

IDEA requires each state to develop a State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report that evaluates the state’s efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of the IDEA and describes how the state will improve its implementation.

The Part B and Part C SPP/APRs include indicators that measure child and family results and other indicators that measure compliance with the requirements of the IDEA. Since 2015, Part B and Part C SPP/APRs have included a State Systemic Improvement Plan through which each state focuses its efforts on improving a state-selected child or family outcome through implementation of an evidence-based practice.