Public News Service

According to the newly-formed South Dakota Healthy Nutrition Collaborative, over 100,000 South Dakotans experience food insecurity, including 24,000 children. (Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

New SD collaborative to address food insecurity

In observance of Hunger Action Month, a new statewide collaborative has launched to address food insecurity in South Dakota. Nearly 14% of U.S…

Kids are invited to paint skateboards during the festival, one of many events at RedCan that complements the murals painted by visiting artists. (Cheyenne River Youth Project)

Youth 'Graffiti Jam' hits 10th year on Cheyenne River Reservation

By Kate Mothes for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Servi…

Nearly 60% of people who borrowed medical equipment from Owen's Outfitters in June were enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare, according to data from the organization. Roughly 9% of clients were uninsured. (Eleanor Turner, The Legacy Foundation)

SD medical supply library prepares to go mobile

A lending library for medical and mobility supplies opened in Sioux Falls just last fall and now its parent nonprofit is making moves to go mobile…

According to state data, the most common crisis that South Dakota's helpline responds to is suicide (23.5%), followed by anxiety (17.5%), family issues (16%), depression (14%) and substance use (10.4%). (Fergus Coyle, Adobe Stock)

SD health officials: 988 can handle a variety of crises

Since its rollout two years ago, South Dakota's Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has seen a slow but steady uptick in use, but the state says there are …

The mural on Main Street in Vermillion, South Dakota, is a collaboration between Mural OTW and the high school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance group. (Wes Eisenhauer/Mural OTW)

SD artist duo makes murals by, for and with communities

By Rebecca Froehlich for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News…

The Gettysburg-Whitlock Bay Development Corporation, a grant recipient, will help gardeners make use of an empty lot. (Adobe Stock)

Five SD communities receive Community Challenge grants

AARP has announced its 2024 Community Challenge grant recipients this week, including several in South Dakota. Nearly $4 million is going to about 35…

About one-in-ten 911 calls result in a nearly 30-minute wait time for emergency medical services. (Adobe Stock)

New SD program trains communities to be cardiac-ready

It's National CardioPulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Awareness Week, and a new South Dakota program has helped several …

Recent statewide figures look promising, but homelessness in South Dakota has risen more than 120% since 2007, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Adobe Stock)

Sioux Falls programs address rising homeless population

Homelessness in South Dakota may be down overall, but the state's urban areas are an exception. New programs in Sioux Falls aim to address it…

A well-designed riparian buffer can prevent 80% of excess nutrients from entering rivers and streams. (Adobe Stock)

Most SD surface waters fall below state quality standards

There are nearly 150,000 miles of rivers and streams in South Dakota, but new data show many of those don't meet state standards for safe water …

SHIFT Garage, which provides free labor costs for car repairs in two South Dakota cities, estimates it receives around 250 applications each year for help. (Adobe Stock)

SD nonprofit tries to keep poverty from stalling car engines

Winter time in South Dakota can sometimes result in car engines not starting. For people with no money for repairs, there are options in some cities…

South Dakota's Thunder Valley Development Corporation is recruiting teens and young adults to help mentor children on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The organization's summer leadership academy also gives local youth a chance to learn critical thinking skills. (Photo courtesy of Thunder Valley)

Some SD Native American youth get a helping hand from peers

November is Native American Heritage Month, and a South Dakota organization is working to help establish leadership skills for Indigenous youth…

South Dakota officials say their new program, which gives rural EMS crews access to telemedicine inside an ambulance, is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Telemedicine in Motion: SD's Rural EMS Crews Go High-Tech

People might picture a defibrillator or stretcher when they think of a first responder. But what about an iPad? South Dakota says a new program …

According to the American Library Association, a record 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2022, a 38% increase over the previous year. (Adobe Stock)

Silent No More: Public Libraries Shout Back Against Censorship Craze

Public libraries are known for their quiet settings, but in the coming days, staff leaders in South Dakota and elsewhere will be vocal about the …

In addition to first aid kits, the American Red Cross suggests having extra clothes, rain gear and sturdy shoes that are accessible when venturing into the outdoors for a lengthy period. (Adobe Stock)

Spring Season Provides Opportunity for Disaster Preparedness

From navigating floodwaters to surviving the aftermath of a severe storm, South Dakotans are being urged to make sure they're ready for whatever …

South Dakotans logged nearly 14 million hours of formal volunteer service, according to AmeriCorps in its latest report. (Adobe Stock)

SD Among Top States for Volunteer Work

New data about volunteering in the U.S. is good news for South Dakota. Every other year, the independent government agency AmeriCorps works with the …

To avoid waste and illness, people involved with distribution of food donations say it's best to give items that are not damaged and are in their original packaging. (Adobe Stock)

SD Food Shelf Shares Ways to Make Impactful Donations

This month, Congress gave final approval to a plan to further promote food donations and reduce waste. In South Dakota, a local food shelf says …

The national Girls on the Run Program has been available in South Dakota since 2006. (Adobe Stock)

'Girls on the Run' Looks to Build Life Skills for SD Youths

In early August, fall registration opens at several South Dakota locations offering a national program geared for grade-school-age girls. It combines …

AARP says the Community Challenge grants it provides are meant to foster local projects that are inclusive, address disparities and directly engage volunteers. (Adobe Stock)

South Dakotans Can Again Apply for Challenge Grants

With constant reminders of crises and turmoil happening around the world, community advocates say it's easy to feel overwhelmed in wanting to make a …

Evictions, Inflation Part of Plea for Winter Clothing Donations

South Dakota is seeing another round of below-freezing temperatures. As folks bundle up, Salvation Army chapters hope they'll consider donating …

Advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls say they're grateful for new state-level and federal policies, but fear a lack of local resources will keep putting more people in danger. (Adobe Stock)

New Awareness Week for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Advocates are stepping up awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) and girls, but even with efforts in South …

Since 2017, AARP has awarded 560 Community Challenge grants to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Adobe Stock)

Crisis Recovery, Social Justice Added to SD Grant Program

PIERRE, S.D. -- New categories to reflect the pandemic and social justice challenges highlight grants to propel community-level projects across South …

As COVID-19 ravages South Dakota, some medical groups have launched a campaign to promote mask wearing. (Avera)

Local Mask Mandates Take Shape in SD

BROOKINGS, S.D. - Calls have amplified for South Dakota to issue a statewide mask rule in light of surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations…

Rapid City has seen longstanding tensions between Native American communities and the white population over 1,200 acres of land that once belonged to an Indian boarding school. Various groups and Native American leaders say the land was stolen from tribes and paved the way for unlawful use. (Adobe Stock)

Mending Fences: SD Church Provides Space for Indigenous Students

RAPID CITY, S.D. -- Many South Dakota schools returned to in-person learning this fall. But that's not an easy decision for all families during the …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that between 25 million and 30 million Americans live in

SD Group Plants "Edible Forests" to Address Food Deserts

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- A South Dakota nonprofit group is working to create "edible forests" to provide lower-income communities greater access to …

Smaller crowds are expected this year, but an estimated 250,000 people still are expected to attend the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally in South Dakota as the pandemic continues. (Adobe Stock)

Ahead of Sturgis Rally, SD Residents Reminded of COVID Safeguards

STURGIS, S.D. -- South Dakota will see tens of thousands of out-of-state visitors over the next week, with the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally still …

It's estimated that Americans own 78 million dogs and 85 million cats, but many animal shelters are seeing an increase in people giving up their pets due to challenges caused by the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Animal Rescue Groups See Greater Demand During Crisis

DELMONT, S. D. -- Some people deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic are making the heartbreaking decision to give their pets up for adoption…

The American Red Cross says efforts to maintain the nation's blood supply usually are hindered by the flu season, and now it has to contend with coronavirus concerns as well. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy South Dakotans Urged to Give Blood, Despite Coronavirus Concerns

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- South Dakota residents are urged to keep giving blood so the nation's supplies don't run short amid coronavirus concerns…

Social isolation can have the same negative impact on an older adult's health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to Dr. Sonja Rosen at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. (geralt/Pixabay)

Helping SD Seniors Avoid Social Isolation over Holidays

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Nearly half of adult Americans say they feel alone, according to research by the health care provider Cigna, and the …

Mental illness is the leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and left untreated costs the economy $200 billion every year. (Engin_Akyurt/Pixabay)<br />

Making Mental Health a Safe Conversation

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Studies show that more than 43 million Americans suffer from mental illness, but less than half - 43% - receive treatment…

The review website Senior List ranks South Dakota in third place, behind Iowa and Nebraska, among the safest states for older people. (Pixabay/cnort)<br />

SD Communities Strive to Be More Livable, Age-Friendly

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Large or small, urban or rural, any community can strive to be more livable – and for the third year, AARP South …

South Dakota's 86,000 caregivers are acknowledged during November's National Family Caregivers Month. (aarp.org)

South Dakotans "High Five" Family Caregivers

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — On any given day, more than 44 million Americans take time out of their own lives to care for a family member, friend or …

More than a third of the population, or 275,000 people, obtain hunting licenses annually in South Dakota. (wikipedia.org)

SD TIPS Program Aimed at Poachers, Not Hunters

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The start of hunting season for various South Dakota game is just days away, and residents are being reminded about a …

As people age, new research shows they are less likely to embrace pro-environmental views or donate to these causes, although there certainly are exceptions. (pri.org)

Aging Alters Americans' Support of Environmental Spending

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A new study suggests most people don't stay environmentally conscious as they get older. Researchers analyzed data from …

In a ruling favoring states' right to collect sales tax from internet retailers, the U.S. Supreme Court noted that e-commerce has cost states $33 billion annually since 1992. (mohamedhassan/pixabay)

SD Readies to Collect Online Sales Tax After Supreme Court Ruling

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota's Department of Revenue is working on compliance rules for internet sellers who will now be required to pay sales …

As of 2016, South Dakota had 1,400 kids in foster care. (chssd.org)

Advocates: South Dakota Needs More Foster Families

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Family First Prevention Services Act passed by Congress earlier this year acknowledged the growing need for more foster …

A multidisciplinary team in Watertown is the first of five planned across South Dakota to provide outreach on the issues of child abuse and how to navigate the legal system. (Pixabay)

SD Crafts Strategic Plan to Eliminate Child Abuse

PIERRE, S.D. - Childhood trauma that includes emotional, physical or sexual abuse can cause huge life impacts, but these can be minimized through …

The suicide rate for Native Americans in South Dakota is two times higher than the rate for Caucasians. (helpguide.org)

South Dakota Creates Toolkit to Address Growing Suicide Rate

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — South Dakota has created a new toolkit to provide communities with better resources to address the growing number of …

Cancer patients are high on the list of needed blood donations as South Dakota supplies fall short. (redcross.org)

South Dakotans Asked to Donate Blood for Regional Shortage

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The weather and widespread flu outbreaks have created a shortage of blood supplies in South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska…

A neighborhood's walkability score can be an indicator of the health of its community members' hearts. (Don Graham/Flickr)

Study: ZIP Code Big Factor in Heart Health

SIOUX FALLS, S. D. – New research has found where people live has a strong influence on the health of their hearts. The study, published in the …

Rural health care facilities in South Dakota face a workforce shortage, according to an official from the South Dakota Department of Health. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Rural Health Day: What Challenges Do SD Communities Face?

PIERRE, S.D. – Outside of the major cities in South Dakota and across the country, communities on Thursday are celebrating National Rural …

Children who haven't experienced trauma have much better overall health outcomes throughout their lives. (Lars Ploughmann/Flickr)

Report: Childhood Trauma High in SD, Nationwide

PIERRE, S.D. — Childhood trauma affects a large number of children in South Dakota and nationwide. According to a new report, more than 45 …

South Dakota is using $1 million from a federal grant to tear down dilapidated buildings and make way for housing. (Jnzl's Photos/Flickr)

SD Program Aims to Bulldoze, Build, Beautify

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota is offering a new solution to the state's workplace housing shortage. It’s a program called Bulldoze…

Between 2000 and 2013, the number of bicycle commuters grew by 62 percent across the United States, according to the League of American Bicyclists. (Richard Masoner/Flickr)

South Dakotans Gear Up for Friday's Bike-to-Work Day

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakotans are putting the finishing touches on their bicycles in preparation for Bike-to-Work Day on Friday. Every …

From kids' sports to charitable causes, a new study confirms that many South Dakotans are ready and willing to volunteer. (Jerry Oster)

Volunteers Needed? Look to South Dakota

YANKTON, S.D. — A national survey now confirms what many in the state already know: when volunteers are needed, South Dakotans answer the call…

Sioux Falls gets high marks for livability from its residents over age 50 in a new survey. (Wikimedia Commons)

Sioux Falls Ranks High for Livability with Older South Dakotans

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A new survey shows that older residents of Sioux Falls find it a desirable place to live, and they want to stay in their …

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging families to create a disaster kit and emergency plan. (iStockphoto)

National Preparedness Month: Experts Ready to Help South Dakotans Stay Safe

PIERRE, S.D. — September is National Preparedness Month, and South Dakota safety advocates are urging residents to make plans in case of …

Thousands of South Dakotans will be walking to raise money for cardiovascular research and education programs aimed at reducing people's risk of heart attacks and strokes. (American Heart Association)

South Dakotans Raising Money to Help with Heart Health

PIERRE, S.D. - Thousands of South Dakotans will be focusing on heart health this weekend. The annual Sioux Falls Heart Walk starts Saturday, and the …

New data shows hundreds of South Dakotans have recently fallen victim to identity theft scams, and consumer watchdogs are trying to help. (iStockphoto)

SD Fraud Complaints Down, but Thousands Still at Risk

PIERRE, S.D. — New data shows South Dakota reported fewer fraud complaints than almost every other state, but thousands of local residents are …

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SD: Community Issues and Volunteering