Daugaard recognizes work and mission of community health centers with statewide proclamation

Governor Proclaims August 13-19 Community Health Center Week in South Dakota, health centers plan events and promotions

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SIOUX FALLS — The Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD) announced today that Gov. Dennis Daugaard has issued a proclamation designating this week, August 13-19, Community Health Center Week in the state. The proclamation kicks off a week of events and celebrations recognizing South Dakota’s four community health center organizations for their commitment to providing access to high-quality, affordable health care for all South Dakotans, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Daugaard’s proclamation highlights the contributions community health centers make to the nation’s health care system, and to their patients and the communities they serve. He cited how health centers are the country’s largest primary care network and a vital element of the health system, serving both rural and urban populations and often providing the only accessible and dependable source of primary care in their communities. He also highlighted the innovative approaches health centers are developing to provide valuable services beyond primary care, including behavioral health, oral health, vision and pharmacy services.
In 2016, South Dakota’s four community health centers provided comprehensive care to more than 69,000 individuals at 42 sites located in 33 communities across the state. They are critical economic engines for the communities they serve, generating millions of dollars in combined economic impact and employing hundreds of people, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and dentists.
In celebration of Community Health Center Week, health centers across the state are planning events and promotions to showcase their centers, introduce new providers, recognize their staff and engage their communities. The public is welcome to stop by a health center near  them to tour the facility, enjoy some refreshments, register for door prizes, meet the providers and learn about health center programs and services. Health centers are also observing the week by hosting community events and volunteering for projects to give back to the communities they call home.

South Dakota’s community health centers are serving the following communities across the state:
• Community Health Center of the Black Hills – Rapid City
• Falls Community Health – Sioux Falls
• Horizon Health Care – Aberdeen, Alcester, Aurora, Bison, Bryant, DeSmet, Eagle Butte, Elk Point, Faith, Fort Thompson, Howard, Huron, Isabel, La Plant, Lake Preston, Martin, McIntosh, Mission, Wessington Springs, White River, Woonsocket, Yankton
• Rural Health Care – Chamberlain, Fort Pierre, Gettysburg, Highmore, Kennebec, Murdo, Onida, Pierre, Presho, Worthington, MN
For more information about community health centers or Community Health Center Week, visit www.communityhealthcare.net.