**South Dakota DSS/SD Leg Confirm Multi-Year RHTP Rural Strong Push [developing]** [developing]
Key Questions
What are the main RFPs under South Dakota's Rural Strong initiative?
The DSS offers a $31.75M Rural Strong Grants RFP (26-09RHT-001) and a $7M Chronic Disease RFP (26-09RHT-011). These target hospitals, FQHCs, RHCs, and IHS for improving access, ACOs, and maternal health services.
What are the key deadlines for the Rural Strong RFPs?
Letters of Intent (LOI) are due urgently on April 16, 2026, with full proposals due May 22, 2026. Rural providers should prioritize preparation to meet these timelines.
What additional opportunities does SDAHO provide?
SDAHO has announced 6 RFPs along with webinars for rural health transformation funding. These complement the DSS RFPs and focus on similar provider types.
What does the 2026 legislative recap mean for rural health funding in South Dakota?
The legislature confirmed over $500M in multi-year RHTP funding for Rural Strong initiatives across every county except Minnehaha and Pennington. Senator Glen Vilhauer highlighted this in discussions on record bills and rural health support.
Why is this urgent for rural providers in South Dakota?
Post-legislative session, providers like hospitals, FQHCs, RHCs, and IHS must act quickly on RFPs and funding opportunities. The multi-year push ensures broad coverage and requires immediate engagement.
DSS $31.75M Rural Strong Grants RFP 26-09RHT-001 + $7M Chronic Disease RFP 26-09RHT-011 for hosps/FQHCs/RHCs/IHS access/ACO/maternal; LOI 4/16/26 urgent, proposals 5/22; SDAHO 6 RFPs + webinars; leg recap $500M+ over 5yrs every county but Minnehaha/Pennington. Urgent for rural providers post-session.