South Dakota’s Department of Health has recently published a comprehensive State Health Assessment, which covers various health fields and includes data and insights from priority health indicator assessments, community conversations, and key informant interviews. This effort is aimed at better informing the state health system and addressing health issues more effectively.
The assessment serves as a backbone to identify areas such as capacity and training needs. Mariah Pokorny, the deputy division director at the Department of Health, emphasized the importance of gathering input from healthcare providers on the ground to identify successful approaches that could be implemented in other communities. She also highlighted the need for collaboration and data-driven strategies to strengthen the state’s health system.
Individuals interested in accessing the assessment documents can find a link on the Department of Health’s website. The collaboration and data-driven strategies outlined in the State Health Improvement Plan aim to make strides in improving public health outcomes across South Dakota by implementing strategies based on priorities identified in the assessment.