Transforming Rural Healthcare: Join Sanford Health’s 4th Annual Health Summit!

Sioux Falls, S.D. – About half of South Dakotans live in rural areas, where getting healthcare can be tough. To address these challenges, leaders gathered at the Sanford Rural Health Summit.

Governor Rhoden spoke about new funding and projects aimed at bringing healthcare closer to home. “We’re pushing for initiatives like telemedicine in ambulances, ensuring health services are reachable, even in remote places,” he said, mentioning the Rural Health Transformation Program under the Trump administration.

One focus at the summit was on telehealth systems. These help ensure medical support reaches communities that lack resources. Dr. Nworah Ayogo from Thrive Capital emphasized the importance of remote monitoring. “We’re providing devices like scales and blood pressure cuffs to patients. We monitor their health around the clock. If readings are concerning, we reach out directly to provide support. This system works effectively, no matter the local healthcare personnel available.”

Dr. David Newman, Chief Medical Officer of Virtual Care at Sanford Health, added that many patients often travel long distances—sometimes hundreds of miles—to see a specialist. “This isn’t acceptable. Our virtual care approach has grown to cover over 75 specialties, saving patients considerable time and effort while still delivering quality care,” he said.

The event highlighted how collaboration and innovation are crucial for making healthcare accessible in South Dakota. As the need for convenient health services rises, more leaders and organizations are stepping up to provide solutions.

Recent trends suggest a growing interest in telehealth, with statistics showing that 60% of Americans are open to trying virtual healthcare options, a significant increase from previous years. This shift reflects a broader societal change toward embracing technology in healthcare, driven by the pandemic and evolving patient preferences.

Experts agree that continuing this momentum will be key. “Telehealth isn’t just a temporary fix; it represents the future of patient care,” noted healthcare analyst Judith Haberkorn. With ongoing advancements and a strong focus on community needs, South Dakota is on a promising path toward better healthcare for all its residents.

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