Press releases
2022
November 17, 2022
Governor's Awards Recognize Contributions of Individuals and Businesses across South Dakota
During the annual Governor’s Awards Ceremony, Gov. Kristi Noem recognized and celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of businesses, individuals with disabilities, and other South Dakotans who have worked to break down barriers to help those with disabilities find fulfilling employment.
October 12, 2022
Governor Proclaims October 15 White Cane Day
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed this Saturday, Oct. 15, as White Cane Day in South Dakota. The white cane with the red band around the bottom is used to identify a person who is blind or visually impaired in all 50 states and most countries around the world. White Cane Day celebrates the independence of those who are blind or visually impaired and educates drivers on white cane laws.
October 11, 2022
Four Individuals and Three Businesses Will Be Recognized with 2022 Governor's Awards
On Oct. 26 Gov. Kristi Noem will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of businesses, individuals with disabilities, and other South Dakotans who have worked to break down barriers to help those with disabilities find fulfilling employment.
March 28, 2022
Nominations Sought for 2022 Governor's Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 Governor's Awards, which recognize the achievements of businesses, individuals with disabilities, and other South Dakota citizens for their contributions to the employment of people with disabilities.
2021
June 15, 2021
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed June 15, Elder Abuse Awareness Day (EAAD) in South Dakota.
April 26, 2021
SHIINE Program Seeking Volunteers
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is currently seeking volunteers for all aspects of the SHIINE program.
March 15, 2021
2021 Governor's Awards Nominations
The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Statewide Independent Living Council are now accepting nominations for the 2021 Governor's Awards.
March 9, 2021
Governor Noem Signs Senate Bill 31
Governor Kristi Noem has signed Senate Bill 31 that allows for the limited release of adult abuse case information necessary to assist adult protective services (APS) to achieve improved outcomes during an investigation.
February 18, 2021
Governor Noem Signs Senate Bill 32
Governor Kristi Noem has signed Senate Bill 32 that allows for the expansion of the access critical nursing facility program which has been in effect since 2011.
Janaury 27, 2021
SHIINE Warns of Potential COVID-19 Vaccine Scams
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is advising Medicare beneficiaries to be suspicious of scams during the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
2020
November 23, 2020
DHS Warns of Scammers During the Holiday Season
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) is warning the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and their families to be aware of scammers during the holiday season. .
November 5, 2020
Free Assistance During Medicare Open Enrollment Still Available
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program would like to remind all Medicare beneficiaries there is still time to receive free assistance during the Medicare open enrollment period.
October 28, 2020
Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed November Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in South Dakota.
October 15, 2020
White Cane Day
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed October 15, White Cane Day in South Dakota.
October 2, 2020
Malnutrition Awareness Week
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed the week of October 5-9 Malnutrition Awareness Week (MAW) in South Dakota.
September 29, 2020
Medicare Open Enrollment Period Begins on Oct. 15
Open enrollment for the 2021 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan year begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7.
September 24, 2020
Disability Employment Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed the month of October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in South Dakota.
September 18, 2020
Vocational Rehabilitation Program Expanding Services
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is expanding services to assist individuals with disabilities return to work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 15, 2020
2020 Governor's Awards Presented
Governor Kristi Noem presented the 2020 Governor's Awards today to South Dakota businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to improving independent living and increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
September 4, 2020
Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Sept. 13-19 Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week in South Dakota.
September 2, 2020
2020 Governor's Awards Ceremony Scheduled
Gov. Kristi Noem will recognize individuals and employers for their contributions to improving employment opportunities and independent living for people with disabilities at the 2020 Governor’s Awards ceremony Sept 15.
August 21, 2020
DHS Release Continuum of Care Report
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) today released a report that highlights the continuum of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) within South Dakota.
July 22, 2020
Americans with Disabilities Act Day
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed July 26 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Day in South Dakota.
June 29, 2020
DHS Notifies Long-Term Care Facilities Regarding Resident Stimulus Checks
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) sent letters to the state's long-term care residential facilities advising of the seizure, retention, or confiscation of stimulus payments from their residents, regardless of payer source or debt owed to anyone.
June 5, 2020
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed June 15, Elder Abuse Awareness Day (EAAD) in South Dakota.
April 30, 2020
DHS Receives Federal Dollars for Adult Nutrition Program
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) has received $1.2 million in federal funds due to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
April 24, 2020
South Dakota to Celebrate Older Americans in May
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May Older Americans Month (OAM) in South Dakota.
April 21, 2020
Help Available to Homebound Individuals During COVID-19 Pandemic
Considering the many negative effects of senior isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for individuals to know how to reach out for help and what services are available through the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) and the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS).
April 15, 2020
Department of Human Services Makes Resources and Assistance Available to South Dakota Seniors at Home During COVID-19 Pandemic
The South Dakota Department of Human Services is asking older individuals within the state who have concerns or need more information on resources during the COVID-19 pandemic to contact Dakota at Home.
April 10, 2020
Nutrition Program Assistance Available During COVID-19 Pandemic
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) would like to remind the state's elderly population that assistance is available through the department's nutrition program.
April 7, 2020
DHS Urging Consumers to Seek Assistance
As the state battles the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) is urging their consumers to seek assistance when needed.
March 20, 2020
2020 Governor's Awards Nominations
The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Statewide Independent Living Council are now accepting nominations for the 2020 Governor's Awards.
February 24, 2020
Adult Nutrition Month
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed March Adult Nutrition Month (ANM) in South Dakota.
January 24, 2020
SHIINE Program Seeking Consultants
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to provide a presence in the western and central regions.
January 24, 2020
Structured Family Caregiving Offered Statewide
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) is now offering Structured Family Caregiving statewide.
January 17, 2020
State's SBVI Division Holding Public Forum
The South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) will be holding a public forum on February 3.
January 6, 2020
WIOA Unified State Plan Public Forum
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) will hold a public forum on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified State Plan.
2019
December 12, 2019
Medicare Card Reminder
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program would like to remind all individuals that Medicare cards with Social Security Numbers will no longer be accepted effective Jan. 1, 2020.
November 8, 2019
Free Assistance During Medicare Open Enrollment Still Available
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program would like to remind all Medicare beneficiaries there is still time to receive free assistance during the Medicare open enrollment period.
October 24, 2019
Innovation Grant Funding Recipients Announced
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced their selection of 25 nursing facilities that will receive innovation grant funding.
October 15, 2019
2019 Governor's Awards Ceremony Scheduled
Governor Kristi Noem will recognize individuals and employers for their contributions to the rehabilitation and employment of South Dakotans with disabilities at the 2019 Governor’s Awards ceremony on Nov. 4.
September 26, 2019
Medicare Open Enrollment Period Begins on Oct. 15
Open enrollment for the 2020 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan year begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7.
September 24, 2019
Health & Wellness Fair
Residents of Redfield and surrounding communities will have an opportunity to explore health topics and screenings during a local Health and Wellness Fair.
September 23, 2019
Disability Employment Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed October Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in South Dakota.
August 27, 2019
Genetic Testing Fraud
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is advising the public to be suspicious of anyone who is offering "free genetic" tests and then requesting the individual's Medicare number.
July 29, 2019
10th Annual South Dakota Gathering
Registration is now open for the South Dakota Gathering, an event intended to facilitate learning, networking and application of person-centered practices in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, education and beyond.
July 12, 2019
DHS/SDRA Hosting Employment Webinar
The South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and the South Dakota Retailers Association (SDRA) will be providing a free employment webinar on Tuesday, July 16 at 10 a.m. CDT.
July 9, 2019
Americans with Disabilities Act Day
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed July 26 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Day in South Dakota.
June 20, 2019
Shawnie Rechtenbaugh Selected as 2019 Henry Toll Fellow
Following a nomination from Governor Kristi Noem, South Dakota Department of Human Services Secretary Shawnie Rechtenbaugh was today accepted into the Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by the Council of State Governments (CSG).
June 17, 2019
Family Support Council Meeting
The South Dakota Family Support Council will be holding a meeting in Aberdeen.
June 10, 2019
Vista Care to Offer Services in South Dakota
Vista Care has obtained a provisional certification through the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) to become a Community Support Provider (CSP).
June 10, 2019
Board of SBVI Holding Meeting
The South Dakota Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired will hold their quarterly meeting in Pierre on Friday, June 21.
June 6, 2019
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed June 15, Elder Abuse Awareness Day (EAAD) in South Dakota.
May 24, 2019
SDRC Frist Friday Classes
The South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (SDRC) would like to invite anyone who is a South Dakota resident and has a visual impairment to participate in two training events.
May 3, 2019
Advisory Council on Aging
The South Dakota Advisory Council on Aging (ACA) will hold a meeting in Pierre on Thursday, May 9.
April 29, 2019
Older Americans Month
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed May Older Americans Month (OAM) in South Dakota.
April 26, 2019
Innovation Grant Funding Now Available
The South Dakota Department of Human Services is now accepting applications for nursing home innovation grants.
April 26, 2019
SDRC Frist Friday Classes
The South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (SDRC) would like to invite anyone who is a South Dakota resident and has a visual impairment to participate in two training events.
April 23, 2019
2019 Governor's Awards Nominations
The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Statewide Independent Living Council are now accepting nominations for the 2019 Governor's Awards.
April 4, 2019
State's SBVI Division Holding a Public Forum
The South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) will be holding a public forum on April 26.
March 19, 2019
Family Support Council Meeting
The South Dakota Family Support Council will be holding a meeting in Rapid City.
March 18, 2019
Statewide Independent Living Council Meeting
The South Dakota Statewide Independent Living Council will hold their quarterly meeting in Rapid City on Wednesday, April 3.
March 8, 2019
Board of VR Holding Quarterly Meeting
The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) will hold their quarterly meeting in Brookings on Wednesday, March 27.
March 6, 2019
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed March Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Month in South Dakota
March 5, 2019
Adult Nutrition Month
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed March Adult Nutrition Month (ANM) in South Dakota.
March 4, 2019
Board of SBVI Holding Quarterly Meeting
The South Dakota Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired will hold their quarterly meeting in Fort Pierre on Friday, March 22.
February 12, 2019
SDRC Assistive Technology Trainings
The South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (SDRC) would like to invite anyone who is a South Dakota resident and has a visual impairment to participate in two training events.
January 31, 2019
State Community of Practice Team Holding Trainings
The South Dakota Community of Practice for Supporting Families (CoP) is hosting a pair of free training sessions in February for professionals and family members who want to assure that individuals with disabilities, special healthcare needs and/or who are aging sustain a good quality of life.
January 23, 2019
SHIINE Program Seeking Volunteers
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is currently seeking volunteers for all aspects of the SHIINE program.
2018
November 6, 2018
Free Assistance During Medicare Open Enrollment Still Available
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program would like to remind all Medicare beneficiaries there is still time to receive free assistance during the Medicare open enrollment period.
October 4, 2018
State Developmental Center Hosting Health & Wellness Fair
Residents of Redfield and surrounding communities will have an opportunity to explore health topics and screenings during a local Health and Wellness Fair at the South Dakota Developmental Center (SDDC).
September 28, 2018
Medicare Open Enrollment Period Begins on Oct. 15
Open enrollment for the 2019 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan year begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7.
September 25, 2018
2018 Governor's Awards Presented
Gov. Dennis Daugaard presented the 2018 Governor's Awards today to South Dakota businesses and workers who have made significant contributions to the employment of people with disabilities.
September 24, 2018
Disability Employment Awareness Month
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed October Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in South Dakota.
August 29, 2018
2018 Governor's Awards Ceremony Scheduled
Gov. Dennis Daugaard will recognize individuals and employers for their contributions to the rehabilitation and employment of South Dakotans with disabilities at the 2018 Governor’s Awards ceremony on Sept. 25.
August 27, 2018
Direct Support Professionals Week
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Sept. 9-15 Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week in South Dakota.
August 27, 2018
SBVI Public Forum
The South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) will be holding a public forum on Friday, Sept. 7.
July 16, 2018
Medicare Card Rollout Continues In South Dakota
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education program would like to remind all Medicare eligible individuals that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have begun and will continue to mail out new Medicare cards in the coming months.
July 11, 2018
Americans with Disabilities Act Day
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed July 26 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Day in South Dakota.
June 12, 2018
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed June 15, Elder Abuse Awareness Day (EAAD) in South Dakota.
May 11, 2018
New Medicare Card Rollout
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program would like to remind all individuals with Medicare that new Medicare cards will be mailed to them in the coming months by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
May 1, 2018
Older Americans Month
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed May Older Americans Month (OAM) in South Dakota.
April 26, 2018
2018 Governor's Awards Nominations
The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Statewide Independent Living Council are now accepting nominations for the 2018 Governor’s Awards.
April 19, 2018
State's SBVI Division Holding Public Forum
The South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) will be holding a public forum on April 27.
March 30, 2018
Gov. Daugaard Presented 2018 Leadership for All Award
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has been presented the 2018 Leadership for All award by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD).
March 20, 2018
BVR, BSBVI and SILC Board/Council Nominations Being Accepted
The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (BSBVI) and the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) are now accepting nominations for vacant board/council positions.
March 8, 2018
Trauma Informed Care Training Sessions
The South Dakota Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities, the South Dakota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities and the South Dakota Developmental Center will host three one-day training sessions to address trauma in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.
March 7, 2018
SHIINE Program Seeking Volunteers
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is currently seeking volunteers for a variety of roles.
February 16, 2018
WIOA Unified State Plan Public Forum
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) will hold a public forum on updates to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified State Plan.
January 3, 2018
Public Comment Notice for Renewal of Home & Community-Based Services
The South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities is seeking public comment on revisions to the Community Hope Opportunity Independent Careers Empowerment Success (CHOICES) Medicaid waiver program.