FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2026

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Awards Behavioral Health Grants through RHT

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Rhoden announced 12 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) modernization and infrastructure grants totaling more than $13 million. These grants are part of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) funds and are specifically focused on behavioral health.

“Mental health is a key component of quality health care, so we’re investing in all aspects of healthcare in our rural communities, including behavioral health. South Dakotans in rural communities will have the resources they need to receive the care they deserve,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Thank you to the Trump Administration for the opportunity to expand access to behavioral health services in South Dakota through our Rural Health Transformation funds.”

These grants will strengthen behavioral health care by expanding provider capacity, building out crisis services, investing in IT infrastructure, and strengthening the workforce. The next round of funding is anticipated later this fall.

“The Trump Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is based on one simple idea: your access to quality health care shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Funding new approaches to advance technology and expand access to behavioral healthcare is a critical step toward achieving that vision for South Dakotans and I look forward to seeing RHTP investments drive equally transformative innovations for rural communities nationwide."

The CCBHC model has been successfully implemented in many other states across the country. Governor Rhoden and the State of South Dakota seek to build on that success and expand access to critical behavioral health services for South Dakotans.

“The CCBHC model has been shown to make behavioral health care more accessible and more comprehensive,” said Department of Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff. “We are grateful for the cohort of providers who have entered this exploration. These readiness grants will assist providers as they build out services and strengthen health care access across our state.”

The CCBHC Cohort is made up of 13 agencies throughout the State of South Dakota. The Cohort was selected in April following an open application period. Selections were based on organizational readiness, geographical locations, and other factors.

Cohort members include Avera Behavioral Health, Brookings Behavioral Health and Wellness, Capital Area Counseling, Community Counseling Services, Dakota Counseling Institute, Human Service Agency, Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health, Northeastern Mental Health Center, Southeastern Directions for Life, Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services, Three Rivers Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Center, VOA – Dakotas, and West River Mental Health.

Governor Rhoden previously signed HB 1044 to appropriate funding for the RHT Program. You can find more information about Rural Health Transformation efforts in South Dakota here.

###