Group of FRHS Caregivers
Fall River Health Services Awarded $2.7 Million Rural Strong Grant
HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – Fall River Health Services (FRHS) has been awarded a $2.7 million Rural Strong Grant through the South Dakota Department of Social Services, bringing transformative investments in healthcare services that will improve access to advanced medical care for thousands of residents across southwestern South Dakota. The award represents one of the largest single investments in healthcare infrastructure in Fall River Health Services' history.
The Rural Strong Grant Program, a part of the nationwide Rural Health Transformation initiative, awarded 28 Rural Strong Grants totaling $31.5 million to just 20 healthcare systems statewide following a competitive application process designed to strengthen rural healthcare systems through expanded services, technology modernization, and long-term sustainability.
For FRHS, the funding represents far more than new equipment—it represents a significant step toward ensuring rural patients have access to the same quality healthcare available in larger communities without leaving home.
The grant will fund several transformational improvements that will expand healthcare services through significant investments in advanced diagnostic technology and infusion therapy capabilities, including:
• Local Mammography Services for earlier breast cancer detection
• MRI Imaging for advanced diagnostic capabilities
• Expanded Infusion Therapy Services through new onsite sterile compounding capabilities
• Additional diagnostic and pharmacy enhancements that improve access to care across the health system
These improvements will allow more patients to receive advanced healthcare services close to home, reducing wait times and the need to travel long distances for important diagnostic testing and specialized treatments.
"This grant is about much more than new equipment—it's about people” said Jeremy Schultes, Chief Executive Officer of Fall River Health Services. “Every day we care for patients who deserve access to the same high-quality healthcare found in larger communities, without the burden of traveling hours away. Thanks to this Rural Strong Grant, we'll be able to expand services like mammography, MRI, and infusion therapy right here at home. This investment strengthens the future of healthcare in our region and allows us to continue delivering on our promise of Keeping Excellent Health Care Close to Home. We are incredibly grateful to the State of South Dakota for believing in rural healthcare and investing in the communities we proudly serve."
One of the most immediate impacts will be expanded access to breast cancer screening. Currently, nearly 40 percent of women eligible for mammograms through FRHS are overdue for screening, despite many already having physician orders. The primary barrier isn’t awareness—it’s access. Because mammography services are not currently available locally, many patients must travel outside the community, resulting in delayed or missed screenings.
By bringing 3D mammography services to Hot Springs, FRHS expects to significantly increase screening completion rates, improve early detection of breast cancer, and help patients begin treatment sooner.
The addition of MRI technology will dramatically expand diagnostic capabilities for patients who need neurological, orthopedic, cardiovascular, oncology, and other specialty imaging. FRHS estimates the new MRI service will provide approximately 960 examinations each year, reducing travel burdens while allowing providers to diagnose conditions earlier and begin treatment more quickly.
The grant will also expand infusion therapy services by creating a new onsite dedicated sterile compounding space. This enhancement will allow FRHS to prepare a broader range of medications locally, reducing treatment delays and making infusion therapies more readily available for patients who currently travel outside the community for care.
Beyond these individual services, the investment will strengthen care coordination throughout the organization by reducing wait times for diagnostic testing and treatment, improving provider decision-making, and expanding access across emergency, inpatient, outpatient, clinic, and long-term care services.
Governor Larry Rhoden announced the Rural Strong Grant awards, saying, "These grants represent South Dakota's deep commitment to ensuring every rural community has access to high-quality care close to home."
That commitment closely reflects the mission that has guided Fall River Health Services—Keeping Excellent Health Care Close to Home.
Construction and implementation of the project will occur during the grant period beginning August 1, 2026. As these services come online, patients throughout southwestern South Dakota will have greater access to advanced diagnostic and infusion therapies—bringing advanced healthcare closer to home than ever before.
About Fall River Health Services
Fall River Health Services is a community-owned healthcare system serving Hot Springs and the surrounding region through primary care, specialty care, emergency medicine, hospital services, rehabilitation, long-term care, home health, hospice, and senior living. Guided by its mission of Keeping Excellent Health Care Close to Home, FRHS is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare for the communities it serves.
