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.

Congratulations to our June Caregiver of the Month, Nikki Shaw, Clinic Receptionist! Nikki's positive attitude, welcoming smile, and dedication make a difference every single day. She consistently goes above and beyond for our patients, coworkers, and community while always looking for ways to improve and make things better. Thank you, Nikki, for your compassion, hard work, and commitment to excellence. We are proud to have you on the Fall River Health Services team!

Congratulations to our May Caregiver of the Month, Julia McPherson, Clinic Informatics Nurse! Julia’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to improving patient care make a positive impact every day. Her hard work behind the scenes helps ensure our patients and staff have the tools and support they need for success. Thank you, Julia, for all you do for Fall River Health Services and the communities we serve. We are proud to recognize you as our May Caregiver of the Month!

Congratulations to our April Caregiver of the Month, Craig Loomis, Plant Operations Supervisor. Well deserved Craig!

Please join us in congratulating Steven Blume, our Caregiver of the Month for April! Steven, your compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our patients at Fall River Health Services do not go unnoticed. You show up every day with kindness, strength, and heart—making a real difference in the lives of those you care for. Thank you for being a true pillar of our team.

Congratulations to Barry Scott, CNA at Seven Sisters Living Center, our February Caregiver of the Month! Barry goes above and beyond every day—supporting residents, collaborating with rehab, and bringing positivity to every shift. His compassion, initiative, and dedication make a real difference. Thank you, Barry, for all that you do!

Congrats, Jessica Hancock! It's our pleasure to recognize your outstanding work as the January Caregiver of the Month. Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make you an invaluable part of our team, and we’re incredibly grateful for all that you do. Keep shining bright, Jessica!

Fall River Health Services is proud to partner with Senior Life Solutions, a program dedicated to supporting the mental health needs of older adults in our community. Together, we strive to provide personalized, compassionate care through a range of services, including psychiatry, group therapy, individual and family sessions, and more. By addressing the unique challenges faced by seniors, we hope to empower them to maintain their independence and improve their overall quality of life.

Congratulations to Seven Sisters Living Center on achieving a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This recognition is a testament to your team's hard work and dedication to providing top-notch care. Keep up the amazing work!

Congratulations to our hospital team on earning a 4-star rating from the National Rural Rating System! This recognition reflects your unwavering commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care and excellence in our rural community. Well done!

Huge congrats to Fall River Health Services Rural Health Clinic on earning a 5-star rating from the National Rural Rating System! This well-deserved recognition highlights the clinics outstanding commitment to quality care and patient satisfaction in our rural community.

Fall River Herald Article

Congratulations to Sam Drealan, the outstanding Occupational Therapist in Rehab who has been named December's Caregiver of the Month! Her dedication and professionalism in promoting health and wellness are truly commendable.

Exciting news! We're expanding our Emergency Department to better serve our community and provide top-notch, life-saving care. Stay tuned for updates on this transformative project!

Congrats, Mae Fero! Our November Caregiver of the Month, Mae, is a ray of sunshine for everyone at FRHS. As a Certified Pharmacy Technician, Mae consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support. Keep shining, Mae!

Fall River Herald Article - Fall River Health Services begins expansion of Emergency Dept.

Hats off to Yvonne Clyde, our Certified Pharmacy Technician, on being named the October Caregiver of the Month! Yvonne's exceptional work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to patient care make her a well-deserving recipient of this honor. We are grateful for her outstanding contributions and look forward to seeing all the remarkable things she'll continue to accomplish in the future. Congratulations, Yvonne!

Shining the Spotlight on Excellence: Congratulations to Christine Leneaugh, Our September Caregiver of the Month!