PIERRE, S.D.(KXLG)- Local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in South Dakota have an extremely rare opportunity to apply for a portion of $7.5 million in grant money before it expires for developing and implementing systems and solutions to support the sustainability of these critical services.

Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt explains more about the first two initiatives.

The third initiative is the grant funding opportunity for EMS.

The state realized there are several uses for the grant funds.

Most EMS is volunteer-operated and not well versed in application grant writing, but Secretary Magstadt says their office will hold hands.

Much of South Dakota is rural and may lack specific equipment and funds to assist volunteers with training or certification to become a volunteer EMS. The funds can be used for several EMS support solutions.

The grant funds must be “obligated” by November 2024 and “spent” by November 2025. For more information, check out the link attached to the South Dakota Department of Health article. Applications are due March 15, 2024.