PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Today, Governor Kristi Noem laid out a framework for up to $100 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to assist South Dakota’s community-based healthcare providers in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant program would function similarly to the small business grants that Governor Noem announced on September 9, 2020.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the difficult work that community-based healthcare providers are doing, and we’re here to support them as they respond to unique challenges,” said Governor Noem. “I look forward to receiving legislative input on this proposal.”

Under Governor Noem’s proposal, providers would qualify for the grant if they:

• Provide services funded by the state through the Medicaid program or other federal and state dollars through the Department of Social Services, the Department of Corrections, or the Department of Human Services; and
• Can demonstrate a “reduction in business,” which is based on lost revenue from March through August of 2020 when compared to the same time period in 2019.

The proposed application period for the grant is from Oct. 12-23. Specific details can be found at COVID.sd.gov.