South Dakota Health Care Coalition

The South Dakota Health Care Coalition (SDHCC) is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing healthcare preparedness and response across the state of South Dakota. It was initially formed in 2002 under the direction of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the South Dakota Department of Health. The coalition's primary mission is to build comprehensive preparedness and response capabilities by engaging healthcare partners in collaboration, communication, and coordination.

Purpose and Vision

The purpose of the SDHCC is to bring together public, private, and non-profit organizations for collaborative disaster medical health planning and training. Its vision is to develop the gold standard of coalition readiness by embracing new partners and creating a resilient response community, with the goal of protecting all South Dakotans' lives.

Mission and Core Values

The SDHCC's mission is to facilitate a strong, sustainable response system across the state by supporting national preparedness goals. Its core values include ensuring that healthcare response operations remain functionally sound, promoting effective initiatives, and supporting vulnerable populations. The coalition strives to collaborate honestly with stakeholders to meet all needs.

Partnerships and Activities

The SDHCC partners with numerous organizations, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, emergency management agencies, and response organizations like the South Dakota Emergency Management Association. It conducts training sessions, exercises, and communications drills to enhance preparedness. The coalition is compliant with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and works closely with the South Dakota Department of Health on various projects.

Operational Structure

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the SDHCC is funded through a sub-recipient agreement with the South Dakota Department of Health. It manages supply caches across the state and coordinates with healthcare operations during crises. The coalition aims to maintain operational capabilities, supporting its partners in advancing shared goals of collaboration and communication.