Washington, DC –U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) announced that organizations in Pierre, Yankton and Vermillion will receive a total of $516,890 in federal grants from the Department of Health and Human Services. The funding will be used to improve health care services for the rural, underserved populations.

 “Patients in rural states like South Dakota often face many barriers in accessing health care, such as transportation, geographic distance, and provider shortages. These organizations work tirelessly to keep up with the health care needs of our residents,” Johnson said. “These projects will make a big difference in many people’s lives and the grant money will allow them to continue doing so.”

The Delta Dental Plan of South Dakota, based in Pierre, will receive a total of $222,065 in grant funding to increase access to oral health services to rural, low-income South Dakotans, particularly children. The project will utilize mobile dental units to deliver direct services and preventive health and education in nine counties, including those on the Standing Rock Reservation and Cheyenne River Reservation.

The Sacred Hearth Health Service in Yankton will receive a $150,000 for its eResidential Facilities Access Project, which provides care to residents throughout eastern South Dakota. The project will expand access to physician care and consultations in eight long-term care, assisted living and rehabilitation facilities in seven rural communities through the use of telehealth.

The University of South Dakota will receive $144,825 to fund the Preventive Dentistry Program for dental hygiene students to provide preventive dental services to rural, low-income children while also gaining practical experience and the knowledge.

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For more information on Senator Tim Johnson visit his website at http://johnson.senate.gov.