CHAD Marks National Health Center Week in South Dakota

South Dakota’s community health centers are being celebrated August 3- 9 during National Health Center Week (NHCW), recognizing their vital role in providing high quality, affordable health care to people across the state. This year’s theme, “From Community Roots to a Healthier Tomorrow,” honors how health centers strengthen communities through  care, connection, and compassion. 

Built by and for the communities they serve, health centers are lifelines for people in rural,  urban, and underserved areas. They offer comprehensive services—medical, dental, behavioral  health, care coordination, and more—regardless of a patient’s insurance status or ability to pay.  Their teams include local, dedicated professionals such as physicians, nurses, mental health  providers, and outreach workers who go above and beyond every day. 

During National Health Center Week, CHAD and its member health centers are celebrating the  patients, staff, and community partners who make this work possible—and commemorating 60  years of progress in the health center movement. 

Governor Larry Rhoden has officially proclaimed August 3–9 as National Health Center Week in  South Dakota, acknowledging the far-reaching contributions health centers make to the state’s  health and economy. 

“Community health centers are vital lifelines, offering trusted health care homes when people  need them most,” said Shelly Ten Napel, CEO at CHAD. “Our health center teams are  committed to ensuring every South Dakotan can access exceptional, affordable care.” 

“Everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate care. That includes people with great  jobs, people without jobs, people in-between jobs, people with insurance, without insurance, no  matter what kind of insurance they have.” said CEO of Complete Health, Tim Trithart, about  what makes health centers unique. “We are embedded within our communities, and we tackle  the health care problems of our communities.” 

In South Dakota, six health center organizations operate 38 delivery sites, providing comprehensive care to 126,663 individuals in 31 communities. 

Residents are encouraged to connect with their nearest health center—whether they have  insurance or not—and get connected to care. 

To find a health center, visit: communityhealthcare.net/chcs/#find-a-chc. 

To explore National Health Center Week and the impact of health centers, visit:  https://communityhealthcare.net/national-health-center-week-2025.