Nexus SD: Strengthening Healthcare Connections Through Partnership
In today’s complex healthcare landscape, the best outcomes aren’t achieved in silos. Instead, they come from collaboration—healthcare, human services, and social support providers working together to address whole-person care. That’s exactly what Nexus SD is designed to do.
A Member-Centered Approach to Healthcare Integration
As a public-private partnership led by the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH), Nexus SD provides a statewide referral and data-sharing network that connects providers across healthcare, human services, and social services. This technology-driven platform allows member organizations to coordinate care efficiently, reducing redundancy and ensuring people receive the right services at the right time.
Nexus SD is HIPAA compliant, ensuring that all patient information is securely handled and protected per federal privacy and security regulations. This compliance safeguards sensitive health data while enabling seamless collaboration between providers.
For members, Nexus SD is more than a database or referral system—it’s a tool that strengthens their ability to serve their communities. By participating, organizations gain access to:
A comprehensive resource directory to find the best care options for patients
Seamless electronic referrals with real-time status updates
A shared seeker record, eliminating the need for individuals to repeat their health and social history at each provider
Data insights to inform decision-making, identify gaps in services, and track outcomes
Addressing Social Drivers of Health (SDOH)
Research shows that up to 80% of a person’s health outcomes are influenced by factors outside of medical care—economic stability, education, transportation, housing, food security, and social support. These social drivers of health (SDOH) are critical to addressing health disparities in South Dakota, where rural barriers, poverty rates, and provider shortages impact access to care.
Through Nexus SD, members can screen for social needs, refer individuals to appropriate services, and track follow-up outcomes, ensuring they receive support beyond traditional healthcare settings. The network facilitates cross-sector collaboration, so no matter where someone enters the system—at a hospital, food pantry, or community organization—they can be connected to the resources they need.
The Role of Team-Based Care
Nexus SD aligns with team-based care models, ensuring multiple professionals can work together to improve patient outcomes. Research highlights several benefits:
Better treatment coordination – Providers can share information, ensuring continuity of care.
Reduced burnout – Healthcare teams distribute responsibilities, improving efficiency.
Improved patient satisfaction – Patients feel supported by a comprehensive care team.
Lower healthcare costs – Preventing gaps in care reduces emergency visits and hospitalizations.
By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, Nexus SD strengthens South Dakota’s healthcare infrastructure and creates better health outcomes for communities.
Join the Nexus SD Network: Funding Available!
To continue growing this statewide network, the SD DOH is offering a funding opportunity to help organizations join Nexus SD and integrate the platform into their operations. Through the 2025 Nexus SD Implementation Award, eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 for completing milestones related to onboarding, implementation, and recruiting other partners.
Who Can Apply?
Nonprofit organizations (501c3), government entities, and qualifying for-profit businesses
Providers offering healthcare, human services, or social services
Organizations that send and receive referrals related to social drivers of health
Application Details
Deadline: April 11, 2025
Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per organization
Learn more & apply: nexus.sd.gov
Nexus SD thrives on collaboration. The more organizations that join, the stronger the network becomes. If your organization is committed to whole-person care and addressing social drivers of health, now is the time to be part of South Dakota’s connected health future.
For questions, contact Rachel Sehr, Administrator, Office of Community Engagement at Rachel.Sehr@state.sd.us.