Gov. Larry Rhoden announced that Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton will be awarded $3.8 million from the state’s general fund to build a new 18-bed care facility for women.
The facility is intended to serve women, pregnant mothers, and mothers with children who are participating in residential substance use -or SUD- therapy. Avera Sacred Heart was chosen among others from an application request made by the state’s Department of Social Services.
Funding for the project was made possible by SB196, which passed during the 2022 legislative session. Republican Sen. Jean Hunhoff, who represented Yankton at the time, was the prime sponsor for the bill, which makes an appropriation to provide grants for certain residential alternative care programs. The bill easily cleared the House and Senate before being signed.
“This facility will support pregnant and young mothers struggling with addiction. It will prove a safe, supportive place for these mothers to receive clinical support for their addiction.” Rhoden said. “This will allow the moms to focus on being the good mother that their kids deserve.”
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital will be responsible for owning and constructing the facility. Lewis and Clark Behavioral Health Services will provide programs and services at the location.
A construction timeline for the new facility has not been released.
