Federal Appropriations Will Enhance Rural Health Care

Avera has received federal appropriation through the Labor Health and Human Services (LHHS) 2026 bill to enhance rural health care services. These funds will support updates in cancer care technology in South Dakota and a utilities project at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill, Neb.

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, included a request of $10,175,000 in Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) to update diagnostic and radiation therapy cancer care equipment through Avera.

"The appropriations process is one way we work to deliver real results for South Dakota. This batch of appropriations bills includes several million dollars for projects in South Dakota that aim to improve in our rural health care facilities, expand our regional airports and invest in affordable housing," Rounds said.

"Cancer is a leading cause of death across South Dakota, and this federal funding will be used to strengthen rural cancer care delivery," said James Dover, FACHE, President and CEO of Avera Health. "We are grateful for the advocacy of Sen. Rounds to improve access to top cancer care technology in rural settings."

This will include purchase of a fixed PET/CT scanner at the Avera Cancer Institute in Yankton and preparation for the replacement of linear accelerators in three key regional hubs: Aberdeen, Mitchell and Pierre.

"This project addresses gaps in timely access to high-quality diagnostics and radiation treatment in rural and frontier areas. These investments will reduce travel burdens, improve patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care for underserved populations," Dover said.

Sen. Deb Fischer included a request of $3.5 million to the City of O'Neill to replace the boiler and water heating systems at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital.

"This critically important utility system sustained damage in the October 2024 natural gas explosion that occurred next to our hospital and this funding will expedite its replacement which will benefit our facility and the community we serve for many years to come," said John Kozyra, President and CEO at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital.

Avera is grateful to U.S. Senators, Mike Rounds in South Dakota and Deb Fischer in Nebraska, for their support and advocacy for rural health care.