South Dakota Department of Health Highlights Strong Outcomes from Bright Start Nurse Home Visiting Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 17, 2025MEDIA CONTACT: Tia Kafka, [email protected]

South Dakota Department of Health Highlights Strong Outcomes from Bright Start Nurse Home Visiting Program

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Health released new data showing families participating in the state's Bright Start Nurse Home Visiting program experience significantly stronger early childhood health outcomes compared to the overall Medicaid population. The data, measured using the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS), demonstrates improved well-child visit completion and higher rates of lead screening among Bright Start participants.

"These results show the real impact of building meaningful, consistent connections with families early in life," said Melissa Magstadt, Secretary of Health. "Our Bright Start nurses walk alongside families, answer questions, provide reassurance, and help parents get the right care at the right time. That personal relationship matters."

Key outcome highlights include:

• Well-Child Visits at 15 Months: 72.3% of Bright Start children received the recommended number of well-child visits, compared to 44.9% of Medicaid children statewide.
• Well-Child Visits at 30 Months: 88.9% of Bright Start children continued routine well-child visits after the program ended, compared to 50.9% of Medicaid children statewide.
• Childhood Lead Screening: 63.3% of Bright Start children received lead screenings by age two, compared to 32.3% in the Medicaid population.

Bright Start families enroll at different points during pregnancy, but the program's impact becomes especially clear as children grow. Children who participate in Bright Start are eligible for Medicaid coverage, and most families choose to enroll. The program is supported through Medicaid, state general funds, and federal Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) grant funds.

"We see that Bright Start helps establish strong healthcare habits that continue even after families graduate from the program," said Secretary Magstadt. "This means healthier kids, more confident parents, and stronger communities across South Dakota."

The Bright Start program is available to first-time pregnant women in eligible counties across South Dakota. First-time pregnant women are connected with trained nurse home visitors who provide support from pregnancy through the child's second birthday. Participation is voluntary and provided at no cost to families. The program focuses on healthy pregnancy, child development, family bonding, and connecting families to community resources. Bright Start implements the Nurse Family Partnership evidence-based home visiting model. To learn more, visit the DOH website.

At the heart of the Department of Health's mission is a simple goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans. The department is entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all South Dakotans.

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