Horizon Health is deeply committed to the well-being of the communities it serves throughout South Dakota. This commitment is embodied in the Horizon Cares Program, a multifaceted initiative designed to enhance access to quality healthcare, support local communities, and foster a healthier future for all residents. While not explicitly named as a single program in every announcement, the spirit of “Horizon Cares Program” is evident in every action and partnership Horizon Health undertakes.
One key aspect of the Horizon Cares Program is expanding healthcare access. Recent partnerships, such as the collaboration with Dunes Dermatology in Yankton, demonstrate this dedication. By bringing specialized dermatologic care to the region, Horizon Health ensures that residents have access to a broader range of medical services closer to home. This expansion minimizes the need for extensive travel and makes specialist care more readily available.
Alt text: Dunes Dermatology and Horizon Health partnership expanding specialty care access in Yankton, South Dakota.
Another critical pillar of the Horizon Cares Program is investing in the future of healthcare professionals in South Dakota. The Horizon Build Dakota Scholarship program exemplifies this perfectly. By offering scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year, Horizon Health is actively encouraging and supporting aspiring healthcare providers. This initiative not only addresses the growing need for healthcare professionals in rural areas but also empowers local students to pursue careers in healthcare, directly benefiting their communities.
Alt text: Horizon Build Dakota Scholarship program supporting future healthcare professionals in South Dakota for 2025-2026 academic year.
Furthermore, the Horizon Cares Program emphasizes the importance of comprehensive healthcare, including behavioral health services. The addition of Amber Moody, DNP, CNP, PMHNP-BC, as a new Behavioral Health provider, underscores this commitment. Expanding the behavioral health team ensures that individuals have access to vital mental health support within their communities, recognizing the crucial role of mental well-being in overall health.
Through these initiatives and many others, the Horizon Cares Program at Horizon Health is making a tangible difference in South Dakota. From welcoming new providers like Melissa Thoene, PA-C, in Yankton, and Tia Chase, PA-C, in Huron, to highlighting the impactful work of providers like Alyssa Hicks in Mission, Horizon Health consistently demonstrates its dedication to providing quality, compassionate care. The stories of families benefiting from timely medical intervention, like the Schelske family’s holiday emergency, further illustrate the vital role Horizon Health and the Horizon Cares Program play in safeguarding community health and well-being across rural South Dakota.
