South Dakota Public Health Association - South Dakota Public Health Association

ABOUT US

Statewide Resource, Partner, and Advocate for Public Health in South Dakota

The South Dakota Public Health Association (SDPHA) is a statewide resource, connector, and advocate for public health professionals, partners, and communities across South Dakota. We support and strengthen the public health system by bringing together practitioners, educators, students, and community leaders committed to improving the health and well‑being of all South Dakotans.

SDPHA advances public health by sharing evidence‑based practices, elevating local expertise, and fostering collaboration across the state. We advocate for policies that promote health, expand access to care, and strengthen the public health workforce. Through education, networking, and leadership development, we help build a resilient, coordinated public health system that can meet the needs of South Dakota’s diverse communities.

The South Dakota Public Health Association is the only professional association in South Dakota for public health professionals, students, and allies and has long been an outspoken voice on issues affecting the health of South Dakotans. Our mission is to promote and protect the health of individuals, families, and communities.

This is accomplished through 4 major activities:

Influencing educational opportunities for public health and health-related occupations.
Increasing community awareness of public health concerns.
Initiating and supporting needed legislative action on specific health concerns.
Stimulating the organization, financing, coordination and delivery of health services to all South Dakotans.

M E M B E R S H I P

Why join SDPHA?

Advocacy

Leadership

Networking

Who can join?

Membership is open to anyone interested in public health, from healthcare professionals to the general population.

Top 5 Reasons to Join SDPHA

The South Dakota Public Health Association's social media, newsletter, and website keep you updated with all the latest public health news. It details current programs and initiatives that are in need of support. These resources are essential to a coordinated and focused public health effort.
Advocacy: The SDPHA advocates for all public health professionals and supporters in the halls of the South Dakota State Legislature. Members are encouraged to become active and have their voice heard through the SDPHA’s communication and lobbying channels.
Legislative Updates are distributed to all our members during the legislative session. These updates report the relevant public health issues and policies being discussed in the South Dakota Government.
Become a part of a supportive community and rally together for the sake of improving South Dakota. The SDPHA is full of members just like you who recognize that the only way to shape the future of South Dakota is together. Members are encouraged to initiate their own public health awareness campaigns and to pool their resources to accomplish their goals.
Be recognized by your community members, colleagues, teachers, and friends as a supporter of public health. Your advocacy will play a significant role in influencing those around you to support the cause.

Learn more: Benefits

South Dakota Public Health Association is an affiliated association of the American Public Health Association (APHA). We have collaborated with APHA to grow stronger as organizations, to share expertise, influence, and resources, and to advocate for common priorities at the local, state, and federal levels. APHA champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.

OUR MEMBERS

Protect and Promote Public Health Across South Dakota

SDPHA members include public health practitioners, program directors, epidemiologists, health educators, researchers, students, and emerging professionals. Our community also includes advocates, nonprofit partners, community‑based organizations, and people with lived experience who help shape and strengthen our work. Together, our members bring diverse expertise and perspectives that reflect the needs of South Dakota’s communities and support our shared mission to promote health, prevent disease, and protect the people of South Dakota.

Promoting Health. Preventing Disease. Protecting South Dakotans.

Promoting Health.
Preventing Disease.
Protecting South Dakotans.