RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – New funding is expanding access to pediatric behavioral and mental health support for children and families living in South Dakota’s rural and frontier communities.
The South Dakota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the University of South Dakota Center for Disabilities’ BEAM-SD initiative will use the funding to improve early identification and treatment of mental and behavioral health concerns among children, adolescents and young adults.
The partnership will focus on increasing awareness of behavioral health resources among pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants across the state. Officials said the effort is designed to help providers connect families with support sooner, regardless of where they live.
The initiative will expand access to screening tools, treatment resources, consultation services and educational materials through BEAM-SD, which offers no-cost behavioral health consultations, continuing education opportunities and diagnostic support for health care providers.
Project leaders said strengthening connections between providers and behavioral health resources can improve access to care and lead to better long-term outcomes for children and families across South Dakota.
The funding was awarded through the American Academy of Pediatrics with support from the National Rural Adolescent and Child Health Program and the Health Resources and Services Administration. More information about available resources can be found through BEAM-SD.
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