The South Dakota Department of Human Services will receive a $1 million grant to combat Alzheimer's disease

RAPID CITY, SD (KOTA) – The South Dakota Department of Human Services is launching the South Dakota Dementia-Capable Communities Initiative with a $1 million grant to the Alzheimer's Disease Program to help people with the disease and their caregivers.

The initiative will address the urgent need to improve support systems for people with Alzheimer's and related dementias, as well as support their carers.

The initiative will also help ensure people have better access to necessary services.

To achieve this goal, the Department of Human Services' Long Term Supports and Services Division will launch two pilot programs, one in Belle Fourche and one in Aberdeen.

“If we have this work in Aberdeen we can take it to Belle Fourche next year. If we can make it work in these communities, we can replicate this in other small rural communities,” said Heather Krzmarzick, LTSS director for the South Dakota Department of Human Services.

The Long Term Supports and Services Division received letters of commitment in support of its grant application from several organizations, including the South Dakota Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and businesses in Belle Fourche and Aberdeen.

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