South Dakota Culture Change Coalition

History

The coalition began in 2004. Members meet virtually through conference calls with some face-to-face meetings. The focus has been to identify the unique activities the coalition can provide that do not compete with other state organizations. The coalition hosted a meeting with Rose Marie Fagan as featured speaker and conducted 1-2 broadcasts per year using the Dakota Digital Network that connects the state via videoconference technology at schools and select locations across the state.

Organizational Structure

The  organization consists of a group of stakeholders from across the state including: AARP, Alzheimer's Association, Avera Health System, Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, Rapid City Health Network, Sanford Health System, South Dakota Association of Health Organizations, SD Department of Health, SD Health Care Association, SD Foundation for Medical Care and the state LTC ombudsman. The leadership is informal right now with no intention to incorporate in the future.

Funding

There is currently no funding source. The costs for the coalition activities are being born by the stakeholders within the coalition. Coalition members feel that they have been effective with this approach to date.

Major Activities This Year

• Two Dakota Digital Network (DDN) Broadcasts (video system that links sites across the state): one in March (15 sites connected and 150 attendees) on culture change from the eyes of a resident; one in November (17 sites, 160 attendees) on MDS 3.0.
• Continued positive relationships between providers and state survey agency as evidenced by SSA faithful participation in SDCCC calls.
• Both associations(AAHSA and AHCA affiliates) devoting time at their respective conventions  on culture change topics
• State Survey Agency continues to provide leadership in defining, measuring and providing progress reports on number of "culture change" facilities in South Dakota.