RAPID CITY, S.D. – Speaking from his wheelchair, South Dakota philanthropist Denny Sanford told an adoring crowd at a Rapid City hotel on Monday that he feels “lucky” to have been able to donate nearly $2 billion to improve health care in his home state.
Sanford, 89, spoke softly and his statement of appreciation surprised most of the crowd of 100 people who gathered at the Hyatt Place Rapid City to hear about Sanford’s latest donation of $300 million that will help fuel construction of a $500 million medical center and health care campus in the Black Hills.
Sanford Health Expands Presence in South Dakota’s Black Hills
Sanford Health is making a significant investment in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. A recent $300 million donation is fueling the construction of a new medical campus in rapid City. This isn’t just about building a facility; it’s a strategic move to reshape healthcare access for the area.
The new campus will consolidate several Sanford Health services into one convenient location. Expect to find expanded specialty care, advanced imaging, and a state-of-the-art emergency room.This centralization aims to improve patient care coordination and reduce wait times. It’s a direct response to the growing healthcare needs of the Black Hills community.
Recent Acquisitions Signal Growth
This new campus isn’t an isolated event. Sanford Health has been actively acquiring medical facilities in the Black Hills. In November 2024, they acquired the Black Hills Orthopedic & Spine Center. They also formed partnerships with Black Hills Surgical Hospital, Black Hills Urgent Care, and the Black Hills Surgical Center of Wyoming. More recently,sanford added Black Hills plastic Surgery and Creekside Medical Clinic to their network.
These acquisitions demonstrate a clear strategy: to build a comprehensive healthcare system in the region. Sanford isn’t just adding services; they’re integrating them, creating a more seamless experience for patients.
Investing in the future workforce
Sanford Health recognizes that a state-of-the-art facility needs a skilled workforce.While the exact number of jobs created by the new campus is still being determined, Sanford is committed to investing in healthcare education.The $300 million donation includes $2.5 million for the Aspire program, which focuses on medical education for K-12 students. Additionally, $3 million will be allocated to Build Dakota scholarships.
This investment in education is crucial. It ensures a pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals for the black Hills, addressing potential staffing shortages and supporting the long-term sustainability of the expanded healthcare system. Sanford isn’t just building for today; they’re building for the future.