Winter 2026 Newsletter

Help Us Reach Cancer Caregivers in Our Communities

Active Generations and the Cancer Coalition have launched a free, statewide support program to support unpaid, informal caregivers of people with cancer.

We know caregivers are everywhere across South Dakota - spouses, adult children, friends, neighbors - but many are carrying this role quietly and without support.

While online resources can be helpful, caregivers consistently tell us they need in-person connection: a place to gather, share experiences, and feel understood by others who truly get it. This program was created to meet that need and to build a welcoming, supportive community for caregivers at any stage of the cancer journey.

The cancer caregiver program offers support groups and social gatherings, educational classes, one-on-one case management, and peer-to-peer connections. All caregivers are welcome, and participation is free. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at Active Generations Main in Sioux Falls, with a virtual Zoom option available.

We ask Coalition partners to help spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your networks, clients, patients, staff, and community members. A personal recommendation or simple mention can make a big difference for someone who may not yet see themselves as a “caregiver,” but is deeply in need of support.

For more information or to RSVP, caregivers can contact Meghan Clark at Active Generations at 605-333-3312 or by email.

How You Can Help

Refer Caregivers

Know someone caring for a loved one with cancer? Connect them to the program.

Spread the Word

Forward this newsletter to your network! Have a staff or organization newsletter? Here's a flyer to share .

Volunteer

Those with cancer caregiving experience are welcomed to share insights or serve as peer supporters.

Donate or Sponsor Events

Help provide meaningful breaks for caregivers. All donations and sponsorships will be gratefully acknowledged in program materials and events.

Donations may include:

Coffee, meals, or snacks
Event space or activity sponsorships (escape rooms, art classes, etc.)
Supplies for recreational or wellness activities

Support Group Meeting Info

Noon

Second Thursday of

each month

Active Generations Main

2300 W 46th St

Sioux Falls

To join virtually, use Zoom Meeting ID:

867 1304 2401

Task Forces Update:

Still Time to Get Involved!

Coalition task forces have been busy this winter, moving from planning into action.

Building upon on partner input and Fall Meeting discussions, each task force has identified two priority workgroups to guide efforts in the year ahead, aligned with the 2026-2030 South Dakota Cancer Plan.

Across the Prevention, Screening, and Survivorship Task Forces, these new workgroups build on existing momentum to reduce cancer risk, improve screening access, and strengthen support for survivors and caregivers.

Within the Survivorship Task Force, palliative care will be incorporated as a cross-cutting theme to support patient-centered care across the continuum.

Coalition partners are encouraged to join one or more task forces or workgroups in whatever way works best - participating in meetings, sharing expertise or resources, or staying connected through updates.

Questions? Contact Megan.

Coalition Year In Review

The Coalition’s 2024-2025 Year in Review is now available on our website and highlights the impact of our partners’ work across South Dakota.

Thank you to our Coalition partners for the time, expertise, and commitment you bring to this work.

Deadline Approaching:

Cancer Implementation RFA

There's still time to complete a grant application for the FY 2027 South Dakota Department of Health Cancer Programs Implementation RFA with projects that advance the 2026-2030 South Dakota Cancer Plan.

We are looking for initiatives that implement evidence-based interventions to strengthen access to cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship services throughout South Dakota. This RFA is also aligned with the South Dakota Prevention Framework.

Eligibility Criteria: Eligible applicants include organizations that have the capacity to implement the required interventions. Eligibility includes, but is not limited to, federally qualified healthcare centers, health plans, healthcare clinics, healthcare systems, cancer treatment centers, healthcare professional organizations, Indian Health Service, non-profits, quality improvement organizations, school-based healthcare clinics, tribal health centers, universities, coalitions, and worksites. Project activities must occur within the geographical borders of South Dakota and target residents and/or tribal communities within South Dakota.

Project Period: June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027

Anticipated Award Amount and Availability: Applicants may request up to $15,000 per project period year. The total number of awards is dependent upon available funds and the number and scope of proposals submitted. 100 percent of this project will be funded by federal funds. Funding will be remitted on a reimbursement basis quarterly.

Application Procedure and Deadline: Applications are due via electronic submission to Shannon Park no later than 5 pm CT Feb. 13.

Application Assistance: Staff are available to support potential applicants throughout the application period. Staff can answer questions, brainstorm project ideas, review draft applications, and more. Please email Shannon for assistance.

Application: FY 2027 Collaborative RFA

Spotlight on Screening

DOH Releases Updated All Women Count! Guidelines

South Dakota's All Women Count! Program has released the 2026 Income Guidelines and the 2026 Allowed CPT Code List, effective Feb. 1.

Providers are asked to review the information and share with appropriate staff at your facility. The income guidelines and CPT code list have also been mailed to all participating sites.

Updated All Women Count! rack cards and posters will be available to order soon through the DOH Educational Materials Catalog.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to enrolling eligible women in the All Women Count! Program. Please contact staff at 1-800-738-2301 or SDAllWomenCount@state.sd.us with questions.

Partner Press

Cancer News from South Dakota

Monument Health Program Offers Quality of Life Support for Survivors West River

Life after cancer treatment can bring new challenges.

Monument Health’s Cancer Transitions: Moving Beyond Treatment program helps cancer survivors focus on the everyday habits and skills that support quality of life after treatment.

This Cancer Coalition-supported program meets once a week for four weeks in 90-minute sessions. Participants take part in group discussion, short educational videos, and simple goal-setting activities designed to support confidence and well-being.

The program is led by a cancer survivor and provides a welcoming space to connect with others who share similar experiences. Survivors have the opportunity to learn from one another, talk through concerns, and build community.

Coalition partners are encouraged to share this opportunity with cancer survivors in your networks, especially those who are newly finished with treatment or looking for support as they adjust to what comes next.

Learn more and register here.

Upcoming Events & Webinars

Want to help plan upcoming Cancer Coalition events such as the Summer Social and the annual Fall Meeting in October? We're looking for committee members interested in membership and marketing! Contact Megan Myers for more info.

Upcoming Task Force Meetings

Prevention

all 1 pm CT

March 3

May 5

July 7

August 4

Screening

all 10:30 am CT

March 11

May 13

July 8

August 12

Survivorship

all 1 pm CT

March 19

May 21

July 16

August 20

Check out more info on task forces on our Coalition website.

All Women Count! World Cancer Day Screening Event

February 4

Siouxland Public Library, Downtown

ACS Promising Practices Series: 20 Years of HPV Vaccination Safety & Impact

February 19

Webinar

Save the Date:

Immunize South Dakota Annual Meeting

April 8-9

Chamberlain

Grant & Award Opportunities

Check out our directory of funding opportunities on our Coalition website.

Keep Us in the Loop!

Is your organization doing work that supports the priorities of the South Dakota Cancer Plan?

Take a minute to share the great work you’re doing outside of Cancer Coalition efforts by submitting your State Plan Activities online.

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Funding for this publication was made possible (in part) by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The views expressed in written materials or publications do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.