Brookings Behavioral Health and Wellness Receives $20,000 Grant to Expand Access, Improve Continuity of Care

Brookings Behavioral Health and Wellness (BBHW) has been awarded a $20,000 South Dakota Fund grant from South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). The funding will support upgrades to technology infrastructure, including enhancements to the electronic health record system, expansion of telehealth services, and responsible integration of artificial intelligence in clinical documentation.

“This investment in the Ivy Center’s technology infrastructure strengthens our ability to deliver accessible, responsive behavioral health services to the communities we serve,” said Elizabeth Roden, Grants and Data Communications Coordinator at BBHW. “Reliable, integrated technology allows BBHW to coordinate care more effectively, reduce barriers for clients, and expand the reach of mental health support across Brookings County.”

BBHW provides outpatient mental health and substance use services. As demand for these services has grown, BBHW has expanded beyond traditional clinic-based care to include community-based, home-based and school-based service models. Delivering care across these varied settings requires a reliable, secure and portable technology infrastructure.

Grant funds will be directed at three areas. First, modernization of the electronic health record system will reduce administrative burden and improve continuity of care. Second, expansion of telehealth platforms and mobile hardware will increase access for individuals facing barriers related to transportation, geography, work schedules or stigma. Third, the integration of AI-assisted documentation tools will support greater accuracy and consistency in clinical records while reducing workload for clinicians.

“BBHW prides itself on walking alongside its clients in their journey to overall well-being,” said Ginger Niemann, Senior Program Officer at SDCF. “Similarly, South Dakota Community Foundation is honored to support BBHW’s work to expand mental health services and improve efficiency of delivery in and around the Brookings area.”  

SDCF’s South Dakota Fund makes grants to nonprofits across the state in support of culture, economic development, education, financial literacy, health and human services. Beginning in 2026, the fund will also offer three new initiatives: child wellbeing, housing and workforce development.