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Donations from two health care systems in South Dakota to the ��«Ӱҵ College of Nursing are leaving an impact, improving spaces and demonstrating a commitment to training the future health care workforce. 

In Sioux Falls, Avera Health donated a building and made a lead gift toward its renovation for the future SDSU Metro Center. The former medical supplies store for Avera at 33rd Street and Minnesota Avenue will serve as a home to nursing, pharmacy and other health programs in the Sioux Falls area. 

On the other side of the state, Monument Health committed $2 million toward the construction of a 30,000-square-foot addition for the College of Nursing in Rapid City. Additionally, Monument Health committed $500,000 for simulation equipment, clinical skills equipment and technology at that site. 

“Developing partnerships with our clinical agencies is critical to growth as well as to meeting the needs of today's complex health care environment,” Mary Anne Krogh, dean of the College of Nursing, said. “We are grateful for Avera Health and Monument Health for joining us on this journey to lead the way in solving the workforce demands of the state as we seek to improve the health of our citizens.” 

The new building in Sioux Falls will provide expanded simulation, lab and classroom opportunities for students, including for nurse practitioner students. The new space will expand experiential learning, increase interprofessional educational opportunities and provide access to the health care systems in Sioux Falls. 

Currently, students in Rapid City travel between three locations for their nursing education. Upon the completion of the new facility, simulation, lab, classrooms, the Native American Nursing Education Center and faculty and staff will all be in one location. 

This will provide a more “campus feel” for students attending the West River program. 

New simulation equipment and technology, donated by Monument Health, will be part of this new facility. 

“This new space will provide a modernized, accessible and efficient work area for students across pre-nursing and nursing in western South Dakota,” Krogh said. “There is a critical nursing shortage in the western areas of the state. As a land-grant institution, we are compelled to meet the nursing workforce needs across the state.”