A state program that helps rural medical facilities in South Dakota recruit pharmacists, physical therapists and other health professionals is now accepting applications. The Rural Healthcare Facility Recruitment Assistance Program launched in 2012, and has helped place 239 health professionals in 55 South Dakota towns.

Halley Lee is the Administrator of Rural health for the State Department of Health

Lee says the rural workforce is aging and entering retirement, and medical facilities have a tough time finding younger graduates who are willing to come back to smaller towns, but the recruitment program has helped

Lee says this year, ambulance services, healthcare social workers and speech therapists are eligible to use the program. For more information, go online to: ruralhealth.sd.gov