• South Dakota is transitioning to a primarily digital system for medical marijuana cards.
• The state’s Department of Health will begin issuing digital cards after selecting a vendor this summer.
• Patients will still have the option to request a physical plastic card.

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota medical marijuana cards will soon be primarily digital.

The cannabis card news came Tuesday at the Capitol during a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Health and Human Services Committee. 

Rep. Josephine Garcia, R-Watertown, had planned to testify on her bill to create digital cards, but instead sat down before the committee and asked its members to table it.

Garcia is the chairwoman of the state’s Medical Marijuana Oversight Committee, which had discussed legislation to require the Department of Health to provide digital cards. 

On Tuesday, Garcia announced that the Department of Health had agreed to pursue digital cards without legislation. 

NAMI South Dakota, a nonprofit that provides free mental health support to residents across the state, has announced that its Board of Directors made the “difficult decision to dissolve the organization.”

NAMI South Dakota’s phone went unanswered as of Feb. 13. Its website is mostly inactive, with a brief message about support group meetings being canceled, but it offers online resources on the general NAMI website.

The most recent post on its Facebook page was on Feb. 5.

In an email statement to employees and supporters, NAMI South Dakota stated the directive does not “reflect the importance of our mission,” but rather a response to the “significant and ongoing financial challenges facing the nonprofit sector nationwide.” 

Those challenges included reduced funding, rising operational costs and increasing financial uncertainty. 

“We are incredibly proud of the work NAMI South Dakota has accomplished over the years,” the organization stated. “… we have been able to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide hope and resources to countless individuals and families impacted by mental illness.”

About NAMI South Dakota

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) maintains itself as the “nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization,” with more than 650 state organizations and affiliates. 

There were eight affiliates in South Dakota in addition to classes, programs and wellness activities offered in Sioux Falls, Sisseton and Milbank via the NAMI South Dakota Consumer Council.

NAMI South Dakota has provided more than 1,500 phone referrals and served 80 individuals at its annual conference. More than 4,700 people were reached by signature programs and 2,000 more by community events, according to the organization.

Staff members were informed of NAMI South Dakota being dissolved and that they were no longer employed with the organization by email Feb. 4.

The Argus Leader reached out to multiple NAMI South Dakota board members but had not received a response. Executive Director Sheri Nelson issued the same response previously given to employees.

Program Director, Brooke Hoffman of Sioux Falls, traveled throughout the state of South Dakota, speaking with K-12 students at various schools.

“I gave presentations about mental health, why it’s important, how to take care of it, warning signs, trusted adults. Suicide prevention to older kids,” Hoffman said.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – South Dakota Mines is aiming to raise $250,000 during its fourth annual Raising for Rockers give-a-thon, a 24-hour fundraising event supporting academic departments, student programs and hands-on learning initiatives.

The event runs noon Feb. 18 to noon Feb. 19, bringing together alumni, faculty, staff and supporters to contribute to 20 different initiatives that enhance the overall student experience.

Bailey Ellis, director of annual giving for the Center for Alumni Relations and Advancement, said the fundraiser is an opportunity for the Hardrocker community to make a direct impact on student success.

“This is a great opportunity for the Hardrocker community to come together and support academic departments and other initiatives that enhance the educational experience for our students,” Ellis said.

This year, donors have an added challenge: CARA will unlock a $6,250 nationwide match if donations are received from all 50 states.

Funds raised support a wide range of priorities, including student professional development, upgraded learning environments and opportunities for hands-on experiences across campus.

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