SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Millions of dollars worth of federal COVID-19 relief money will now be terminated from behavioral health initiatives in South Dakota.
According to the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) terminated $2,982,719 in DSS’ supplemental block grant awards from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The money supported a range of behavioral health treatment and prevention activities through DSS, said Matt Althoff, DSS Cabinet Secretary, in a statement to KELOLAND News.
Although contracts are being terminated or amended, said Althoff, DSS does not anticipate any staff layoffs as a result of these cancellations.
According to Althoff, DSS notified vendors and contractors of the immediate end of work and contracts related to these funding streams.
The grants would’ve ended by September 30, 2025, according to the DSS website,
Signed by former President Joe Biden in 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act is designed to fiscally aid Americans impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is a developing story.
