Rapid City Community Health: Herbst John W

The Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD) is a non-profit organization that serves as the primary care association for North Dakota and South Dakota. Established over 35 years ago, CHAD is dedicated to increasing access to and improving health care services in areas of the Dakotas that need it most. Our mission is to foster healthy communities by promoting and supporting programs that enhance access to affordable, high-quality care for all.

At CHAD, we believe that everyone has the right to high-quality, reliable, and affordable health care, regardless of where they live. We work tirelessly to ensure that health care services are accessible to all, particularly in rural, low-income, and underserved populations. Our commitment to health equity drives us to address the root causes of health disparities and strive for equitable health outcomes in our communities.

Who We Serve

CHAD supports the work and mission of health center organizations across the Dakotas. These health centers, often referred to as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or community health centers, are dedicated to providing quality health care to all patients, with a focus on those in rural, low-income, and underserved populations.

Health centers provide comprehensive, integrated primary, dental, and behavioral health care services to more than 158,500 individuals at 65 sites in 52 communities across North Dakota and South Dakota. CHAD collaborates with these health care partners to enhance access to care and expand service offerings, fostering healthy families and communities.

Our Team, Board, and Partners

At CHAD, our team consists of dedicated professionals committed to advancing the health center mission. Our staff brings a wealth of expertise and experience in various areas, including clinical services, finance, outreach and enabling services, marketing, and advocacy.

Our Board of Directors is composed of leaders from health center organizations across the Dakotas. These individuals provide strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring CHAD remains focused on its mission and vision.

CHAD also has strong partnerships with various organizations and affiliates that share our commitment to improving health care access and quality in the Dakotas. These partnerships enable us to leverage our collective resources and expertise to achieve greater impact.

Our Services

CHAD offers a range of services to support the growth, development, and success of health center organizations in the Dakotas. These services include:

1. Training and Technical Assistance: CHAD provides training and technical assistance to help health centers build capacity in various areas, such as clinical services, workforce development, finance, and operations.

2. Education: CHAD offers educational resources, including webinars, conferences, and workshops, to help health centers stay up-to-date on best practices, emerging trends, and policy developments.

3. Advocacy: CHAD engages in advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels to promote policies and funding streams that support health center growth and success.

4. Networking and Collaboration: CHAD facilitates networking and collaboration opportunities among health centers and other stakeholders to share knowledge, resources, and best practices.