FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brandon Huether, Marketing and Communications Manager, CHAD
605-910-8150
bhuether@communityhealthcare.net
Release Date: May 13, 2025
CHAD Launches “Medicaid Matters to Me” Campaign to Amplify Stories and Protect Medicaid Access (South Dakota)
SIOUX FALLS, SD — The Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD) is proud to announce the launch of the “Medicaid Matters to Me” campaign—an initiative to collect and share stories that illustrate the essential role Medicaid plays in the lives of individuals, families, health care workers, and entire communities across South Dakota.
“We know from past ballot initiatives and polling that there is widespread public support for the Medicaid program in South Dakota, yet misperceptions and stigma persist,” says Shelly Ten Napel, CEO of CHAD. “Our goal is to use storytelling to turn the lens toward those with lived experience and let them shape the narrative about Medicaid. As I have engaged with our storytellers, it helps me make the connection between larger policy debates and my own personal story and those of friends, family and neighbors.”
Medicaid is a life-saving program that ensures access to health care and financial security to around 150,000 South Dakotans. The program covers about 30 percent of children, many people with disabilities, 1 in 2 nursing home residents, and other hard-working, low-income adults in South Dakota. As Congress considers cuts to Medicaid that could result in the loss of health insurance coverage for thousands of our neighbors, CHAD is inviting community members, health care workers and support staff, patients, and partners to share their stories about the importance of this critical program.
“I decided to share my story because Medicaid helped get me where I am today,” says Ellen, a Sioux Falls resident featured on the Medicaid Matters to Me page. When Ellen discovered she was pregnant at just 19, Medicaid became a lifeline for her and later for her newborn son who required a NICU stay. “I graduated college early and am in a professional career that has allowed me to not rely on Medicaid,” she says. “I am so grateful for the support Medicaid provided me and my son.”
Stories like Ellen’s help debunk myths about Medicaid. “Everyone’s story matters, and it might just be your story that resonates with community members, voters, and lawmakers who can help us preserve Medicaid and make it better,” says Liz Schenkel, External Affairs Manager at CHAD. “If you’ve got a story to share, we can’t wait to connect with you.”
The Medicaid Matters to Me campaign was officially launched during a webinar on May 5, 2025, where CHAD staff and partners highlighted the importance of Medicaid, outlined key threats to the program, and introduced opportunities for public storytelling. Participants learned how they can share their own experiences or help patients and loved ones do the same.
Stories collected through the “Medicaid Matters to Me” campaign will be used—with participant consent—to educate policymakers, the media, and the public about the real-life impacts of Medicaid. Participants can also opt to remain anonymous, if they prefer.
Whether you’re a patient, provider, family member, or advocate – your voice matters. To submit your story and learn more, visit: https://communityhealthcare.net/medicaid-stories/
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About the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas
The Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD) is a 501(c)3 membership organization serving as the primary care association for North Dakota and South Dakota. Our mission is to foster healthy communities by promoting and supporting programs that increase access to affordable, high-quality health care for all Dakotans. CHAD supports nine federally qualified health centers in North Dakota and South Dakota through training, technical assistance, and advocacy. CHAD has supported the efforts of health centers, which offer a unique model of high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered primary care, for over 35 years. To learn more, visit www.communityhealthcare.net.
This publication is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,600,000 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
