Thune visits MRH&C

Posted 9/02/25 (Tue)

Thune Visits Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics

U.S. Senate Majority Whip John Thune, R-South Dakota, was on hand in the Bridge City on August 7 to help announce the awarding of local grants and to tour the newly renovated Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics.

Two nonprofits were awarded a combined $1 million in grants to support small business growth and Native American agricultural producers across the state. Grow South Dakota and Akiptan each received $500,000 to expand their lending and community programs.

Grow South Dakota serves the entire state, offering small business lending and homeownership programs designed to help entrepreneurs overcome traditional lending barriers.

Akiptan is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution focused on financing Native American agricultural producers throughout Indian Country.

Thune expressed strong support for these grants and organizations, as well as the work of small businesses in South Dakota's rural communities.

"Small towns have small businesses, and they are not always easy to run," Thune said during the presentation held at the Mobridge Moose Lodge. "Small businesses are so essential, and I will continue to advocate for them in the position I am in."

The Senate Majority Whip emphasized the importance of investments that help small farms and tribal businesses thrive, noting these enterprises are the backbone of local economies.

During his visit, Thune also toured Mobridge Regional Hospital and Clinics, providing an opportunity to highlight the work being done by local healthcare staff and to discuss challenges facing rural health services.

According to John Ayoub, chief executive officer of the hospital, the visit allowed the team to showcase new facilities such as the infusion center and new inpatient unit.

"We were very honored and grateful that he took the time to visit," he said. "It was a chance to show off the good work our staff are doing."

Ayoub also engaged in discussions about broader healthcare issues affecting South Dakota and Indian Country, including changes to Medicare and Medicaid and potential legislation aimed at supporting rural hospitals.

"Thune asked some incredible questions," Ayoub added.

He emphasized how valuable it is for decision-makers like Thune to experience firsthand the challenges rural healthcare providers encounter.

"Sometimes it's important to have the person making the decisions and casting the votes come see how things are going," Ayoub said. "We feel blessed that he took the time to visit with us."