Residents who rely on the local public health nurse for immunizations, pregnancy resources, and other health services will soon need to take note of a new location.
For years, the county nurse’s office has been housed within its partnering medical provider, Avera Medical Group and Avera Hospital in Flandreau. However, Avera and county officials were recently informed that the state will end the Public Health Alliance Contract for the nine participating counties, including Moody County, effective May 31, 2025.
As a result, the county will now take responsibility for maintaining this essential public health service. This includes hiring a new nurse and securing a new location to continue offering care.

Avera had just hired a new public health nurse and begun training that individual following the departure of longtime county public health nurse Janii White.
Discussions with the state are ongoing, and county officials are exploring options for the transition. One potential new location for the public health office is the County Extension building. More updates will be provided as decisions are finalized.
Bryan Breitling, Administrator for Avera Flandreau, recently met with county commissioners to discuss the impact of the unexpected change.
“There is a lot of need for public health services in Moody County,” he said.
“You will have the opportunity to decide what services you want the Department of Health to offer. Some the federal government or state pays for, some you’ll have to pay for locally. They’ll bring you that array of services, and then you’ll have to make some decisions.”
Currently, the county pays Avera $46,000 annually to support the public health nurse position, which includes administrative support and a physical office space.