Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison has been awarded more than 101-thousand dollars through South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation initiative.

Governor Larry Rhoden announced more than 90 million dollars in grants statewide to improve technology and data systems in rural and underserved communities.

Bethel Lutheran Home will use its 101-thousand, 859-dollar award to upgrade its PointClickCare electronic health record system, purchase new computers for nursing staff and strengthen telemedicine services through Avel eCare.

Administrator Kathy Holland says the funding will modernize the tools staff use every day and help improve care for Bethel residents.

The statewide grant program received 144 applications requesting more than 336 million dollars in funding.

The five-year Rural Health Transformation initiative is designed to strengthen rural healthcare systems and expand access to quality care across South Dakota.

Bethel Lutheran Home is a long-standing Madison senior-care community that provides everything from independent living to 24-hour skilled nursing care.