The state has launched a volunteer registration portal where residents from across South Dakota can register to assist with COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

While South Dakota is among those states leading in vaccine distribution and administration nationwide, an effective and streamlined volunteer pool that is willing and able to assist will be key as vaccination efforts are expanded, the state said in a statement.

This becomes even more important as federal vaccine allocation is expected to increase in the weeks and months ahead.

“The Department of Health and our hospital partners are responding to an outpour in support and willingness to help in bringing this pandemic to an end,” said Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, there is not a week that goes by in which we are not asked, ‘How can I help?’ This is part of what makes South Dakota such a great place to call home. We work with what we have, while helping as many as we can. I encourage state residents to sign up today.”

Volunteers who register on the portal can select what type of volunteer work they are seeking and answer simple questions as to the skills and experience they are offering. All are encouraged to apply, even those without a medical background. Registration takes only a few minutes, and this information will be vetted by staff at the Health Department before any volunteer opportunities are offered.

In addition to any future vaccination opportunities offered by the Health Department, the volunteers’ registration also will be entered into the State Emergency Register of Volunteers for South Dakota, or SERVE SD, and securely shared with hospital systems, which may call upon them for vaccination assistance. Volunteers who are willing to assist in medical settings also may qualify to receive their COVID-19 vaccine ahead of time. 

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