RAPID CITY, S.D. – As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations because of the virus decline, Monument Health on Thursday donated about 90 beds they had set up in the event they were needed.
The beds will go to West River families courtesy of Youth and Family Services.
Brianna Nelson, with Youth and Family Services, tells SDPB Radio the group serves about 14,000 kids and families in 29 counties.
“This is a huge gift for kids who’ve maybe had to share beds—or didn’t have one—to have their very own beds,” Nelson says. “We’re very excited to get these to kids and families.”
Nelson says they picked up 75 beds earlier this month and they were gone in a day.
As COVID cases continue to drop, Monument Health is emptying its virus unit back to space for future growth.
The hospital plans to keep about 75 beds on hand for a possible COVID surge. The number of new COVID infections has steadily declined since mid-April as more South Dakotans receive their vaccinations.
