Sioux Falls Health Facility Draws Patients Regionally
The Link reports that 44% of its patients in 2026 traveled to Sioux Falls from outside the local metro area for services.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Data collected from January through September 2026 shows that 44% of patients treated at The Link originated from outside the Sioux Falls metro area. The organization, which provides various health and support services, is currently working to address a $550,000 budget shortfall.
Why it matters
Patients are traveling to the facility because they require specialized services that are unavailable or less established at their local care programs. The center was founded to divert jail bookings and reduce the overuse of local emergency rooms.
The Link has served approximately 4,800 individuals since June 2021, providing 19,287 total services. Currently, 45% of its interactions come via law enforcement referrals, while 35% are walk-in patients.
The players
The Link
This facility provides healthcare assessments, housing assistance, and agency referrals to help divert jail bookings and emergency department usage in Sioux Falls.
The details
The Link manages patient intake by using zip code tracking to identify where individuals reside. The staff provides healthcare assessments, housing assistance, and referrals to quality of life agencies to support those seeking care at the downtown facility.
Timeline
The Link opened in downtown Sioux Falls in June 2021.
In 2025, the facility diverted 689 admissions from local emergency departments.
The organization began tracking the city of origin for all patients in January 2026.
From January 2026 to September 2026, 44% of patients arrived from outside the metro area.
Health Landscape
The facilitys financial strategy relies on securing opioid settlement grant funding to ensure its continued operation. This approach mirrors efforts by similar regional care providers to leverage state settlement funds to sustain critical health infrastructure.
The high influx of regional patients indicates that residents may encounter longer wait times or increased demand for services at the downtown facility. Patients should check in advance regarding service availability as the center manages its current budget constraints.
The takeaway
The facility provides a vital safety net that diverts hundreds of emergency room visits and thousands of police hours annually. Its ability to serve both local and regional patients highlights a significant gap in care options available in smaller communities.
Further reading
For more information on local care resources, visit the Substance Abuse section.
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Should your local government fund community services that are frequently used by non-residents?
