In 1999, Sanford School of Medicine initiated the Board of Visitors, an invited group of professionals and community members, to engage in dialogue about end-of-life care in South Dakota. Over 66 individuals representing a broad array of South Dakota institutions, organizations, and disciplines concerned with quality of life at end of life attended the session and indicated continuing interest in this important topic.
The Partnership for Improving End-of-Life Care in South Dakota evolved from that initial meeting. In February 2006, the group was renamed LifeCircle South Dakota: Partners Improving End-of-Life Care and a logo was developed to reflect the statewide nature of the organization. Based on initial areas of interest identified in 1999, three distinct "work groups" were established: Public Policy, Academic Work Group, and Community Education. As a statewide organization home-based in Sioux Falls, LifeCircle South Dakota aspires to be as interdisciplinary in membership and focus as possible.
At present, an interdisciplinary and multi-institutional Advisory Committee oversees LifeCircle South Dakota.
As an entity of the Sanford School of Medicine with 501(c)3 status and based in Sioux Falls. LifeCircle South Dakota aspires to be as interdisciplinary in membership and focus as possible.
To serve as the dynamic link among those promoting education, research and provision of quality patient care at end of life.
To advocate on behalf of South Dakotans to improve quality of care at end of life.