SLM Consulting, LLC

04/29/2026

Inadequate health care infrastructure, limited access to healthy food, and barriers to physical and mental health care are just a few of the challenges facing rural communities across the nation. This article, “Rural Health Disparities: Contemporary Solutions for Persistent Rural Public Health Challenges,” is part of a collection that highlights the importance of trust and collaboration in building effective community-driven public health strategies for rural communities.

Read the full article at https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/25_0202.htm.

04/22/2026

For today’s partner spotlight we’re highlighting the South Dakota Public Health Association. Our team is grateful for the work they do as the state’s only trade association for public health professionals, students, and allies.

Their mission to promote and protect the health of South Dakota’s individuals, families and communities closely aligns with the work of SLM Consulting. So much so that our Founder, Sandra Melstad, proudly serves on their Executive Board.

Thank you, South Dakota Public Health Association, for all you do to advance to the health of communities across South Dakota!

04/14/2026

Here’s to 14 years! While each year brings new opportunities and challenges, our mission has remained the same: to improve health for all through prevention, multi-sector collaborations, and data-driven public health solutions.

We’re grateful to our clients, partners, and consultants for your continued trust and support, and we look forward to many more years of working together to improve public health.

04/09/2026

Ready. Set. Action!

The National Public Health Week celebration continues, and today we’re highlighting the importance of collaboration between public health professionals and government agencies. From ensuring safe food and water to supporting policies that prioritize equitable distribution of public health resources, government partners help build the foundation for healthier communities.

Learn more about how government partners can take action this at https://www.apha.org/initiatives/national-public-health-week/themes-and-facts/ready-set-action-government-partners.

04/07/2026

Leadership plays a vital role in healthy communities. From the parks we enjoy to essential food resources, strong local leadership helps create environments where healthy choices are possible.

As we continue the celebration of , let’s encourage and support our community leaders as they advocate for stronger, healthier communities for all.

04/06/2026

Happy !

“Ready. Set. Action!” is this year’s theme, encouraging us to recognize the accomplishments of public health over the years and the role we all play in building healthier communities for generations to come.

Read more about National Public Health Week at https://www.apha.org/initiatives/national-public-health-week.

03/05/2026

Come join us!

Abstract submissions due April 13th!

https://sdpha.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=507084

02/26/2026

Over 72 million people are enrolled in Medicaid, a public health insurance program that serves low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, elderly and people with disabilities.

In their article titled “What is Medicaid’s Value?” authors Akeiisa Coleman and Sara Federman take a closer look at Medicaid’s value including topics like Medicaid expansion, health care access impacts, financial impacts, and more. Read the full article at https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/explainer/2025/jan/what-is-medicaids-value.

02/24/2026

In 2025, an estimated 2 million Americans were diagnosed with a cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer. According to the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2025, approximately 40% of these cases are linked to preventable causes like smoking, lack of physical activity, obesity, and excessive sun exposure.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a month to focus on reducing cancer risk through promoting lifestyle changes, screenings, and advocacy. Learn more at https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/national-cancer-prevention-month.

02/23/2026

Join the American Journal of Public Health on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 3-4:30 p.m. ET for the State of the Public Health Union address, which coincides with the Journal’s 115th Anniversary Celebration! This year's theme is "Making Public Health Work for Everyone: Conversations with Former Federal Public Health Leaders in Republican and Democratic Administrations." Register now: https://vist.ly/4s7c9