Three South Dakota health organizations are poised to put a $900,000 federal grant to work by creating a community health information network that will make it possible for them to share patient information via electronic health records.

Brookings Health System, Avera Medical Group Brookings and United Retirement Center Avera are among  40 rural health networks across the nation awarded  a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, which provided $11.9 million across the country as part of the President’s Rural Health Intiative. The money is to be used to purchase equipment, install broadband networks and provide training for staff.

The grant in South Dakota provides $300,000 for each of the next three years, totaling $900,000.

The funds also help the Brookings providers qualify for Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive payments, administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The Brookings Health System includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed Brookview Manor nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates apartments. It is a nonprofit, city-owned facility. Avera Medical Group Brookings, part of the Avera Health system, is a multi-specialty practice with 27 physicians and other providers. United Retirement Center Avera has 79  licensed nursing home beds and also operates congregate living apartments and assisted living units.