Noem’s health chief retires amid scrutiny of grant for transgender organization

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s Cabinet secretary overseeing the state’s health department has resigned. The governor’s office says Secretary of Health Joan Adam is retiring.

Adam has faced criticism from conservatives after the Department of Health rewarded a grant to an organization that advocates for transgender people. The grant was to provide community health care workers.

Transgender-rights advocates, including The Transformation Project, have long said that transgender youth face discrimination and hostility, leading to depression, isolation and suicidal thoughts.

December 20, 2022