SD philanthropist donates $125M to Sanford

South Dakota philanthropist Denny Sanford will donate $125 million to the health system that bears his name for a new program to integrate genetics and health care.

Sanford Imagenetics will be the first of its kind in the U.S., using a patient's genetic makeup to tailor treatment, Sanford Health system said in a statement.

The goal is to incorporate genetics with internal medicine in ways that "allow for more precise prescription of medications, in-depth analysis of family history and screening for and management of the chronic disorders of adult life," said Dr. Gene Hoyme, Sanford Health's research chief.

Sanford will break ground for a new facility in Sioux Falls, S.D., next year. Facilities are also planned in North Dakota in Fargo and Bismarck, as well as Bemidji, Minn. The money will also fund genetic research at universities in South Dakota and North Dakota.

Including the newest gift, Denny Sanford has donated nearly $1 billion to the health system, officials said.

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