South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Monday announced a statewide clinical trial of hydroxychloroquine for the possible treatment of COVID-19, making her state the first in the country to institute a program exploring the potential effectiveness of the drug in treating and preventing coronavirus.

"From Day One, I've said we're going to let the science, facts and data drive our decision-making in South Dakota," Noem said in a statement provided to Fox News.

Noem, a Republican, announced the "comprehensive" clinical trial Monday after communicating with White House officials in the last week to "let them know that South Dakota's medical community was ready to step up and lead the way on research efforts."

"I made direct requests to President Trump and Vice President Pence to supply us with enough hydroxychloroquine so that it could be made available for every hospitalized person the state may have, as well as those for health care workers on the frontlines and those in the most vulnerable populations," Noem said.

The governor said South Dakota has received doses of hydroxychloroquine to begin the trial.