Oyate Health Center seeks tribal action to expand dialysis services
Officials say releasing unused clinic space and delayed payments would support new patient care services
The Oglala Sioux Tribe Health and Human Services Committee met July 7 with tribal council members and Oyate Health Center staff in Rapid City to discuss proposals to expand dialysis, infusion and specialty care services, according to reporting from Native Sun News Today. Oyate Health Center President and CEO Jerilyn Church asked the tribe to release about 8,000 square feet of unused clinical space and authorize overdue facility support payments, saying the changes would allow the center to expand care for tribal citizens without securing off-site space.
Health center staff said 47 patients, including 28 Oglala Sioux Tribe citizens, are currently receiving dialysis, according to the Native Sun News Today reporting. Some committee members said previous tribal council action paused decisions on space while negotiations with the Indian Health Service and tribally operated programs continue. The committee did not take final action. Chair Ryan Jumping Eagle said another meeting will be scheduled while attorneys for the tribe and Oyate Health Center review the proposals.
We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.
