South Dakota Urban Indian Health is getting a five-year, $11 million operating contract from Indian Health Service to operate clinics in Pierre and Sioux Falls.
Colette Keith, Executive Director for South Dakota Urban Indian Health, said the funding is part of a crucial, long-standing partnership that IHS has had with Urban Indian Health. She said the money is an IHS appropriation that can only be used for Urban Indian Organizations and is separate from federal funding that IHS receives to help fund tribal hospitals and clinics.
Keith said more than 70% of all tribal members in South Dakota live away from their home reservations. Although they may access care from other health sources, she said South Dakota Urban Indian Health is unique in offering tribal and non-tribal members care that is culturally relevant and trauma informed.
Keith said the faith that the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service Office and the national IHS Urban Programs office has put in them is nothing to take for granted. She said these funds will allow them to provide direct care to members from all nine tribes in South Dakota at the SDUIH clinics in Pierre and Sioux Falls.
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