Oyate Health Center celebrates 5-year anniversary with remarkable milestones

On September 17, 2024, the Oyate Health Center celebrated its 5-year anniversary, marking half a decade of dedicated service to the Native American community in Rapid City and beyond.

Published in: OHC News

RAPID CITY — On September 17, 2024, the Oyate Health Center celebrated its 5-year anniversary, marking half a decade of dedicated service to the Native American community in Rapid City and beyond. The celebration took place in the center’s parking lot from 2-7 PM, offering the community an opportunity to reflect on the center’s achievements and engage with staff to further improve patient experiences.
The Oyate Health Center opened in 2019 as part of a 638 contract between the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and Rosebud Sioux Tribe, who tasked the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board with managing the facility.
While governance is authorized by the three tribes, medical professionals and healthcare managers handle day-to-day operations, guided by a Governing Body that includes representatives from the tribes and Health Board administration. This structure has facilitated the expansion of services and improved care.
Since its inception, the Oyate Health Center has significantly grown in both the services it offers and its impact on patients’ lives. By the end of 2024, the center will have provided care to over 20,000 relatives, delivering culturally competent and comprehensive healthcare tailored to the unique needs of the Native American community.
One of the center’s most notable achievements is its record-breaking third-party billing performance. In July 2024 alone, the center collected $3 million, setting a new single-month record. By the end of the 2024 fiscal year, it is projected to secure over $29 million in additional healthcare funding. Federal law requires these funds to be reinvested into the facility, further bolstering Oyate’s success.
Patient satisfaction has been a cornerstone of the center’s success. Over the past year, 4,000 patient surveys have been collected, with an impressive satisfaction rate of 98%. This reflects the center’s commitment to high-quality care and ensuring every patient feels valued and heard.

Washable tatoos and face painting drew many children and on lookers to this booth. (Photo by Kirk Dickerson)

In response to growing community needs, the Oyate Health Center has dramatically expanded its behavioral health services. Where wait times once stretched for months, patients can now access care within days. By the end of 2024, the center will have recorded over 15,000 visits to its behavioral health program, highlighting the crucial role these services play in promoting mental wellness. The center has also doubled its Purchase Referred Care budget.
The center’s commitment to the Native American community extends beyond healthcare. With a Native American hire rate of 58%, the Oyate Health Center not only provides jobs but ensures its staff reflects the community it serves. Currently employing 370 people, the center expects to grow to over 600 by 2026, solidifying its role as a major regional employer.
As the Oyate Health Center celebrates this milestone, it continues to look forward, with plans to expand services and further enhance the quality of care it provides.

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