The Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for its $4.6 million Behavioral Health Center.
Skyla Fast Horse, director of health for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, told Siouxland Public Media on Wednesday, building the new facility is meant to better serve tribal members on the reservation.
Fast Horse mentioned how it’s difficult to access healthcare services in rural areas, including mental health services.
She said the facility will alleviate some hardships patients and their families face while receiving help. Fast Horse added that most of the patients end up relocating to other cities or states to get proper care.
The facility will provide services locally, eliminating transportation costs and distance between loved ones.
Fast Horse said the facility will also provide traditional, holistic, spiritual practices for tribal members along with other mental health services.
“I feel our culture within will help better serve and heal our people,” Fast Horse said.
The facility will be built next to the tribe's detox center and Indian Health Services emergency department. Construction of the building will be funded through grants from Thomas W. Haas Foundation and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Foundation.
