Health | National

Native Sun News: Indian Health Service eyes new hospital in Rapid City

Thursday, July 28, 2016

The Sioux San Hospital is an Indian Health Service facility in Rapid City, South Dakota. Photo by Colorado National Guard Medical Detachment / Flickr

IHS plans new hospital at Sioux San
By Ernestine Chasing Hawk
Native Sun News Editor
nsweekly.com

RAPID CITY –– According to a letter from Great Plains Area Indian Health Service to Historic Rapid City the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service (IHS) is planning to build a new hospital facility in the central portion of the Sioux San campus.

The June 1 letter from the Great Plains Area Associate Director states that in order to comply with provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act, IHS was required to consult with the South Dakota Preservation Officer who determined “that the undertaking would have an adverse affect on historic properties.”

A description of “the undertaking would consist of the demolition of 16 buildings and structures, demolition of the water tank, demolition or removal of 5 buildings and structures, rehabilitation of 2 buildings, and rehabilitation of the contributing rock retaining wall/staircase/entrance sign features.”

“A new hospital facility would be constructed in the central portion of the campus.”

According to the letter IHS is in the process of developing “a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and mitigation to avoid, minimize or mitigate the adverse effects.”

“As part of the process, IHS will also consult with stakeholders (Called Consulting Parties) making available opportunities to provide input into the development of the MOA and mitigation plan,” the letter continues.

While the letter is an invitation to Historic Rapid City to be a consulting party, Gay Kingman, Executive Director of Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association said three tribes jointly administer Sioux San Hospital, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe.