Johnson Tours Urban Indian Clinic, Stresses Need for Improving Native American Health Care

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today highlighted the need to improve access to health care for Native Americans in urban areas as he toured the new Urban Indian Health Center. Johnson also emphasized efforts in Washington to help Native Americans living both on and off reservations receive adequate health care.

"On Native American Day, I wanted to bring attention to the work being done to improve the health care of the Indian Community in Sioux Falls and across the state," Johnson said. "Many American Indians don't live on reservations and need services like those provided by this facility. I will continue to use my seats on the Appropriations and Indian Affairs Committees to improve health care for all Native Americans."

The Urban Indian Health Center, a nonprofit which recently moved into its new facility, provides quality health care for Native Americans in South Dakota's urban areas. In addition to Sioux Falls, there are also primary health care clinics in Pierre and Aberdeen. The centers promote a balance between physical, spiritual, behavioral, and mental health for entire families.

Johnson has continually pushed for improving health care access for Native Americans. Earlier this year, he worked to include the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) of 2009, which he cosponsored, in the broader health care reform package. The legislation permanently reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which is the main health care delivery system for 1.9 million Native Americans across the country.

Joining Johnson at the event were Donna Keeler, Executive Director, South Urban Indian Health, Inc.; Marilee Geary, Licensed Professional Counselor; Tonya Benson, Certified Nurse Practitioner; Beth Amdahl, Physician Assistant and Karla Abbott, Advisory Board Member and Professor of Nursing at Augustana College.

Today's tour is one in a series of events Johnson is holding across South Dakota during the Congressional District Work Period. In the coming days and weeks, he will hold additional events in across the state.

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