Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board (GPTCHB)

Pursuant to a section 638 contract with the indian Health service, the gptlhb manages and operates the oyate Health center in rapid city, s. dakota. Among other services, the clinic provides walk-in primary and urgent care medical services to approximately 22,000 native american patients in the greater rapid city area. Approximately 56,000 outpatient visits occurred during its fiscal year ended september 30, 2022. The Health center also includes a full service pharmacy.

COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAMS:Serving as a liaison between the Great Plains Tribes and the various Health and Human Services divisions, including the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service, the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board works to reduce public health disparities and improve the health and wellness of the American Indian peoples who are members of the 18 Great Plains tribal nations and communities. We achieve this by: o Assisting with tribal participation in the consultation process with the Health and Human Services divisions including the Indian Health Service; o Assisting the various Health and Human Services divisions with the distribution of health resources for tribal members; o Advocating for tribal interests and needs at state, regional, and national levels for health-related concerns and initiatives; o Providing technical assistance to tribes in the development and improvement of tribal health programs; o Representing GPTLHB and member tribes before the Congress of the United States at hearings and meetings regarding health issues for American Indian peoples; and o Providing policy analysis and recommendations related to Indian Health Care concerns, to tribally appointed representatives designated to deliver advocacy and testimony to Congressional and Executive Branch leadership.