Sault Tribe announces new Health Care Revitalization Plan
SAULT STE. MARIE — A newly announced plan will help revitalize health care for Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians members significantly over the next two years.
Recently, the tribe began an effort to reevaluate health care in the community and narrow down the priorities and goals that tribal health programs should focus on.
Since the beginning of the year, the tribe has hosted several town hall events so they could gather feedback and and learn how they can make health care work better for individuals. With the help of the Health Division, the Sault Tribe took that community input and combined it with national practices to craft its new Health Care Revitalization Plan.
“As one of the largest health systems in Indian Country and among the largest in the Upper Peninsula, we recognize the continuous need to revaluate and reassess the quality of care and services that our Health Division brings to tribal members. We are confident that implementing this plan will help make our community healthier and stronger,” said Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes.
The newest priorities for the tribe's health care plan include increasing appointment availabilities and telehealth services, upgrading equipment throughout the tribe’s various health centers, aligning services to better meet local community needs, updating electronic medical record systems and more.
Over the next few months, the Tribal Health Center will be implementing these ideas into their plans as well as working to position the Health Division as the employer for choice in the region while increasing recruitment and retention efforts.
Recruitment and retention of health care staff has been a hot button topic in Sault Ste. Marie in recent months, as MyMichigan Medical Center Sault officials and its nursing staff continue contract negotiations.
More: Negotiations fail again as Sault nurses return to the picket line
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“As a former medical social worker, I have a great appreciation for our Health Division staff and the important role they play in supporting a vibrant and prosperous community. I very much look forward to working with them to ensure this plan is a success,” said Lowes. “Together, we will build a healthier future for our tribe.”
On May 17, during a visit from First Lady Jill Biden, leaders from the Sault and Bay Mills tribes openly discussed health care priorities for their communities at a public listening session.
During the meeting, Lowes announced the new plan. He also talked about how the tribe's health care programs and expansion are made possible by support from state and federal partners.
The tribe operates nine health centers in the U.P. in Detour, Gladstone, Grand Island, Hessel, Manistique, Marquette, Newberry, Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault Tribe announces new Health Care Revitalization Plan
