A Rapid City-based clinic for Native women is reopening its doors after not seeing patients for nearly a year and a half.
Native Women’s Health Clinic officials say the clinic is ready to see patients again.
The reopening comes after clinic hadn’t seen patients since April of 2023. A report from last year pointed to staffing issues leading to a large drop in appointments starting in 2021.
Clinic officials say it offers OBGYN services, prenatal care and STI testing. It will still refer deliveries to Monument Health. The clinic has hired a midwife and registered nurse.
Waysha White Face, clinic director, said patients can schedule appointments today.
“I would get in immediately and as fast as you can. We announced last week that we were opening up for this week and we filled up within two days," White Face said. "The service is very needed here, especially to our native American women here in the community.”
The services are available to IHS eligible tribal members. *
The clinic was funded through an agreement with OST, Rosebud and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes, with OST operating the clinic. Earlier this year Rosebud and Cheyenne River pulled their funding shares, citing concerns the clinic had not seen patients for over a year.
Enrolled Rosebud and Cheyenne River members now go to Oyate Health Clinic for women’s health services.
Oglala Sioux Tribal president Frank Star Comes Out said it’s unfortunate the other tribes pulled their shares from the program. He said OST found resources to reopen the Native Women’s Health Clinic.
“I’m glad it's finally happening," Star Comes Out said. "This is going to be huge, I believe, in the future because of the need. Looking forward to seeing that in the future for our membership.”
Star Comes Out said he has confidence the clinic will grow remain open beyond his administration.
*This story has been corrected to better reflect who is eligible for services. Original reporting said it was limited to enrolled Oglala Sioux Tribal members.*
