For too long, Native people in and around Rapid City faced barriers to consistent, quality care. In 2010, local tribal citizens raised concerns about the care being provided at Sioux San Hospital. That same year, national attention – including the 2010 Dorgan Report – brought visibility to the serious challenges facing healthcare in Indian Country. Soon after, emergency room services at Sioux San were suspended following standards of care violations identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Those moments weren’t just setbacks—they were a turning point. OHC represents a community-driven shift toward local control, improved systems, and stronger care – led by the tribes and guided by community needs.
How We Got Here:
- 2010: Rapid City Native community members called on tribal leadership to take action to improve care at Sioux San. Oyate Health Center
- 2010: The Dorgan Report documented major gaps in Indian Country healthcare; ER services at Sioux San were suspended following CMS findings. Oyate Health Center
- 2014: The Oglala Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and Rosebud Sioux Tribe began negotiations to take control of the Rapid City Service Unit. Oyate Health Center
- Today: Oyate Health Center continues to grow as a tribally driven model of care that is responsive to the community and accountable to tribal nations.
