Work begins on new medical center
PLUMMER – Coeur d’Alene Tribal leaders broke ground on the new $17.3 million, state-of-the-art Benewah Medical Center during an event in Plummer today.
“We are very proud to provide medical services to the region, and expect the new facility will enhance our ability to deliver timely, quality and affordable health care to our families and communities,” said Tribal Council Chairman Chief Allan. “The Tribe is committed to being a good neighbor, and through this project we will provide some of the best healthcare not only to the Tribal community, but to everyone living in the area.”
The new center is expected to open in the fall of 2012, with a footprint of 50,000 square feet, including the latest technology in medical, dental, pharmacy, lab, x-ray, community health, and counseling services; in addition to finance, human resources, facilities and other administrative support offices.
Tribal leaders, members of the community, and healthcare staff took part in the groundbreaking ceremony held at the new site of the center, on about a 6 acre parcel of land, located west of U.S. 95 in Plummer and only about a mile from the current BMC.
The total cost of the project is $17.3 million, with a large portion of the cost being covered by an $11.8 million grant funded by Health Resources Services Administration via the Affordable Care Act that was awarded in October. The remaining amounts include a $3 million pledge from the Tribe, and $2.5 million contributed by the Benewah Medical/Wellness Center.
The BMC was recognized as one of 143 Community Health Centers across the country with the award of federal monies by the United States Department of Health and Human Services that totaled $727 million. Community Health Centers have become an important facet of healthcare delivery for many Americans, especially those residing in rural areas, serving nearly 19 million patients, with about 40 percent of patients uninsured. Community Health Centers deliver primary and preventative care services for patients at more than 7,900 service delivery sites around the country, regardless of ability to pay, with charges set according to income.
“This marks another milestone for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe as we continue to strive for improved quality of life for all the people in our community,” said Ernie Stensgar, Tribal Council Vice Chairman and Coeur d’Alene Tribal Health Authority Board Member. “I am very proud to look out over our reservation and see our dedication to better the health of our families and friends by way of the new medical center and the other resources we have dedicated to community health.”
The existing facilities of the BMC are comprised of five different buildings encompassing only about half the space of the new center.
“The new facilities are going to allow our professional staff to deliver all of the health care services under one roof,” said project director and Benewah Medical/Wellness Center Executive Director Gary Leva. “This is going to simplify visits for everyone and allow for better integration when it comes to coordinating different aspects of a patient’s care.”
The BMC first opened its doors in 1990. Currently, 125 BMC staff serve approximately 8000 patients and 36,000 visits annually. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale with approximately half of the patients being American Indian, the rest being non-Indian community members.
“Twenty years ago the Coeur d’Alene Tribe had a vision of making our families and communities stronger through enhanced health care services for everyone,” said Allan. “Today we are proud to be known as a Community Health Center, and to be the first Tribe in the nation that opened our doors to everyone in our region.”