Tribe breaks ground for medical center
<p>The new Benewah Medical Center is expected to be finished in the fall of 2012.</p>
PLUMMER - Coeur d'Alene Tribal leaders broke ground on the new $17.3 million, state-of-the-art Benewah Medical Center on Wednesday.
"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 health care not only to the Tribal community, but to everyone living in the area."
The 50,000-square-foot new center is expected to open in the fall of 2012. It will include the latest technology in medical, dental, pharmacy, lab, x-ray, community health, and counseling services.
Tribal leaders, members of the community, and health care staff took part in the groundbreaking ceremony at the new site of the center, on 6 acres west of U.S. 95 in Plummer and only about a mile from the current BMC.
A large portion of the project is 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.
"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.