Members of the Prairie Band Tribal Council, Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Center and contractors ceremoniously break ground at the Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Center on the PBPN Common Land. From left: Wade Jueneman, VP of McElroy’s, James Allen, Mar Lan Construction LLC, Shawn Kelly, PBPN Construction Manager, Tony Wahweotten, PBPN TC Member, Raphael Wahwassuck, PBPN TC Member, Kristina Simmons, PBPN Health Center Administrator, Dr Charles Beals, DDS, Zach Pahmahmie, PBPN TC Vice-Chairman, Joseph Rupnick, PBPN TC Chairman, Wade Pahmahmie, PBPN TC Treasurer, Bill Evans, PBPN TC Member, Michelle Simon, PBPN Assistant General Manager-Member Services.
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation broke ground today, on an expansion of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Center at 11400 158 Rd, Mayetta. The project, scheduled for completion in Spring of 2023, will add needed space and services for Tribal Members.
This project includes an expansion adding approximately, 15,000 square feet to the existing 4,380 square foot structure and a remodel of the current structure. When complete, dental capacity will more than double by adding four chairs with expanded space allowing for improved patient privacy.
Space for future growth and services, such as physical and occupational therapy, is possible with the new space. The plans even include better use of the parking area with a new paved driveway, additional parking, and an MRI specific pad to accommodate additional radiology services with mobile CT and MRI units used for patients as needed.
The $13.9 million projected cost of the project will be funded through federal dollars received from the Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
“Health and wellness challenges continue to change and evolve over time. Those challenges are best overcome with advances in medicine and medical services. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is dedicated to providing those services to our members so they can remain healthy,” Chairman Joseph Rupnick, said.
Plans are in place to limit the impact on daily clinic operations and traffic flow in the area. All construction traffic will use the new driveway into the site and most of the construction will occur within a fenced construction zone.