Ponca Tribe of Nebraska

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Ponca Tribe of Nebraska gives inside look at their new mobile medical unit



The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska unveiled a new mobile medical unit Monday. The new unit has the ability to serve thousands of Native Americans across Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota, who need basic health care services. "To bring health and health care services in a 360 mind, body, spirit which include dental, primary care, some behavioral health and diagnostic care in one setting," Janelle Ali-Dinar, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Health Services CEO, said.

The RV-style medical unit will help Ponca Health Services provide basic health care to the Ponca membership and native clients across their entire service delivery area. "Part of what Native Americans with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and rural understand is that there's barriers to access of care," Ali-Dinar said. Chairwoman Candace Schmidt said this service is vital considering the surge and need. "The growth of our membership has really driven our growth in the different services that we provide specifically in health care," Schmidt said. The RV, which was purchased using Federal ARPA dollars, has dental chairs, workspaces and a waiting area. "They gave us more drawers for all lour little dental supplies and equipment and tools and instruments," Karen Bober, chief dental officer, said.l