The Porcupine Clinic
Built by a group of committed Lakota community leaders with grants
from private foundations. It has had more than 12,500 visits from 3,200 patients since
opening in 1992.
No one is turned away for lack of insurance or inability to pay. The
Porcupine Clinic has provided over $400,000 in free health care to people who would not
otherwise have had treatment.
Addressing Indian needs
Many of the Porcupine Clinic's patients are elders who do not speak
English and would not go to a clinic that did not have bilingual nurses who are willing to
take the time to listen to their needs.
Campaign Against Diabetes
In 1995, Porcupine Clinic launched an aggressive campaign against diabetes
under the leadership of Darleen Bear Killer. The program included a screening for children
in three schools in the Porcupine area to find those at risk, and meetings with families
to educate on the danger of the disease and the benefits of healthy lifestyle choices. But
for many other children on the Reservation, the screening can't come soon enough. STORY
Porcupine Clinic Health Board
PO Box 275
Porcupine, SD 57772
