Federal director visits tribal facilities

Earlier this month, Fond du Lac welcomed Indian Health Services director Roselyn Tso for a tour earlier this month. It marked the first time an IHS director selected a tribal facility in this part of Minnesota.

The tour consisted of stops at the three FDL Human Services Division facility locations, the Band's regional water project site, and wrapped up with an in-depth discussion with FDL's governing body, the Reservation Business Committee.

Indian Health Services is the principal federal health care advocate and provider of health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives, a Fond du Lac news release about the visit said.

Throughout the tour on Nov. 16, local guides identified areas of need and acknowledged the successes of FDL.

"FDL leaders that came before us had the foresight to identify community needs for health care services," said Roger Smith Sr., FDL vice chairperson and District III representative. "We are very honored to carry on that responsibility, and continue the success in services we provide from our Human Services Division. It started in a small house, and to see the progress of what it is presently is monumental.

Smith also credited the partnership with IHS. "We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership and continuing the advocacy for services to our community," he said.

The stop at FDL's regional water project featured a facility that was partially funded by IHS. Highlights included the addition of a new 75,000-gallon elevated water storage tower, two new wells, and 7 miles of new water main distribution extensions and a water treatment plant.

Completion of the comprehensive project is anticipated in December 2023.

The new water system was designed to reduce disinfection byproduct water contaminant levels, provide water for fire protection where none previously existed, and pave the way for potential future expansion of communities that are not currently served by public utilities.

Although the visit was a landmark event, FDL and IHS are exploring new ways to collaborate on a routine basis.

"l'm honored to visit each of the 12 region sites, and the purpose of these tours are to see what is working and what areas we need to improve on," Tso said in a Fond du Lac news release.

The IHS added that it will use the information gathered from the tour "to address challenges and build on progress to support best practices and innovative approaches to health care, strengthen management operations. improve communication and inform leadership as they set priorities for the agency."