Seneca Nation to Receive $3.5 Million Federal Grant For Improvements at Lionel R. John Health Center
10,000 sf expansion planned
ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – The Seneca Nation will receive a $3.5 million grant as part of the competitive Small Ambulatory Program announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Indian Health Service (HIS). According to HHS, the grant program is designed to invest in the construction, expansion, or modernization of small ambulatory health care facilities.
The Nation will use the grant toward improvements at the Lionel R. John Health Center on the Ohi:yo’ Territory in Salamanca. Plans call for the addition of 10,000 square feet of space at the facility, with plans underway. Services envisioned under the expansion plan include state of the art physical therapy services in order to expand rehabilitation care for all ages, improved cardiology and chiropractic services, a new drive-thru pharmacy, expanded dental services, expanded medical staff and exam space, and other services. The Seneca Nation Health System will also investigate green utility options at the health center, including geothermal heating and solar.
“Access to quality health care services, and the ability to deliver needed services to our people is a major need across Indian Country,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. “The grant funding awarded through the Small Ambulatory Program will help the Seneca Nation ensure that residents of the Ohi:yo’ Territory have access to critical services without having to travel long distances. Our Seneca Nation Health System and its leadership team continue to work diligently toward advancing services to address the ongoing needs of our people.”
The Seneca Nation’s grant was part of $55 million in funding awarded by HHS to 15 tribes and tribal organizations nationwide. The program has funded more than 79 projects, totaling more than $178 million since it was started in 2001.
“Tribal partners need access to culturally appropriate, quality health care, including preventative services for chronic diseases. To help meet that need, HHS is investing in the construction, expansion, and modernization of small ambulatory health care facilities,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “For nearly a quarter-century, HHS has been partnering with tribes and tribal organizations to ensure all communities have access to the care they need and deserve. Our ongoing support for the Small Ambulatory Program ensures this vital work keeps making a difference.”
