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WAGNER, S.D. (AP) — The Yankton Sioux Tribe and the Avera health system are working to remodel a clinic as part of a project that's expected double the number of dialysis stations in Wagner.
About 70 people attended an event kicking off the remodel on Thursday, the Mitchell Daily Republic (http://bit.ly/1GMaXbv ) reported. The $1.6 million project is financed in part through grants from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux, Indian Health Service and Yankton Sioux Tribal Health.
David Kapaska, regional president and CEO of Avera McKennan hospital, said some patients have been forced to travel 100 miles or more to get kidney treatment. There's a wait list at the existing Indian Health Service dialysis location, said Beth Plahn, director of the Avera Transplant Institute and Avera McKennan Dialysis Sioux Falls.
"Our ability to help here allows them to not have to travel and be close to home," Kapaska said.
The eight dialysis machines planned for the clinic are expected to be able to handle the demand in Wagner.
Yankton Sioux Tribal Chairman Bob Flying Hawk said he's "excited and ecstatic" about the facility.
"It has been a great feeling, a warm feeling, to have this come to a reality," Flying Hawk said. "This is a needed service and we are very thankful that this has happened and will become real very soon."
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Information from: The Daily Republic, http://www.mitchellrepublic.com
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