White Earth Nation first Minnesota tribe to receive national accreditation for health care
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As rural health care across the state faces challenges to funding and services, the Public Health Accreditation Board has awarded White Earth Nation's health care system national accreditation.
“Achieving PHAB accreditation is a proud moment for the White Earth Nation,” said Lindsi Darco, White Earth Health Division director. “It reflects our commitment to accountability, continuous improvement and honoring our responsibility to care for our relatives. Our community can trust that we are providing strong, culturally rooted tribal public health services today and for future generations.”
The Public Health Accreditation Board’s review process guarantees White Earth's health care system meets or exceeds national standards practiced by other governmental public health departments. The program receives support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
White Earth Nation enrollee Gina Boudreau has worked at the tribe's public health department for 25 years. She said eight other tribal nations have received the recognition across the U.S., but White Earth is the first in Minnesota.
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"We couldn't have done it without all the community partnerships and collaboration and capacity building,” she said. “And we're so thankful for our tribal leadership's input and helping us to develop policies and plans and (our) work together as a group to reach the goal."
Boudreau said the process took about eight years to achieve, with one of its main setbacks being COVID. When the accreditation was finally announced this week, Boudreau said she was overjoyed.
“I think it's still sinking in. I can't believe that it actually happened,” she said. “It's been such a long road, but I'm extremely grateful that we're finally here.”
Cyndy Rastedt is White Earth Nation's public health coordinator. She said the recognition will allow the tribe to improve its health care system going forward.
"It enhances our credibility with partners. It increases opportunities for sustained funding, and it ensures that we are strong, that we have accountable systems in place to serve the people of White Earth,” Rastedt said. “And what's really important, it's just not for today, but it's for many generations to come."
Rastedt said White Earth will need to be reaccredited in five years. However, she said that process is not as intense or time-consuming as the initial award. Currently, health leaders are prioritizing the tribe’s community health improvement plan.
“Our work is centered on prevention, wellness and ensuring people have the support they need to manage their health long term,” Rastedt said.
The White Earth Nation will hold a celebration at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen on March 25 to recognize the milestone.
