SANDY LAKE – A new facility means better health care today and “for generations to come,” says Chief Delores Kakegamic.
Sandy Lake First Nation, a remote Treaty 5 community of 2,600 northwest of Red Lake, celebrated the opening of a 1,765-square-metre Community Health Centre on Oct. 25.
Built with funding support from Indigenous Services Canada, the facility is touted to improve access to health services in the community, and thus reducing health outcome disparities.
“I am grateful to all who helped create this new space, which will be used for healing, wellness and recovery,” said Kakegamic.
“The health centre will be a cornerstone of our community. It ushers in improved health care for the people of today and for generations to come.”
The Community Health Centre replaces a smaller health centre and brings health services in Sandy Lake together under one roof.
The new build includes two detached apartment buildings with 10 units each to house nursing staff and health-care professionals visiting the community to provide care.
Indigenous Services Canada provided more than $50 million to support project.
"Supporting First Nations to develop modern, culturally appropriate, in-community health facilities is an important step in closing the health-care gap,” Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu said in a news release.
“Congratulations to Sandy Lake First Nation and the project team for their work and dedication to see the Sandy Lake Community Health Centre open its doors.”
