South Minneapolis is set to gain two larger, Indigenous‑centered health clinics next month, a development that promises expanded medical services and much‑needed affordable housing for a community that has long faced health disparities.
Major expansions funded by city, state and federal sources
The Indian Health Board (IHB) will add a 40,000‑square‑foot, $36 million wing at 2027 E. Franklin Ave., while the Native American Community Clinic (NACC) will occupy the first two floors of a new six‑story, $67 million building at 1213 E. Franklin Ave. The upper four floors will contain 83 affordable housing units, including 36 subsidized units and 20 designated for people with disabilities or who have experienced homelessness.
Holistic care that blends Indigenous traditions with Western medicine
Both clinics welcome the general public and aim to provide a balanced approach to health. Dr. Antony Stately, CEO of NACC, emphasized that traditional practices are given “equal weight, relevance and importance” alongside conventional treatments. Likewise, IHB’s Dr. Patrick Rock explained that care goes beyond lab tests and prescriptions, incorporating spiritual wellness, diet, drum circles, craft groups and language lessons from elders.
“If you saw me for your blood pressure and it’s high, I’ll tell you it’s high,” Rock said. “But from a wellness perspective, we also look at whether you’re living in balance spiritually and culturally.”
Community leaders praise the expansion
Ruth Buffalo, CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, called the project “critical” for improving health access in south Minneapolis and highlighted the clinics’ commitment to relational, not transactional, care. “Our great‑great‑great‑grandchildren will benefit from this investment,” she said.
Local residents echo the sentiment. Former fitness‑center manager Joseph Regguinti noted that seeing providers who share cultural backgrounds makes recovery and health discussions more authentic and effective.
Addressing persistent health gaps
Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that American Indians and Alaska Natives have the lowest life expectancy of any racial or ethnic group and face higher rates of mortality from alcohol‑related issues, drug overdose, unintentional injuries and homicide. The new facilities aim to reduce these gaps by offering comprehensive services—from dental and maternal care to behavioral health and street outreach.
Affordable housing as part of the health solution
The inclusion of 83 housing units reflects a growing understanding that stable, affordable housing is a cornerstone of health. Managed by Wellington Management in partnership with NACC, the units will provide rent‑controlled options and subsidies for low‑income families, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Looking ahead
Both Stately and Rock stressed that while the expansions are a major step forward, more clinics are needed to fully meet demand. They also called for strong partnerships with non‑Native health providers to broaden the network of culturally responsive care.
With city, state and federal backing, the new clinics represent a tangible investment in the health and well‑being of Minneapolis’s Indigenous community, offering a model of holistic, culturally grounded care that other neighborhoods may look to emulate.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
