January 8, 2026
Syphilis Threatens Our Babies: Community Urged to Act Now
Rapid City, SD — Syphilis isn’t just a growing public health concern—it’s putting our most vulnerable at risk. Babies born to parents with untreated syphilis, a condition known as congenital syphilis, face devastating consequences. These include stillbirth, newborn death, brain and organ damage, blindness, deafness, and ...
January 8, 2026
Warriors Plan Ahead: Protect Your Health, Protect the Herd
RAPID CITY – Talking about condoms isn’t always easy—but it’s necessary. The Great Plains Epidemiology Center is making it easier by providing free condoms and education to the community. At the GPTEC booth, you’ll find eye-catching packaging and a friendly, judgment-free team ready to share tips ...
January 8, 2026
From One-Tooth Dentistry to a Model of Tribal Sovereignty in Healthcare
RAPID CITY – Just five years ago, dental care for Native families in Rapid City looked very different. For decades, dental services at the old Sioux San Indian Hospital were managed by the federal government, and many tribal citizens remember long waits, ...
January 8, 2026
Healing in a Cup: Traditional Teas for Cold & Flu Season
RAPID CITY – As winter settles in, many of us look for ways to stay healthy and strong. On November 20, 2025, Mali Souksavath (Mniconju Lakota) shared her wisdom on medicinal teas during a Great Plains Good Health and Wellness Community Health Webinar, streamed live ...
October 20, 2025
Colorectal Cancer Outreach Earns National Recognition
RAPID CITY –The Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board has earned national recognition for its work to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. A short film created with local community members was recently selected for the American Public Health Association (APHA) ...
Tags: Oyate Health Center
September 15, 2025
Dr. Mark Harlow Enters SD Hall of Fame
The Oyate Health Center proudly celebrates Dr. Mark Harlow, who has been named to the 2025 class of the South Dakota Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong dedication to health and community. A respected physician and servant-leader, Dr. ...
Tags: Oyate Health Center
June 3, 2025
A Visit From an Old Enemy: How a Long-Forgotten Virus Is Testing Tribal Immunity in the Great Plains
*Article Originally Published in the May issue of the Great Plains Tribal Health Magazine Measles was pronounced “eliminated” in the United States twenty-five years ago. Yet immunity gaps on the Northern Plains have welcomed the virus back, threatening elders, disrupting clinics, ...
May 28, 2025
EMERGENCY HEALTH ALERT: MEASLES SPREADS RAPIDLY—TRIBAL COMMUNITIES AT RISK
The Great Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center is issuing an urgent public health alert warning of a looming measles outbreak across the Great Plains region and its tribal reservations. Recent surveillance (May 6–11, 2025) has documented major clusters in the TX/NM/OK/KS ...
April 29, 2025
HERO Conference Champions Resilience and Holistic Healing for Youth
More than 175 youth from across the region gathered at the DoubleTree Hotel in Rapid City on April 24 for the HERO Conference (He Sapa Ensuring Resiliency in our Oyate), an annual event hosted by the Great Plains Tribal Leaders ...
Tags: Oyate Health Center
March 3, 2025
Rapid City, SD (March 3, 2025) – The Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board (GPTLHB) proudly congratulates Chairwoman Janet Alkire of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe on being honored as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year. This prestigious ...
