Prior Lake, Minn. – Continuing its goal to support the health of other tribal nations and neighbors in need, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is bringing medical, dental and vision services to communities across Minnesota via its Mobile Unit.

Since 2007, the SMSC Mobile Unit has had approximately 600 deployments and served about 10,000 patients who were underserved by other health care options. This mobile medical clinic offers mammograms, chest X-rays, cancer screenings, diabetes screenings, dental services, and a number of other services that are free to patients.

“We focus on serving high-need communities where health care access is limited,” said SMSC Wellness Administrator Joanna Bryant. “By allowing patients to visit our Mobile Unit free of charge, we’re encouraging thousands of Minnesotans to get health screenings, including mammograms and cholesterol tests.”

The 2016 schedule in Minnesota follows.*

Scott County

  • Scott County Public Health, Russian Baptist Church, Shakopee – July 26, September 27, November 22
  • Scott County Public Health, Public Library, Savage – August 23, October 18, December 27

Minneapolis/St. Paul

  • American Indian Wellness Fair, Minneapolis American Indian Center – April 27
  • Powwow for Hope, Fort Snelling Base Camp – May 7 (basic first aid)
  • Native American Community Clinic, Minneapolis – May 11 (mammograms), August 10-11 (vision services), August 17 (mammograms), November 16 (mammograms)
  • Indian Health Board, Minneapolis – June 8 (mammograms), August 24-25 (vision services), September 7 (mammograms), December 8 (mammograms) 

Northern Minnesota

  • Red Lake Indian Reservation – April 11-15, September 19-23 (dental services)
  • Grand Portage Indian Reservation – May 16-20 (dental and vision services), May 31-June 4 (mammograms), October 3-7 (dental and vision services)
  • Wisdom Steps Conference, Black Bear Casino, Carlton – June 14-16 (blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol testing)
  • Leech Lake Indian Reservation – July 11-15 (mammograms)
  • Fond du Lac Indian Reservation – August 1-5 (mammograms)
  • Boise Forte Indian Reservation – September 12-16 (mammograms)
  • Mille Lacs Indian Reservation – October 24-28 (mammograms), November 7-11 (dental services)

*Dates and locations are subject to change. If specific services are listed for a date/location, only those services are available. Appointments are handled by the local entity coordinating the Mobile Unit’s visit.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to charitable donations, community partnerships, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC, with its Gaming Enterprise and various other enterprises and tribal employees, is the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has donated more than $325 million to organizations and causes and has contributed millions more to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services. The SMSC is the largest philanthropic benefactor for Indian Country nationally and one of the largest charitable givers in Minnesota.