Health Update: Health Update: Ponca Tribe of Nebraska plans new health and wellness center near tribal housing – What Experts Say– What Experts Say.
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Fred LeRoy was a leader of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. The Marine veteran led the fight to restore his tribe. The Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center located near 26th and J Street was named in his honor.
Now the tribe has plans to build a larger center that will provide much-needed services to tribal members, some who moved into the area just a few months ago.
About three years ago, members of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska broke ground near 84th and Q streets to build housing for its senior tribal members. Ponca Heights is now complete. Twenty zero-entry, two-bedroom homes make up the new community. Dorian Middleton moved in in November.
“It’s made for senior living and everything is so convenient, cheaper. I mean it’s helped us so much financially. It’s just a beautiful place,” Middleton said.
New development planned
The tribe hopes to break ground next door to its headquarters, about a mile away from Ponca Heights. The new Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center would be a close to 42,000-square-foot building. The complex would include a community gathering space, a transportation center and a cultural building.
“It’s an invaluable asset that will provide resources to the Ponca Tribe individuals — resources they currently don’t have access to. I think it’s going to be a great component for the community,” said Ron Hug, Omaha City Council member.
Middleton is excited about the proposed health clinic and community center being so close to his new home.
“As you get older you don’t like driving so much so we love it,” Middleton said.
“It just makes everything easier. Everything is going to be right there where we can have access. I’m one of them who’s going to be using it a lot,” Middleton said.
Middleton and other tribal members hope to continue building their new community with the addition of the new health clinic.
“The Ponca Tribe is really looking out for us, they really are, and I can’t thank them enough,” Middleton said.
The proposed health clinic will serve Ponca Tribe members as well as other Native Americans and non-Native residents.
The special use permit to build the facility has been recommended by the Omaha Planning Board and now must be approved by the City Council.
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