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Benefis Health System - Native American Programs
Benefis' Native American Programs aim to improve access and optimize health care outcomes by ensuring Benefis' services are congruent with the values, beliefs, and traditions of Native American people. Strategies include enhanced hospitality in a culturally inviting setting, patient and family advocacy, and integration of spiritual care and traditional healing practices into their health care services. Core programs include a Native American Welcoming Center in the hospital, and a prayer room for smudging and prayer.
What is it?
Benefis' Native American Programs aim to improve access and optimize health care outcomes by ensuring Benefis' services are congruent with the values, beliefs, and traditions of Native American people. Strategies include enhanced hospitality in a culturally inviting setting, patient and family advocacy, and integration of spiritual care and traditional healing practices into their health care services. Core programs include a Native American Welcoming Center in the hospital, and a prayer room for smudging and prayer.
Who is it for?
Native American patients and families from four Indian Reservations as well as the Great Falls Indian Community.
Why do they do it?
More than 40,000 people in Benefis' service area are of Native American descent. The program was developed to improve Native American patient and family satisfaction with Benefis services.
Impact: Over the last year, nearly 7,500 people visited the Welcoming Center. In addition, more than 500 Native American patients and families participated in traditional prayer through smudging.
Contact: Kathie Avis
Chief Administrative Officer, Strategic Development and Native American Programs
Telephone: 406-731-8201
E-mail: kathieavis@benefis.org
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