The community is invited to attend a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for the new Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center. The event is scheduled for Friday, April 17 at 2 p.m. at 930 West Historic Mitchell St. in Milwaukee.
The historic Goldman’s Department Store on Mitchell Street was chosen as the new location, with renovation of the building beginning earlier this month. Healthcare providers will begin seeing patients in the new 40,300-square-foot center in November.
The center was in need of an expanded facility as it has nearly doubled its patience base to 6,800 over the past two years. It is currently located two blocks away in a 13,400-square-foot facility at 1711 S. 11th St.
The renovated center will include new reception areas; expanded clinical, diagnostic and patient exam areas; and a demonstration kitchen. It will also boast a large community exercise wellness center / therapy space; expanded behavioral health and social service office space; community and resource space; and space for a new dental clinic. Improved patient parking will also be available at the new center.
Following the ceremony will be the GLIICH 10th Anniversary Red Shawl Gala, a fundraiser for the center to be held at the Potawatomi Casino Hotel. The theme of this year’s gala,“Strengthening Our Youth and Families,” highlights the center’s goal of providing programming that will empower youth, build resilience, foster lasting connections, and ultimately strengthen families.
The Red Shawl Gala begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes a silent auction, entertainment and dinner. For more information on the GLIICH Red Shawl Gala, contact Kaye Marty at (414) 383-9526 or by email at kmarty@gliihc.net.
The mission of the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center is to improve the health, peace and welfare of Milwaukee’s urban Indian community. It believes that in order to heal, every part of a human being must be addressed: the mind, body, spirit and emotions.
