SRMT Health Services Facility Undergoing COVID-19 Renovations

Nov 4, 2021

AKWESASNE -- The Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services is undergoing renovations to safely provide quality healthcare services in a pandemic-compliant facility. Beginning in early-November, work on much-needed improvements began to the facility’s dental, pharmacy, main entrance, and other common areas in response to COVID-19 requirements.

Utilizing funds provided by Indian Health Services through the American Rescue Plan Act; the $436,334 renovation project is scheduled to be completed by Enniskó:wa/March 2022. Throughout the project, clients who access the health facility will notice directional signage that will safely control the flow of traffic during renovations.

“Health Services continually strives to provide valuable medical care and resources to our clients however, improvements are needed to better facilitate access to the clinic due to COVID-19 restraints,” stated SRMT Health Director Michael Cook. “When completed, the renovations will provide safer and more convenient usage of the facility for staff and client interactions.”

The dental suite and customer service drive-through spaces will receive an independent heating and cooling system to contain air flow and prevent circulation to other medical units. The dental suite will also see a revised entrance and reception area, as well as enclosed dental operation rooms and separate office spaces for minor procedures, along with new sanitation units and upgraded equipment. A temporary dental trailer will be utilized during this renovation phase.

For more than a year, clients utilized curbside service to pick up prescription medications, which entailed a health worker taking prescriptions to waiting vehicles, often times made difficult by inclement weather. To better accommodate orders and delivery of medications, a customer service window is being added on the clinic’s westside. A new exit door and sidewalk will also be installed in that area.

The clinic’s main entryway will be fully enclosed with glass walls and new doors, along with installation of an independent heating and cooling system - before moving forward with renovating areas that haven’t been touched in decades, such as the restrooms and staff lounge.

Following completion in March of 2022, Health Services will move forward to the final phase of renovations, which includes improvements to the facility’s parking lot.

Health Services is asking for their client’s patience during these renovation phases and to follow instructions posted on all signage.

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.