VIRGINIA- The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa has officially opened a new health and human services clinic in downtown Virginia, expanding access to health care and support services for tribal members living in the Quad Cities area.
Bois Forte Health and Human Services hosted an open house and dedication for the new Chestnut St. facility on June 15. The clinic will serve band members living in Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, and Mt. Iron, offering health care outreach services including dentistry, behavioral health, pharmaceutical assistance, and supportive services such as housing.
The project transformed two adjoining vacant commercial buildings, originally constructed in the early 1900s, into the new clinic. Over the years, the buildings housed a variety of businesses, including a clothing store, chiropractor’s office, florist, and community foundation.
The redevelopment represented a total investment of nearly $1.8 million. Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation supported the project with a $145,000 Commercial Redevelopment grant awarded through the city of Virginia to help fund selective interior demolition.
“The Commercial Redevelopment grant we awarded to the city of Virginia helped breathe new life into two downtown buildings, creating benefits to the local economy and enhancing quality of life for residents,” said Ida Rukavina, commissioner of IRRR. “We were proud to partner with Bois Forte Band and the city as they worked together to renovate the spaces, expand access to essential services, and strengthen the downtown district. This project is an excellent example of how collaboration between local governments can deliver meaningful results to the people they serve.”
The new clinic is intended to address transportation barriers faced by many tribal members living off the reservation who previously had to travel to Bois Forte’s health facilities at Nett Lake or Vermilion to receive services.
Janelle Rost, director of Bois Forte Health and Human Services, said the long-term goal is to eventually expand services to the broader community once patient demand and staffing capacity have been evaluated.
Representatives from IRRR, including Tribal Liaison Billie Isham-Gillen and Community Development Representative Chris Ismil, joined tribal leaders, staff, and community members for the dedication.