Shakopee Mdewakanton and St. Gertrude’s Health & Rehabilitation Center Announce Partnership

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and St. Gertrude’s Health & Rehabilitation Center in Shakopee have furthered their longstanding relationship with a new memo of understanding aimed at reducing overall health care costs and improving health outcomes for SMSC members and employees.

The agreement, signed April 22 by SMSC Chairman Charlie Vig and St. Gertrude’s CEO Lee Larson, helps foster an atmosphere that uses the strengths, resources and expertise of each entity to actively improve the care and services provided by both entities.

“This agreement will provide a continuity of care, better outcomes, and improved patient satisfaction,” St. Gertrude’s CEO Lee Larson said. “We firmly believe in what you (the SMSC) are doing, and we want to support that in any way we can.”

SMSC focus on health and wellness

The SMSC provides extensive health and wellness benefits to its members and 4,200 employees through its Shakopee Dakota Clinic, Shakopee Dakota Dental Clinic, Mystic Clinic, Wellness Center, Vision Clinic, Pharmacy, Mental Health Care Program, and Mobile Unit. The SMSC partners with external resources and providers – such as St. Gertrude’s Health & Rehabilitation Center and St. Francis Regional Medical Center – to help control health care costs and help SMSC members and employees make seamless transitions in their continuum of care. This approach intends to improve patient care and satisfaction.

“We want the partnership between the SMSC and St. Gertrude’s to show how working together can maximize resources, save money, and be the right way to serve patients effectively,” said Chairman Vig.