NEW TOWN – The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation will break ground for a Regenerative Medicine Clinic and hold a grand opening of the Dental and Optometry Clinic at the Elbowoods Memorial Health Campus on Thursday, according to MHA Nation information.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the ground breaking at the Regenerative Medicine Clinic site, followed by the grand opening at the Dental and Optometry building.

The ground breaking will include site introduction, speeches from leadership and a traditional ground blessing by the MHA Nation.

The grand opening will include prayer and recognition of distinguished guests who made the Dental and Optometry Clinic building possible.

Lunch will be provided for everyone.

Upon completion, the Regenerative Medicine Clinic will contribute to better healthcare solutions on Fort Berthold Reservation. Native Americans are nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and the clinic will address this health disparity for the MHA people.

During its soft launch, the Dental and Optometry Clinic has provided essential oral health and vision care.