Pine Ridge Indian Health Service

02/05/2026

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Overdose Education
Know the Risks. Spot the Signs. Keep Kids Safe.
Diphenhydramine is a common OTC allergy medication (often known by the brand name Benadryl). While safe when used as directed, taking too much can be life-threatening.
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🛑 What is the "Benadryl Challenge"?
The FDA has issued warnings about a dangerous trend on social media (specifically TikTok) where teenagers are encouraged to take excessive doses of Benadryl to induce hallucinations.
• The Reality: There is no "safe" high. High doses cause hallucinations, seizures, heart problems, coma, and death.
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🔍 Symptoms of Overdose
Symptoms typically appear within 1-2 hours of ingestion.
• Severe Drowsiness/Sedation
• Agitation or Excitement
• Hallucinations or Confusion
• Dilated Pupils
• Dry Mouth & Flushed Skin
• Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia)
• Seizures
• Inability to urinate
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🆘 What to Do in an Emergency
If you suspect a Benadryl overdose, do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
1. Call 911 immediately if the person is:
1. Not waking up
2. Having a seizure
3. Having trouble breathing
2. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (available 24/7, free and confidential).
3. Stay with the person and monitor their breathing.
4. Find the medication and bring the bottle to the emergency room.
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🛡️ Prevention & Safety Tips
• Lock it up: Keep all OTC and prescription medicines up, away, and out of sight of children and teens.
• Read the Label: Always follow the dosage instructions on the package. Do not take more than directed.
• Check Ingredients: Do not mix Benadryl with other cold or "PM" sleep medicines, as they may already contain diphenhydramine, leading to an accidental overdose.
• Talk to Teens: Educate teenagers that OTC medication is not harmless and misuse can have severe consequences.
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For more information, contact the National Poison Help hotline: 1-800-222-1222
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Source Material: FDA Drug Safety Communication (Sept 2020), Missouri Poison Center, StatPearls (NCBI), Upstate New York Poison Center.

01/29/2026

The Indian Health Service is launching the largest hiring initiative in the history of the federal agency. This unprecedented hiring push represents a historic investment in rebuilding and strengthening the IHS workforce and reflects the urgency for recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified professionals in critical positions throughout the agency.
“With a near 30 percent vacancy rate across the IHS, our top priority is filling vacancies for positions essential to keeping our health care facilities operating smoothly, especially in some of the more rural and remote locations,” said IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton. “Our friends, families, and relatives need the best available health care providers who are focused on our shared goal of raising the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level, and this hiring initiative will go far in helping us accomplish that goal. This is an exciting time to join the Indian Health Service.”
With the full support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary Kennedy, the IHS worked diligently to complete a comprehensive workforce plan for this hiring effort.
Read more: https://www.ihs.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2026-press-releases/indian-health-service-launches-largest-hiring-effort-in-agency-history/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPot95leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiRG5HMTFiaGxSanJjM0Rhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHntgbvABpxrIo-FmvJ68tscCRTNxj2gaMk2pDH18RSL_uP0hmSebCTiKClF4_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

The Indian Health Service is launching the largest hiring initiative in the history of the federal agency. This unprecedented hiring push represents a historic investment in rebuilding and strengthening the IHS workforce and reflects the urgency for recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified professionals in critical positions throughout the agency.

“With a near 30 percent vacancy rate across the IHS, our top priority is filling vacancies for positions essential to keeping our health care facilities operating smoothly, especially in some of the more rural and remote locations,” said IHS Chief of Staff Clayton Fulton. “Our friends, families, and relatives need the best available health care providers who are focused on our shared goal of raising the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level, and this hiring initiative will go far in helping us accomplish that goal. This is an exciting time to join the Indian Health Service.”

With the full support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary Kennedy, the IHS worked diligently to complete a comprehensive workforce plan for this hiring effort.

Read more: https://www.ihs.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2026-press-releases/indian-health-service-launches-largest-hiring-effort-in-agency-history/

01/21/2026

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Date: 01/13/2026

Re: availability of Diabetic Supplies and Important update on Sharps Container Disposal
Reminder to PRSU patients that diabetic patient supplies are available at PRSU Pharmacies with a prescription:
• Blood Glucose Test Strips
• Alcohol Swabs
• Lancet Devices
• Lancets
• Sharps Containers

Blood glucose monitors are available/picked up from nursing staff with a health care provider order. (there will be a separate PSA re: continuous glucose monitors)

The PRSU team reminds our providers to place refills for diabetic patient supplies when diabetic medications are refilled.

Please call ahead for refills of medications and diabetic patient supplies, as it may take up to 48 hours for pharmacy team to get them ready for you.

Important Update: Filled sharps containers can be returned to the following locations for disposal:
• Pine Ridge Hospital:
Regular Hours 8:00 AM–7:00 PM – Laboratory, Outpatient Clinic, Emergency Department, Housekeeping Department

After Hours/Weekends/Holidays 24/7 - Emergency Department
Sunday/Holiday Clinics 12 pm – 5 pm Pine Ridge Outpatient Clinic
• Kyle Health Center and Wanblee Health Center
o Regular Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM at the Outpatient Clinic
• LaCreek Clinic:
o Regular Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM at the Outpatient Clinic

Note – if you bring a filled sharps container to PRSU – one of our team members will assist you.

Reminders: Other great ways to obtain refills include:
• Ask pharmacy about the mail out program to see if you are eligible for the mail out process.
• Contact 605-867-3208 or 605-462-5638 for information about the Personal Health Record (PHR) – this is a way to access your own health information online – you can order most refills with the PHR.

Thank you, Pine Ridge Service Unit team

01/16/2026

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Date: 01/16/2026

Please remember to obtain your medication refills prior to the long holiday weekend.

Pine Ridge Hospital will have Sunday Outpatient and Pediatric Clinic on January 18th, 2026 from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Martin Luther King day Holiday Clinic is as follows:
Pine Ridge Hospital Outpatient Clinic, Pediatric clinic and Pharmacy will be open on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Outlying Outpatient Clinics and Pharmacies will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Day.
Clinics Affected: Kyle Health Center, Wanblee Health Center, LaCreek Health Clinic

All clinics and pharmacies will return to normal business hours on Tuesday January 20, 2026:
• Pine Ridge Hospital – (605) 867-5131
• Kyle Health Center – (605) 455-2451
• Wanblee Health Center – (605) 462-5641
• LaCreek Health Clinic – (605) 685-2880

01/08/2026

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Reservation
Date: 01/08/2026
An important update regarding the Pine Ridge Service Unit walk-in clinic availability
Pine Ridge Hospital will be offering walk-in clinic services on the following dates:
Sunday, January 11, 2026
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Adults & Pediatrics Walk-In Clinic
Sunday, January 18, 2026
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Adults & Pediatrics Walk-In Clinic
Monday, January 19, 2026 (Holiday Clinic)
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Adults & Pediatrics Walk-In Clinic
We encourage everyone to arrive early and plan accordingly. Our team is happy to be here to
support you and your family.
Thank you,
Pine Ridge Service Unit Team

12/31/2025

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Reservation
Date: 12/31/2025

Please remember to obtain your medication refills prior to the upcoming holiday.

Pine Ridge Hospital Outpatient clinic and Pharmacy will be open on the following dates:
Thursday January 1, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 5:00PM

Pine Ridge Service Unit Outlying Outpatient clinics and Pharmacies will be closed:
Thursday January 1, 2026, for observation of New Year's Holiday.

On Friday January 2, 2026, the following clinics and pharmacies will be open as normal:
• Pine Ridge Hospital (605) 867-5131
• Kyle Health Center (605) 455-2451
• Wanblee Health Center (605) 462-5641
• LaCreek Health Clinic (605) 685-2880
• Call Center Appointment Line (605) 867-3333

Thank You,
Pine Ridge Service Unit team

12/31/2025

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Date: 12.31.2025



Please remember to obtain your medication refills prior to the upcoming holiday.
Pine Ridge Hospital Outpatient clinic and Pharmacy will be open on the following dates:

Thursday January 1, 2026 from 12:00 PM – 5:00PM
Pine Ridge Service Unit Outlying Outpatient clinics and Pharmacies will be closed: Thursday January 1, 2026, for observation of New Year's Holiday.

Clinics Affected: Kyle Health Center, Wanblee Health Center, LaCreek Health Clinic

On Friday January 2, 2026, all clinics and pharmacies will be open as normal:
• Pine Ridge Hospital (605) 867-5131
• Kyle Health Center (605) 455-2451
• Wanblee Health Center (605) 462-6155
• LaCreek Health Clinic (605) 685-2880

Thank You,

Pine Ridge Service Unit team

12/22/2025

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Date: December 22, 2025

What is the Personal Health Record?

The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers a Personal Health Record (PHR), a valuable tool designed to empower individuals in managing their healthcare. Through the PHR, individuals gain secure access to their health information, enabling them to track medications, monitor lab results, and communicate with their healthcare providers from the convenience of their personal computer or mobile device.

It's important to remember that the PHR is a supplemental resource for convenient access to health information and PHR is not a replacement for in-person medical consultations. In the event of a medical emergency, immediate action is crucial – call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

How do I sign up for my Personal Health Record?

Follow these instructions to sign up for your Personal Health Record.

1. From a computer or mobile device go to: https://phr.ihs.gov

2. Click the blue "Register to use PHR" button and create your PHR account by entering the requested information.

3. After registering on the website, you will need to bring a valid form of ID to your primary health care facility to complete your PHR registration. This is a necessary step for identity verification and ensures the security of your health information.

4. Once authenticated at the facility, you can log into your PHR using the username and password you established during online registration (step 2).

Should you require any assistance during the signup process, designated contacts at various facilities are available to provide support and guidance.

Pine Ridge Hospital PHR contacts: Flora Bettelyoun, PHR Registrar 605-867-3208 Angela Swallow, PRH Service Unit Administrator 605-867-3156

Wanblee Health Center PHR contacts: Pam White Bull, PHR Registrar 605-462-5638 Kim Garcia, PHR Registrar 605-462-5637

Kyle Health Center PHR contacts: Geraldine Larvie, PHR Registrar 605-455-8259

LaCreek Health Clinic PHR Contacts: Novlyn Janis, PHR Registrar 605-685-2868

Thank you, Pine Ridge Service Unit team

12/19/2025

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Date: 12.19.2025
Please remember to obtain your medication refills prior to the upcoming holiday.
Pine Ridge Hospital Outpatient clinic and Pharmacy will be open on the following dates:
Wednesday December 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 5:00PM
Friday December 26, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 5:00PM
Pine Ridge Service Unit Outlying Outpatient clinics and Pharmacies will be closed: Wednesday December 24, 2025, Thursday December 25, and Friday December 26, 2025, for observation of Christmas Holiday.
• Clinics affected: Kyle Health Center, Wanblee Health Center, and LaCreek Health Clinic.
Pine Ridge Hospital Outpatient Clinic and Pharmacy will be closed on Thursday December 25th.
On Monday December 29, 2025, the following clinics and pharmacies will be open as normal:
• Pine Ridge Hospital (605) 867-5131
• Kyle Health Center (605) 455-2451
• Wanblee Health Center (605) 462-6155
• LaCreek Health Clinic (605) 685-2880
Thank You,
Pine Ridge Service Unit team

12/03/2025

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Reservation

Date: 12/03/2025

The Pine Ridge Service Unit/Hospital CT Scanner (Computerized Tomography) is currently undergoing repair and is temporarily unavailable. Our team is working as quickly as possible to restore full service.

During this time:
· Emergency Cases: Patients whom our ER or Inpatient providers determine require an urgent CT scan will be transferred to a facility that can provide this service.

· Outpatient Appointments: All non-urgent outpatient CT scans will be rescheduled. The Radiology Department is maintaining a list of affected patients and will contact individuals as soon as the scanner is operational.

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you,
Pine Ridge Service Unit Team

11/25/2025

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Date: 11/25/2025

Update!
Wanblee Health Center Radiology unit is back up.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
— Pine Ridge Service Unit Team

11/17/2025

To: General Public of Pine Ridge Reservation
Date: 11/17/2025

An important update regarding the Pine Ridge Service Unit Dental services availability.
Road Construction will be affecting hospital power on the afternoon of Thursday November 20, 2025.
Pine Ridge Dental will be open for Emergency / Walk ins 8:00am to 1:00pm.
We will not have power in the dental department in the afternoon.
Please call the Dental Departments for any questions.

Pine Ridge Hospital Dental (605) 867-3078

Thank You, Pine Ridge Service Unit team