Governor Bill AnoatubbyJuly 19, 2010 has become an important date in Chickasaw history.
On that day we gathered at our new Chickasaw Nation Medical Center. Before hundreds of Chickasaws, friends and fellow community members we dedicated our medical center to the healthy lives of Chickasaws and all Indian people who take advantage of our facilities.
The building that has been built is truly amazing. It is beautiful, functional, superbly equipped and staffed, and exceptionally well-designed. We can all be proud of the new medical center.
But the real beauty of this new asset is what it, and the professionals who work inside it, will be able to do for the health of our people.
We who serve you in tribal administration have known for some years that health care has been, and continues to be, the number one priority of Chickasaw citizens. That fact has been emphasized and re-emphasized, and we have heeded your call.
In 2003, we began the initial strategic planning for a total remodeling of the current Carl Albert Indian Health Facility. We knew we required more space, and we needed to make better use of our space. We also knew the important services that needed significant expansion, and what specialists and support personnel should be added.
As we delved deeper into the remodeling concept, it became clear that we should also consider an alternative project – a completely new medical center on a new site.
We eventually reached the conclusion that the very best, most efficient and most effective way to deliver health care to our people was to start from the ground up. We selected a beautiful 240-acre site on Ada’s far south side. Ground was broken on Nov. 9, 2007 and the facility is now complete.
As you are no doubt aware, health care costs in the U.S. have for a number of years risen at a rapid rate. Whether an entity is providing health care to Indian patients, or to the general American population, costs have gone up. Most providers have reduced services, personnel or both in an effort to remain solvent.
At the Chickasaw Nation, we are accessing funds through a joint venture construction program with the U.S. Indian Health Service. Tribes selected for this unique program are among those who build new hospitals, clinics or other health care facilities.
Because of our tribe’s selection into this program, our tribal Division of Health will receive several million dollars this fiscal year - and more in years to come - all dedicated to staffing and operational expenses. This inflow of resources is obviously very important as we ramp up new and enhanced health care programs, and as we add physicians, nurses, technicians, technologists and support staff.
It’s impossible for me to communicate to you what a huge benefit this new medical center is for all of us. From the incredible new imaging department, complete with CT scanners and MRI, to our greatly expanded dental department, to our women’s clinic, patient rooms, operating suites and all the rest, this undertaking is designed to save lives, and to help Chickasaws live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Many thanks to you for all your support as we have together undertaken this vitally important project. If you have not already visited the medical center, I feel confident you are going to like the facility – and love the health care – your tribe has prepared for you.
