Okmulgee, Ok. – April 16, 2021 – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health (MCNDH) broke ground on a new 6,000 square-foot behavioral health clinic in Okmulgee. The clinic is made possible through funding from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and a Small Ambulatory Program (SAP) grant though Indian Health Service (IHS).
The new facility, located at US 62 and OK 56 Loop, will house a variety of services dedicated to mental health and substance abuse. The new facility is scheduled to open in March 2022.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for more services to address mental health issues,” said Shawn Terry, Secretary of Health. “Numerous studies have shown a substantial increase in symptoms of anxiety and fear, particularly among young people. Access to providers appears to be the biggest barrier for those that need care. This new facility will allow us to expand our programs and services and improve a patient’s ability to find the care they need.”
The Small Ambulatory Program (SAP) authorizes IHS to award grants to tribes or tribal organizations for construction, expansion or modernization of ambulatory health care facilities. MCNDH received the maximum award of $2 million. The Tribe has allocated the remaining funds needed to complete the project.
“The Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service is committed to improving health care service delivery and enhancing critical behavioral health services through strong partnerships and culturally responsive practices,” said the director of the Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service, Rear Adm. Travis Watts. “We appreciate the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s commitment to reducing the disparities in access to behavioral health care services. Today’s groundbreaking is another step toward providing a comprehensive health care delivery system that will build healthy communities for generations to come.”
Currently, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Behavioral Health offers a variety of services dedicated to mental health and substance abuse at five locations throughout the Muscogee Reservation. Any citizen of a federally recognized tribe may access these programs. Additional information on programs and services can be found at www.creekhealth.org/services
[Photo Caption:] Architectural rendering of the planned 6,000 square-foot Muscogee (Creek) Nation behavioral health clinic in Okmulgee.
About Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health
Headquartered in Okmulgee Okla., the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is the fourth largest federally recognized tribe in the United States with more than 90,000 citizens. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health operates community hospitals, a long-term acute care facility and physical rehabilitation center serving both tribal citizens and the general public. To ensure healthy generations of Native people, MCN also operates Indian health clinics and provides dedicated services for citizens of federally recognized tribes.
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