The Indian Health Service has chosen the Ak-Chin Indian Community for a new Tribal healthcare facility as part of the IHS Joint Venture Construction Program.
Seven recipients were announced across the country, with Ak-Chin as the only Arizona tribe selected. Notably, Ak-Chin is the first-ever Phoenix area participant. The project will replace an outdated existing 2KSF clinic.
To date, the program has contributed to the operation or expansion of 30 facilities nationwide.
The selection was announced in a meeting between Ak-Chin Chairman Gabriel Lopez and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., IHS will lease the facility cost-free from Ak-Chin, which will finance construction. Staffing will be funded by IHS.
Planned services include primary and specialty care, behavioral health and dental care, as well as other services. The project has bipartisan support among Arizona’s congressional delegation.
The new comprehensive health center is planned on 14 acres on the Ak-Chin Indian Community in Pinal County. IHS will consult on the design.
After design and planning work with federal partners is completed, groundbreaking is expected in about one year. Construction is expected to last between 18 and 24 months. (Source)
