A New Era In Healthcare
Published 4:00 am Wednesday, March 4, 2015
- Participating in the recent ribbon cutting for the new Choctaw Health Center are: front row, from left, Council Representatives Richard Isaac and Kevin Edwards; Gov. Phil Bryant; IHS Nashville Area Director Martha Ketcher; Tribal Chief Phyliss J. Anderson; Choctaw Indian Princess MeShay Jimmie; Council Representatives Linda McMillan; Sammy Clemmons, Jr.; Hilda Nickey; Dorothy Wilson and Joseph Wesley. Back row, from left, Council Representatives Stella York Willis; Roderick Bell and Cyrus Ben; USDA State Director Trina George; U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper; USDA Deputy Administrator for Community Programs Rich Davis; National Indian Gaming Commissioner Dan Little and Council Representative Randy Anderson.
Tribe celebrates ribbon cutting for new Choctaw Health Center
CHOCTAW – Eighteen months after breaking ground, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is preparing for the opening of the new Choctaw Health Center, which is slated to be fully operational March 9.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held this week and featured remarks by Tribal Chief Phyliss J. Anderson, U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, Gov. Phil Bryant, USDA State Director Trina George and IHS Nashville Area Director Martha Ketcher.
“This is a landmark day for our Tribe,” Anderson said. “The opening of our new Choctaw Heath Center marks the beginning of a new era in health care for our community. It is the result of months of planning, design and construction. The outcome is a first-class facility that serves the needs of our Choctaw people.” Located off New Frog Level Road at 220 Choctaw Circle, the facility is built on what was once a stickball practice field. The 180,000 square foot health center houses 43 departments:
• A 20-bed, in-patient department
• 42 exam rooms
• 16-chair dental department with a separate pediatric dental unit
• Emergency department
• Treatment facilities such as X-ray, lab, physical therapy and audiology
• Behavioral health and community & public health services
• Emergency medical services department
• Support services such as housekeeping, maintenance, storage and supply.
New additions include a pediatric unit in primary care; a respiratory therapy unit, full-time optometry (eye care) services and specialty clinics with visiting providers. The health care campus also features a 0.8-mile figure eight walking trail.
The new Choctaw Health Center features symbols, artwork and elements of Choctaw culture along with photographs and pieces created by Choctaw artisans.
The $55 million project is a joint venture between the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Indian Health Service and is funded by Trustmark National Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Servisfirst, Citizens Bank, The Whitney Bank, Bankfirst Financial Services, and U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development.
To learn more, contact the MBCI Office of Public Information at (601) 663-7532.
