The 370,000 square-foot state-of-the-art health care facility is almost triple the size of the Carl Albert Indian Health Facility. Features include a 72-bed hospital, level 3 emergency department, ambulatory care facility, diabetes care center, dental clinic, diagnostic imaging center, women’s health center, administrative offices, tribal health programs as well as a centrally located "town center" bridging the centers of patient care.

"This facility will enable us to better meet the needs of Chickasaws and other Native Americans," said Gov. Anoatubby. "When we ask Chickasaws about their priorities, health care is at the top of the list. This medical center is designed and equipped to empower our staff to offer the highest level of health care."

Unique to the new medical center is the region’s only 256 slice CAT scan, which will enable health care providers to detect blockage in the heart early and prevent patients from undergoing a very invasive cardiac procedure. The imaging department will also provide mammography, ultrasound, bone scan, CT scan and MRI services.

"Technology is the cornerstone of this new facility. We have all of the latest digital technologies available for patient care," said Bill Lance, division administrator for commerce and former division administrator for health. "For example, the 256 slice at scan technology is so good that we may be able to prevent patients from undergoing a very invasive cardiac procedure."

The $ 145 million Medical Center will add about 300 new jobs to the Ada area, including doctors, nurses and support staff, thanks to the unique joint venture partnership with Indian Health Service. Awarded in 2007, the grant enables the Chickasaw Nation Division of Health to fully staff the new 230-acre campus.

Governor Anoatubby said the joint venture program will provide an "incredible return" on the tribe’s investment.

"Our patients will reap tremendous rewards from our investment in this facility," said Gov. Anoatubby.

A great respect and appreciation for nature and Chickasaw culture can be seen throughout the picturesque 230-acre campus, designed for tranquility and healing, according to Dr. Judy Goforth Parker, administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Health.

"If you think about our culture -- we talk about our culture, how it’s important from our very young to our elderly. What we have right now is a place to take care of people across the lifespan," said Dr. Parker. "I had the opportunity in June of 1980 to go to the opening of Carl Albert Indian Health facility. Now -- to think -- it’s 30 years later. We’re doing it again -- it’s a better facility."

The transition into the new facility will take place in late July. Patients with appointments scheduled after July 31, will be seen at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center. This location change is only for clinics located on the CAIHF campus, including Family Practice. Appointments at Chickasaw Nation satellite clinics in Purcell, Durant, Ardmore and Tishomingo will not change.

In addition, if you utilize the Pharmacy Refill Center to pick-up prescriptions, you will begin picking-up your medications at the new Chickasaw Nation Medical Center Pharmacy after July 30. The Pharmacy Refill Center will not be open to the public after this date. Also, MAPS prescriptions can only be filled Monday-Friday. Please remember to call in all prescriptions 24 hours in advance.

Patients residing within the Chickasaw Nation can also have their prescriptions delivered through Transportation Services Program. The program also provides medical transportation and requires 24-hour advance notice (72-hour notice for out-of-service area appointments). Appointments can be made between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. by calling 580-310-6453 or 1-800-492-2115.

All main phone numbers, as well as clinic listings will remain the same.

"Everything we do is central to the patient because we are here to serve the patients," said Dr. Parker. "We are here to make their lives better by improving their health and this new facility will help us achieve that goal."