Creek Nation to build health clinic in Coweta

Thousands of Oklahomans will soon have better access to health care, thanks to a new project from the Muscogee Creek Nation. <br/><br/>The tribe plans to build an $18-million state of the art clinic in

Thursday, July 29th 2004, 5:39 am

By: News On 6

Thousands of Oklahomans will soon have better access to health care, thanks to a new project from the Muscogee Creek Nation.

The tribe plans to build an $18-million state of the art clinic in Coweta. It will provide medical services and more than a hundred jobs. For now it's only an artist's concept. But when it becomes a reality it will likely change the face of local tribal health care.

The tribe says this will ease the burden on smaller clinics where patients often have to wait for treatment. Claude Sumner with the Muscogee Creek Nation: "In the entire nation, Native Americans need more and better health care. There have been improvements hospitals being constructed, new clinics that serve the needs but it's always inadequate."

Sumner says because funding is limited and health issues like diabetes are on the rise in the Native American population, standard health centers are swamped.

The new clinic starts with basic care, but could be expanded to offer specialists on site.

Construction is being funded by a special grant. Muscogee Creek leaders say the project is a go, provided the land is rezoned by the Coweta City Council.

The clinic will be open to all Native Americans.