Cherokees to start construction on a new health clinic in Nowata

Healthcare for thousands of Oklahomans is about to improve with a new clinic. The Cherokee Nation has broken ground on a new $6-million health center in Nowata. <br/><br/>It will act as the main care

Wednesday, June 8th 2005, 8:56 am

By: News On 6

Healthcare for thousands of Oklahomans is about to improve with a new clinic. The Cherokee Nation has broken ground on a new $6-million health center in Nowata.

It will act as the main care provider for tribal members from Tulsa to Pryor all the way to Kansas. The new center will offer radiology services and behavioral healthcare, and the Cherokee nation's first drive thru pharmacy. The plans call for several more exam rooms and a space for community activities.

Workers say it's a big improvement on the current clinic. Melissa Gower with Cherokee Nation Health Services: "It'll be comparing 2,500 square feet to 25,000 square feet." Construction begins in about 90 days.

The center is one of six operated by the tribe and should be complete by 2006.