The history of health care in the Chickasaw Nation and has been solidified by many unique changes, partnerships and opportunities throughout the years.  Through vision, leadership and expansion of services over the span of three decades, the Chickasaw Nation Health System has become a recognized source for providing compassionate, patient-centered care to Native Americans. 

• In 1973, with the support of Carl Albert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Congress appropriated federal funds to construct an Indian Hospital.
• In 1975, the Chickasaw Nation hired its first health director, Bill Anoatubby.
• Groundbreaking ceremonies for the Carl Albert Indian Health Facility (CAIHF) were conducted January 10, 1978.
• The facility was dedicated on June 14, 1980.
• In 1994, the Chickasaw Nation and Indian Health Service executed a compact in accordance with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Under the compact, the Chickasaw Nation became the first tribe in Oklahoma to operate its own hospital and health clinics.

Health Care Today

Today, Governor Bill Anoatubby leads a comprehensive health system which provided more than 350,000 patient visits for more than 40,000 American Indians during fiscal year 2007. The Chickasaw Nation Health System (CNHS) serves American Indians living within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation and additionally provides service to any American Indian in need of care.

The mission of CNHS is to provide American Indians with health services that promote healing and wellness. The vision is healthy American Indians through informed choices and excellent health services. The CNHS medical staff and employees strive daily to make the mission and vision a reality for patients. 

Planning for the Future

View the FAQ about the new facility.

Planning for a new facility began in June 2003.

• In June 2003, CNHS leadership conducted a strategic planning exercise confirming that Carl Albert's geographic location presents a barrier to growth of the overburdened health system.
• In August 2005, Governor Anoatubby commissioned a master plan exercise. Architects involved in the study found the cost of remodeling the current facility almost identical to the investment in a new facility.
• In January 2006, the Chickasaw Nation committed an unprecedented $135 million of tribal funds to completely design, construct and equip a new state-of-the-art facility.

The current CAIHF campus is approximately 130,000 square feet, while the new hospital will encompass about 370,000 square feet. The current Ada campus facilities were built to accommodate 20,500 annual patient visits. The Ada campus accommodates more than 10 times that number each year.

The new facility will see an increase in the number of doctors and nurses for many services including: family practice, obstetrical/gynecological, optometry, dental and behavioral health. Imaging services will be greatly expanded with an MRI,  CT scan and a dedicated woman's imaging with digital mammography, ultrasound and bone scan.. 

This historic endeavor to plan and construct a new facility of this magnitude has established new frontiers for American Indian tribes. No other Indian healthcare project of this magnitude has been entirely funded by a tribe. The new facility will enable the Chickasaw Nation to provide the highest quality facilities, medical professionals and patient care far into the future.