Oklahoma City Indian Clinic opens new medical building

Building named after first American Indian director to lead Indian Health Service

 
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) has dedicated its new medical building to its Chairman of the Board, Dr. Everett R. Rhoades, and celebrated the grand opening of the facility on Friday, Aug. 15. Dr. Rhoades, Kiowa, became the first American Indian director of Indian Health Service (IHS) and is a founding member of OKCIC.

“Dr. Rhoades has made a profound impact in Indian health care not just in Oklahoma, but across the nation,” said Robyn Sunday-Allen, CEO of OKCIC. “For the last 40 years, he’s helped shape our clinic to be the leading health facility for urban Indians. This gesture is the least we can do for someone as deserving as him.”
 
Located at 5208 W Reno, the building houses several services offered by the clinic including OKCIC’s Harmon-y Pediatric Clinic, physical therapy clinic, wellness center, optometry department, public health department, Health Promotion/Disease Prevention department, behavioral health department and administration and businesses offices.

“I have to thank the board for the extraordinary honor of putting my name on this building,” said Dr. Rhoades. “But it’s not my name that makes this so special, it’s the individuals who work here and their dedication to serving the community. One of the most gratifying experiences throughout my time here is recognizing how unsurpassed our staff is.”


The ceremony featured the Presentation of Colors by the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society. Leonard Cozad, Jr., Kiowa, provided a flag and honor song. An invocation was also given by Kiowa member Lonnie Emhoolah. Other attendees included tribal leaders, representatives of IHS, community leaders and Dr. Rhoades’ friends and family.

 
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to urban Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 18,000 patients from more than 220 federally recognized tribes every year. Urban Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please visit www.okcic.com.