In the continuing efforts to improve healthcare for American Indians, ground was broken recently for an expansion of the Adrmore Health Clinic. The existing Division of Health facility served more than 15,000 patients with primary care needs in 2010 – and more than 25,000 with behavioral health, optometry and dental needs. Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby knows that those numbers will nearly double by 2020.

The new 66,000-square-foot facility will be connected to the current clinic and will include new quarters for physical therapy and a drive-through pharmacy. Staff will increase from 25 to 100, thanks to a partnership with Indian Health Services. Construction is expected to be complete in summer of 2012.