Bill John Baker: Cherokee Nation making strides in health care

As I have said time and time again, no issue is more important for the Cherokee Nation and our future than access to quality health care. While we have been aggressive in expanding clinics, staff and services, Cherokee Nation Health Services has been equally committed to increasing the quality of care our health system provides.

As the largest tribally owned and operated health system in the nation, Cherokee Nation’s system is comparable to just about any other major health system in the United States in terms of size, patient load and services offered. We typically have more than one million patient visits annually.

While some tribes are totally dependent on IHS for health care, the Cherokee Nation has chosen to partner with IHS instead. That alone sets a standard that other tribes nationwide can follow and we do mentor other tribal governments on best practices to grow their services and capabilities.