About

Improving the Health of our Communities

Headquartered in Okmulgee Okla., the Muscogee Nation is the fourth largest federally recognized tribe in the United States with more than 100,000 citizens.  The Muscogee Nation Department of Health operates community hospitals. To ensure healthy generations of Native people, the Nation also operates Indian health clinics and provides dedicated services for citizens of federally recognized tribes.

Our History

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health was first established in 1977, when the Muscogee (Creek) Nation signed a sublease agreement and an operation and maintenance agreement with the trustees of the Okfuskee County Commissioners to occupy and operate the former Okfuskee County Hospital, now Creek Nation Community Hospital in Okemah. Prior to 2002, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation had contracted with Indian Health Service to provide healthcare services to its citizens. In 2002, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation entered into an Indian Self-Determination compact with the Indian Health Service to provide for the healthcare needs of its people. This method of agreement allowed the Muscogee (Creek) Nation much greater flexibility in the provision of services for the tribal population.

The Health System remained under the control of the Health System Board until February 2009. At that time, the National Council passed legislation thereby eliminating the Health Board, changing the status of the Health System from an independent agency, and returning it to the direct supervision of the Executive Branch, with the Secretary of Health appointed by the Principal Chief and confirmed by the National Council.

We understand that by uniting resources and building partnerships, we can greatly improve the health outcomes of our rural communities.