Report on the Future of Claremore Indian Hospital and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Claremore Indian Hospital, established originally in 1930 and rebuilt in 1978, has been a critical healthcare institution for the Cherokee Nation and surrounding tribal communities. Despite its historical significance, the hospital’s condition has deteriorated due to prolonged federal neglect. This report outlines the current challenges faced by Claremore Indian Hospital, the proposed takeover by the Cherokee Nation, and the strategic plans to revitalize healthcare services in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background and Current Challenges

1. Historical Context: The hospital replaced the original Depression-era building in 1978, meeting the healthcare standards of that era.
2. Federal Neglect: For 47 years, the Indian Health Service (IHS) maintained the hospital at outdated 1980s standards, avoiding necessary maintenance and upgrades.
3. Facility Deterioration: The hospital’s infrastructure is now unsafe, with issues including water-damaged walls, failing HVAC systems, electrical system instability, and untreated air leaks into patient areas.
4. Operational Inefficiencies: Patient occupancy is extremely low, with fewer than four in-patients per night, indicating underutilization and waste of resources.

Strategic Takeover by Cherokee Nation

In September 2024, Cherokee Nation leadership initiated a formal process to assume operations of Claremore Indian Hospital, supported unanimously by the Cherokee Nation Council. This transition is scheduled for October 1, 2025, under federal law, with the following objectives:

• Enhance healthcare service delivery by closing the inefficient in-patient department while maintaining a fully functional emergency room and outpatient services.
• Preserve essential services such as prenatal care to support maternal and child health.
• Retain approximately 387 current hospital staff by transitioning them to Cherokee Nation employment, ensuring workforce stability.
• Establish partnerships with regional health systems to accommodate in-patient care needs.

Investment and Development Plan

The Cherokee Nation has proposed a $255 million investment plan focused on modernizing healthcare infrastructure and services:

1. Immediate Upgrades: Allocate $11 million to bring the existing facility up to minimum modern healthcare standards.
2. New Facility Construction: Build a state-of-the-art outpatient center, emergency room, and wellness center by 2027, designed for future expansion including an inpatient tower.
3. Long-term Vision: Create a healthcare environment that supports holistic well-being and meets the evolving needs of the community.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The revitalization of Claremore Indian Hospital directly supports several SDGs, including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — Improving healthcare infrastructure and services ensures access to quality health care for tribal citizens.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — Retaining and transitioning hospital staff promotes sustained employment and economic stability.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — Investing in modern, expandable healthcare facilities fosters resilient infrastructure and innovation.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities — Addressing healthcare disparities by providing culturally competent care to Indigenous populations.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — Collaborations with regional health systems enhance resource sharing and service delivery.

Addressing Concerns and Community Engagement

• Criticism from some stakeholders arises from limited access to detailed information and concerns over job security.
• The Cherokee Nation commits to transparent communication, ensuring that current staff are prioritized for employment and that patient care remains central.
• Efforts will be made to dispel misinformation and foster trust among elders, staff, and the wider community.

Conclusion

The Cherokee Nation’s assumption of operations at Claremore Indian Hospital represents a decisive step toward fulfilling treaty obligations and improving healthcare outcomes for tribal citizens. By addressing longstanding federal neglect and investing in modern infrastructure and services, the Cherokee Nation aligns its healthcare strategy with key Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative exemplifies leadership, commitment to community well-being, and a vision for a sustainable, equitable healthcare future.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on improving health services at Claremore Indian Hospital, addressing healthcare quality, safety, and accessibility for Cherokee Nation citizens.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The plan to invest $255 million in building a state-of-the-art outpatient center, emergency room, and wellness center reflects goals to build resilient infrastructure and promote sustainable industrialization.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article addresses federal government neglect and aims to improve healthcare services for Indigenous populations, reducing inequalities in health access and quality.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The Cherokee Nation assuming control over the hospital operations reflects strengthening institutions and self-governance.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.
   • Target 3.c: Substantially increase health financing and recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, or other status.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Healthcare Facility Standards and Safety
   • Condition of the hospital infrastructure (e.g., water damage, HVAC system status, electrical system reliability) as a measure of facility quality and safety.
   • Accreditation status or compliance with modern healthcare standards compared to 1980s standards.
2. Health Service Delivery
   • Number of in-patient stays per night (currently fewer than four), indicating utilization and efficiency of inpatient services.
   • Availability and quality of outpatient services, emergency room functionality, and prenatal care services.
3. Workforce Metrics
   • Number of hospital staff retained and transitioned to Cherokee Nation employment (about 387 positions).
   • Staff training and capacity building implied by integration into Cherokee Nation health services.
4. Investment and Infrastructure Development
   • Amount of investment ($255 million) and progress towards construction of new facilities (outpatient center, emergency room, wellness center) by 2027.
   • Expansion capacity of new facilities for future inpatient services.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cherokeephoenix.org