New Cherokee Indian Hospital Construction Begins

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Mar 18, 2014, 06:01 ET

CHEROKEE, N.C., March 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Work began on the new $75 million Cherokee Indian Hospital today as tribal leaders broke ground on the 150-thousand square foot facility. The hospital is scheduled for completion in early 2016.

Three years in the planning, the hospital is not only a state of the art health care center, but one designed based on the rich history and healing culture of the Cherokee tribe.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON CHEROKEE INDIAN HOSPITAL - Vice-Chief Larry Blythe of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians prepares to break ground on the new hospital in Cherokee, N.C., earlier today. The $75 million, 150,000 square foot facility will combine state-of-the-art medical care with traditional tribal design features. (Source: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians). (PRNewsFoto/Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) (PRNewsFoto/EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS)

"The local community including tribal elders, artists, students and enrolled members, as well as physicians and medical professionals have all played a big role in shaping this new facility," the Eastern Band's Principal Chief Michell Hicks said.

Hicks, who leads the 15,000-member tribe, called the event "a unique opportunity to create a facility which will serve as a healthcare and community anchor for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This project recognized the need to address the health care challenges of our tribe and to create a positive wellness environment."

Vice-Chief Larry Blythe thanked members of the tribal council for their "future vision and forethought in helping make this vital step possible."

The hospital will house numerous programs including a 20-bed Inpatient, integrated care outpatient services, lab, pharmacy, complimentary therapies, physical therapy and other services currently provided by Cherokee Indian Hospital.

Attending the ground breaking were Vice-Chief Larry Blythe, Governing Board Chair Carmaleta Monteith, hospital CEO Casey Cooper, Chairman of Tribal Council Terri Henry, and David Wolfe, Chairman of the tribal Health Board.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140318/CL86015

SOURCE Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians