Early History: 1976-1983
The Indian Health Care Resource Center (IHCRC) was formed in 1976 after a survey revealed the medical needs of Tulsa's Indians were not being met. Indian Health Care was initially organized under the umbrella of the Native American Coalition of Tulsa. Beginning with a small staff of just four employees, the first health care services for outreach and referral services were provided via a contract with the Indian Health Service . The following year (1977), direct health care was first offered, and IHCRC moved from 31st and Sheridan to a downtown medical office building located at 8th and Denver. The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) supplemental food and nutrition program was added the same year via a contract with the Cherokee Nation.
In 1978, IHCRC was incorporated as an Oklahoma non-profit organization at the recommendation of the Health Committee of the Native American Coalition Board. The following year, in 1979, IHCRC moved again, this time to a downtown facility located at 915 S. Cincinnati. This two-story, 12,000 foot building was built in the 1930's and was designed as a medical clinic.
Indian Family Services (Indian Child Welfare) was added in 1980 to the offered programs, and "family break-up" prevention services were offered. The same year, mental health services were offered for the first time. Dental care was added to the IHCRC health care scope of services in 1981, as was a Community Gardening program which emphasized nutrition education and economic self-sufficiency. Computerization arrived at IHCRC in 1982, and quality-control programs were initiated.
Continued:
History: 1983-1998