Clinic officials said the facility would close temporarily for repairs last month. However, the closure became permanent after IHBB failed to extend its contract with Indian Health Services by the May 2 deadline. The facility had been in operation for more than two decades, according to the report.
IHBB operated as part of the federal Urban Indian Program, which allows Indian Health Services to contract with local healthcare providers to provide free health services to American Indian populations in urban areas.
Indian Health Services officials are reportedly working to secure the thousands of medical records of patients treated at IHBB, and help the 857 patients at the clinic find other providers until the new clinic opens.
Officials held a community meeting Tuesday to inform residents of the situation and address their concerns. They said they “have no answers” as to why IHBB allowed its contract to lapse, according to the report.
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