Claremore Indian Hospital holds deep personal significance for Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.—he was born in its original 1930 building, just as his father was decades earlier.
The current facility, constructed in 1978, was once considered state-of-the-art but has now become a symbol of federal neglect, according to Chief Hoskin.
Despite being replaced nearly 50 years ago, the facility still adheres to outdated 1980s health care standards, as federal Indian Health Service (IHS) failed to conduct routine updates and necessary maintenance.
Decades of Federal Neglect at Claremore
Instead of investing in infrastructure and improvements, IHS chose to “grandfather” Claremore Hospital into outdated regulatory standards. This decision allowed the facility to bypass modern health care expectations, leading to dangerous conditions for both patients and staff.
“Behind the surface upgrades lies a crumbling structure,” Hoskin noted. From water-damaged walls and untested electrical systems to malfunctioning HVAC units, the facility is unsafe and far from compliant with current medical standards.
Cherokee Nation Takes the Lead
In September 2024, Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner formally initiated a federal process to transfer operational control of the hospital from the IHS to the Cherokee Nation, effective October 1, 2025. This decision was backed unanimously by the Cherokee Nation Council.
The change allows Cherokee Nation to take responsibility for the hospital while the federal government continues to fund its base operations.
Once granted access, tribal leadership discovered issues even worse than expected, including severe inefficiencies, mismanagement, and excessive waste within the facility’s operations.
A New Vision for Claremore Health Services
Cherokee Nation plans to modernize health services in Claremore through a two-phase investment plan totaling $255 million. This includes:
- $11 million to bring the current hospital up to minimum safety and operational standards
- The construction of a new state-of-the-art outpatient and emergency care center
- A brand-new wellness center for long-term patient care
- A future-ready design that allows expansion, including the possibility of a new inpatient care tower
The current inpatient department—which serves fewer than four patients per night—will be phased out, with care redirected through partnerships with nearby facilities. Outpatient and emergency services will be expanded to ensure continuity of care for tribal citizens.
Protecting Jobs, Serving the Community
While some job losses are inevitable with the closure of inpatient services, the vast majority of the current 387 positions will remain. In fact, only current Claremore staff will be eligible for these roles as the facility transitions under Cherokee Nation leadership.
“We hope these dedicated workers stay and help us build something extraordinary,” said Chief Hoskin.
Pushing Back Against Misinformation and Critics
Chief Hoskin acknowledged that there are critics—some with valid concerns, others misinformed or with conflicting motives. Rumors about mass layoffs or outsourcing care are false, he said, and only serve to mislead and frighten community members.
“These critics haven’t walked the halls of this hospital or reviewed the data. We have. And we are taking action,” Hoskin stated.
The Cherokee Nation’s decision to take over Claremore Indian Hospital marks a bold commitment to better health outcomes, efficiency, and safety for tribal citizens.
What was once a neglected facility will soon be transformed into a modern, world-class health care center.
With plans grounded in transparency, investment, and leadership, the future of Cherokee Nation Health Services in Claremore is brighter than ever.