The Ak-Chin Indian Community has been selected to participate in the Indian Health Service’s (IHS) Fiscal Year 2025 Joint Venture Construction Program (JVCP). This award will help bring a new, modern health center to the community.

Established in 1991 under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the JVCP is a partnership program where Tribes finance the construction of healthcare facilities that meet IHS standards. In return, IHS uses federal funding from Congress to staff and operate the facility under a no-cost, 20-year lease.

Following a highly competitive process, the Ak-Chin Indian Community was one of only seven Tribes selected nationwide and the only recipient in Arizona. Leaders envision a full-service facility offering primary care, dental, behavioral health, specialty care, and more. Construction is expected to begin in approximately one year, with completion anticipated within three years.

Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) has voiced strong support for this partnership and applauds IHS for prioritizing the needs of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.

“I want to thank the Indian Health Service for its support of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. This is a historic investment in rural healthcare,” said Rep. Crane. “The new facility will provide critical support, expand access to quality care, and help close longstanding gaps in Arizona’s Second District.”

“We are deeply grateful to IHS for this powerful partnership, which will improve Ak-Chin healthcare outcomes for generations to come by enabling our Community Members – including our Elders and those who are ailing – to have access to a comprehensive and robust healthcare system without having to travel long distances. This new healthcare facility will further our independence and make a real difference in the quality of life for our Community and the surrounding IHS-eligible patient population. This healthcare facility would not be possible without our Arizona delegation members, including Congressman Crane. We thank Congressman Crane for his support, which was essential in the success of our application and reflects his steadfast advocacy for the Ak-Chin Indian Community and each of the Tribes within his district,” said Chairman Gabriel Lopez of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.