New status leads to growth for Native clinic

PHOENIX — The oldest and largest Native American health clinic in central Phoenix plans to expand now that it has earned a much sought-after accreditation for its services.

Native Health, a nonprofit that serves more than 12,000 people annually, got a thumbs up from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare late this summer, validating its treatments for dental, medical, mental health and wellness issues.

This will allow the organization to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year in a big way, Native Health officials say.

“It will bring growth, of course, and help develop the medical program and focus on the patients with the most need, like prenatal and substance abuse,” says Native Health CEO Dr. Richard Zephier.

The nonprofit plans on opening two more clinics in the near future, says Craig Pattee, a program development specialist at the clinic. The new locations will be in Mesa and the far West Valley, which will complement the existing clinic near Central and Campbell avenues.

Officials say they would like to focus on developing health issues in the Native American community, such as diabetes and hypertension. They also intend to take other insurance plans than just one plan under AHCCCS, Arizona’s version of Medicaid for impoverished families.

Native Americans are also eligible for free health care through a federal agency. But Pattee said it is really used as a last resort.

“Once we’re able to take more [insurance plans], it will make more people eligible to get service through us,” Pattee says.

That’s why gaining accreditation was so important. Native Health officials say getting accredited by the Illinois-based AAAHC took several years and tons of advice from hired consultants who had been through the process, Pattee says.

Accreditation is also like a quality guarantee. This means Arizona regulators will be auditing Native Health’s records less frequently and more federal grants will be coming in to support programs.

“It’s kin to product branding,” Zephier says. “Having the certificate meets our projected growth.”

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