A History of Hope & Perseverance

The history of Indian Health Council, Incorporated is a history of hope and perseverance. Of tribal collaboration, unwavering commitment, and an absolute refusal to allow a toxic status quo to continue its ominous cycle unchallenged.

Abysmal is an understated description of Indian health among residents of North San Diego County reservations in the late 1960s. Sanitary conditions were appalling and premature death was a constant, unwelcome visitor to these rural "islands" of poverty, but both state and federal funds to improve the situation were virtually nonexistent.

Community leaders realized they would have to take on the challenge themselves.


Seeds of Change

Acting on a small amount of seed money from the State Health Department, in 1968 the reservations joined together to form a California Rural Indian Health Demonstration Project. The funding covered a part-time coordinator and two outreach workers who provided information, referrals/appointments and transportation to doctors and dentists.

In 1969, the Project lost its funding and was forced to close. Nevertheless, the team forged ahead, surveying San Diego reservation residents and presenting results so devastating they captured the attention of Indian Health Service (IHS). IHS funding was achieved to establish a tiny office in Pauma Valley.

An administrator, staff, and volunteer specialists joined the effort. Later, thanks to Indian labor, old donated dental equipment, and volunteer dentists, a weekend clinic was born.


Culmination of a Dream

In early 1971, the IHC Board realized a "real" medical clinic was needed. IHC leaders tried in vain to obtain funding from a variety of government sources. They again took on the task themselves. The ball got rolling with a celebrity golf tournament that raised $4,000 and won invaluable exposure for the cause. A Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation Fellowship ensured continued progress toward raising the $350,000 in required funding.

Through massive, unrelenting efforts and help from near and far, a proud opening of the 5,000-square-foot IHC facility on the Rincon Reservation was held in 1976.


Taking Flight

From that point on, the IHC facility began to expand in staff, programs, and services to fulfill the needs of the community. Within a few years, the existing clinic was already outgrowing its space. By 1995, plans were initiated to build a $5 million, five-wing, comprehensive outpatient facility. Obstacles again arose and plans were stalled. In the meantime, the squeeze at the crowded facility took its toll on patients and staff alike.

As in the past, Indian Health Council persevered and ultimately prevailed. In Spring 2000, the community gathered to celebrate the grand opening of IHC's 51,625-square-foot, state-of-the-art primary care Rincon clinic. In Fall 2003, it celebrated the grand opening of IHC's 6,100-square-foot Santa Ysabel Community Health Center, built to serve the remote reaches of its service population.

As it enjoys these facilities, new mobile vans, technological and professional enhancements, and the achievement of prestigious accreditations and awards, Indian Health Council continues to honor its roots, its reason for being, and the people it has pledged to serve. Today, the IHC Board, management, staff, clients, and community believe a high new standard of Indian health will finally and firmly be achieved.