Our History
A Triumph of Collaboration
Often, the most significant achievements begin quietly, almost invisibly.
So it has been with Indian Health Council, Inc. Now a prominent, well-respected consortium of nine Tribes offering state-of-the-art, culturally appropriate healthcare at two modern facilities, IHC’s inception as a tiny Demonstration Project in 1968 went virtually unnoticed by all except the Native American community in rural North County San Diego.
Here, the status of Indian health in the late 1960s was abysmal. Sanitary conditions were appalling. Premature death was a constant, unwelcome visitor to the Reservations’ islands of poverty. Federal and state funds to improve the situation were virtually nonexistent.
Community leaders realized they would have to take on the challenge themselves. And so they did.
The path was neither short, straight nor easy. But through Tribal collaboration, perseverance, community support and a steadfast refusal to allow a toxic status quo to continue its ominous cycle, Indian Health Council, Inc. was conceived, born and nurtured into maturity.
To all clients, staff, associates and friends of Indian Health Council: this is your history…
Milestones
Dennis Magee of Pala and a committee with representatives from La Jolla, Pala, Pauma and Rincon Reservations use a small amount of State Health Department seed money to form the California Rural Indian Health Demonstration Project.
January 1968
Dennis Magee and staff at the very beginning of Indian Health.
1968-1969
1969
1970
Project funding covers a part-time coordinator and two outreach workers (Robert Lofton and Dolores Calac) who provide information, referrals, appointments, and transportation to off-Reservation doctors and dentists.
The Demonstration Project loses State funding and is forced to close.
Indian Health Service (IHS) allocates minimal funds to restart the program.
January 19, 1970
Indian Health Council, Incorporated (IHC) is established.
Original incorporators are Frank Mazzetti, Rincon; Dorothy (Arviso) Gonzales, Rincon; Florence Lofton, Pauma; Robert Lofton, La Jolla; and Dennis Magee, who accepts the position of Administrator.
January 19, 1970: Indian Health Council, Inc. is established.
1970
1970
1970
When it was decided that a dental clinic was needed an old shakc was found on the Rincon reservation. The Rincon tribe donated $2,000 for renovations and cleanup. Building materials came from the BIA and the Fallbrook Lions Club. The Bureau of Maternal and Child Health Care gave $2,500 in supplies. Local Indians were hired to provide the labor. Four volunteer dentists staff the clinic, which is open on Thursdays and Saturdays.
IHC Administrator Dennis Magee becomes an inaugural Robert F. Kennedy Sr. Memorial Fellow, mentored by RFK’s widow, Ethel Kennedy. He is tasked with the responsibility of developing health services for the San Diego Indian population .
Dennis Magee becomes an original incorporator of Sacramento-based California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB) ,which eventually develops into 16 programs. IHC will become independent from CRIHB in the mid-1970s when Public Law 93-638 takes effect and the clinic begins contracting for itself.
Dennis Magee, center, flanked by Ted and Ethel Kennedy at Ethel's home.
1971
1971
1971
On a site visit, Ethel Kennedy observes the scarcity of dental supplies, equipment and professionals. She contacts the Undersecretary of the Navy; soon, IHC clients are enjoying upgraded equipment and the volunteer services of Navy dentists
IHC’s Board determines “a real medical clinic” is needed, so Dennis begins working tirelessly to raise awareness and funds. His connections with quarterback John Hadl result in a San Diego Chargers - sponsored celebrity golf tournament that garners money and widespread attention to the cause. Dennis continues to raise funds from diverse groups while operating the program.
Joe the eldest son of Ethel Kennedy stayed with Magee a few days to get a better picture of the situation on the reservations. He returned to Washington and acquired a foundation grant for $20,000, the largest single grant donation for the building.
Volunteer dentists at Indian Health.
1971
1972
1973
1975
1976
IHC establishes a facility in Lakeside staffed by a public health nurse, three health aides and a secretary.
IHC aquires the first grant by the state health department for traditional health gatherings.
Rose Hatfield of La Jolla begins her 26-year tenure as Board Chair. Later, she recalls, “All of us on the Board always remembered why we were there, and that was to better people’s health.”
Rincon clinic walls rising. As a result of a lot of leg work the project acquired donated heavy equipment work from the U.S. Navy Training Center. Rincon Indian Action Team provided labor for plumbing and electrical work. The U.S. Navy Sea Bees provided masonry work.
As a result of five years of Dennis’ unstinting efforts, IHC holds a Grand Opening of its 5,000 sq. ft. facility on the Rincon Reservation. Among those in attendance are Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s children, Robert Jr. and Courtney. The building is dedicated to Dennis Magee.
Courtney Kennedy cuts the ribbon as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. watches at the 1976 Grand Opening of the Rincon clinic.
1976-2000
1977
Now a consortium of nine Reservations, IHC, housed in an aggregate of trailers, grows in departments, staff, services, and clients.
IHC receives a supplemental congressional appropriation to establish a Santa Ysabel modular 3800 sq. ft. facility offering medical, dental, pharmacy and social services.
IHC's first Santa Ysabel facility.
June 17, 1977
A second golf tournament takes place to help build a clinic in the southern part of San Diego county. The benefit golf tournament was sponsored by Gary Garrison All Pro wide receiver and former classmate of Magee.
IHC evolves to offer a full spectrum of on-site and outreach services, from prenatal to geriatric; from wellbaby to diabetic clinics; from youth substance abuse programs to adult and senior wellness classes. The array of part-time and periodic services includes podiatry, orthodontics, rabies clinics, health risk appraisals and eye clinics.
1978
1980
Early 1980's
1984
1989
1991
Acquires a congressional appropriation for funds to start services at the Sycuan Reservation. This program, becomes Southern Indian Health Council,. A comprehensive health center was later developed.
IHC uses third-party revenue to establish the first ambulance service for the region. Lack of funding causes its demise in 1985.
IHC obtains a van to transport disabled clients to and from the clinic
IHC obtains a State Board of Pharmacy License
U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, Democrat, Hawaii, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs, visits IHC. “I have traveled throught the US visiting numerous clinics and IHC is by far the finiest health facility I have seen.”
IHC receives an IHS fluoridation award for boasting the largest operation of any service area in California.
Rose Hatfield, IHC Chair & Dennis Magee in 1989, welcome Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye. After enjoying a luncheon of Indian tamales at the clinic and noting, “The history of our country had fallen sadly short of its legal and moral responsibility to Indians,” Senator Inouye returns to Washington D.C. to press his views with Congress.
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
IHC’s Board of Directors determines that in order to provide clients with optimum care, a state-of-the-art facility housing all departments and staff in a single location is needed. Negotiations commence to construct what will be the largest and most complete Indian health center in California on a 5.7-acre lot purchased by IHC adjacent to the current facility
IHC is named IHS’ “Most Outstanding Rural Indian Health Program in California.” IHC receives 10 IHS awards, the highest state-wide.
IHC receives the California Tribal Health Council’s Model Community Health Program Award.
In just three years, IHC’s aggressive immunization outreach effort catapults it from 17th out of 20 California Indian programs to 1st.
IHC establishes an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) program with a strong emphasis on prevention.
The 1996 Rincon Health Center Ground Breaking
1996
1996
1997
1998
1998
After five years of planning and negotiations, a groundbreaking for the new facility is held. Obstacles delay construction for two years.
IHS recognizes IHC as having the “Best Large Rural Substance Abuse Program” in California.
IHC leads the way among community clinics by creating a website at www.indianhealth.com.
U.S. IHS Director Dr. Michael Trujillo visits IHC on his trip to investigate disparities in funding for California as compared with other IHS areas nationwide
IHC receives the first of many Avon grants to provide breast cancer awareness and education
Dennis Magee, IHC Administrator; Margo Kerrigan, IHS California Area Office Director; Dr. Michael Trujillo, U.S. IHS Director, Rose Hatfield, IHC Board Chair, pose during Dr. Trujillo’s site visit.
May 12, 2000
Indian Health Council celebrates the much-anticipated Grand Opening of its new 51,000 sq .ft. health center representing the culmination of a dream and the beginning of a bright new reality. The Boardroom is dedicated to Rose Hatfield, Board Chair from 1973-1999. The Administration office is dedicated to Dennis Magee.
Speaking at the 2000 Rincon Grand Opening, Retiring Board Chair Rose Hatfield notes, “This building is a testament to those who have dared go too far to make the dream as real as the concrete behind me.”
2001
2001
2001
IHC receives the first of several annual Government Performance Results Act (GPRA) Awards from IHS’ California Area Office. To earn the award, which places IHC among the top Indian health clinics in the state, IHC successfully meets or exceeds 40 rigorous standards.
IHC receives initial funding from NIH and IHS to create, in partnership with SDSU and UCSD a California Native American Research Center for Health (CANARCH), to ensure greater tribal control over health and healthcare and recruit Native Americans into studying for careers in the field.
IHC becomes accredited by the prestigious Accreditation Associated for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. (AAAHC), earning the longest possible accreditation of three years.
CA-NARCH success story, Natalia Orosco of San Pasqual, earned a BA from UCSD in 2001, followed by an MPH from SDSU in 2006.
February 12, 2003
A joyous groundbreaking for IHC’s 6,100 sq. ft. Santa Ysabel Community Health Center is held.
November 14, 2003
Despite wildfires raging through the area in October, IHC’s Santa Ysabel Community Health Center celebrates a Grand Opening.
VIP's with shovels at the Santa Ysabel ground breaking ceremony.
SY’s Grand Opening ends on a light note when, after realizing the ceremonial ribbon and scissors have been misplaced, a pocket knife and CHP crime scene tape are used to announce that the Center is officially open for business. Helping cut the “ribbon” are 2003 Board Chair Florence Lofton and IHC staff Orvin Hanson, Romelle Majel McCauley and Bill Gallagher.
2004 Marks a Change in Tribal Community Research
2004 sees the formation of the Institutional Review Board.
In 2004 IHC vigorously formed an IRB that exceeded typical IRB standards. It was founded and chaired by Deborah Morton, PhD (pictured center), then Professor of Epidemiology at UCSD. The other four original members were IHC staff: Martina Portillo (Hopi), Geneva Lofton (La Jolla), Romelle Majel McCauley (Pauma), and Dan Calac, MD (Pauma).
2004
2005
2005
IHC receives a $1.6 million Journey of the Heart (JOH) grant from the Special Diabetes 5 Year Grant Program of IHS to address cardiovascular prevention as a major morbidity for people with diabetes.
IHC’s continuing high GPRA performance attracts the U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s IHS Program Examiner, accompanied by state and federal officials.
The clinic unveils a 1,400-square-foot fitness facility funded in part by a congressional grant and $25,000 donation by the late Dora Lee Sewell of San Pasqual. The state-of-the-art gym quickly becomes a destination of choice for community members and staff eager to “exercise” their options for improved health.
Velma Schlater, one of 200 community members to join the inaugural JOH, is greeted by IHC’s Ann Mays, Administrative Assistant; Romelle Majel McCauley, CEO, and Dr. Dan Calac, Medical Director.
2004 Board members Rhonda McMichael and Candace Gray accept the GPRA award from Margo Kerrigan, IHS California Area Office Director.
2006
2006
2007
2007
The Pala Band of Mission Indians donates $75,000 for a digital X-ray machine.
IHC’s fluoridation program, which began in 1980 when the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians became the first reservation in California to install a fluoridation unit in its public water system, received an IHS award for maintaining a consistent concentration.
The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians donates $75,000 to support IHC’s implementation of NEXTGEN and DENTRIX patient management systems, designed to increase efficiencies and enhance client care.
With CEO Romelle Majel McCauley at the helm, the Board and management begin redefining the clinic; developing a business plan and multidisciplinary approach to delivery of care.
2006 Board Chair Theda Molina, accepting a $75,000 check from Pala’s Robert Smith, Theresa Nieto and Leeann Hayes, says, “This gift underscores not just Pala’s commitment to the quality of services provided by our clinic, but also the very essence of Indian self determination.”
October 2007
A devastating fire season erupts, hitting Indian Country for the second time in four years. Fires burn 8,679 acres on La Jolla; 5,360 on Pauma; 2,118 on Pala and 5,360 on Rincon, where the fire creeps up to the clinic. Although many employees are forced to evacuate, they join other IHC staff in a quick and comprehensive response that includes Harrah’s Rincon Casino, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. and other local, regional and national agencies.
The fire burned part of the longstanding sign directing people to the Rincon clinic. The one-legged sign survives as a symbol of IHC’s resiliency. As Mark Romero of Mesa Grande explains to a reporter, “What Indian people do is we come together in times of tragedy.”
Winter 2007
2008
2008
2009
IHS presents IHC with a Disaster Preparedness Award for its “Response to the Wild Fires of Southern California.”
IHC performs a clinical assessment survey to guide its restructuring for enhanced delivery of care.
IHC begins working with a digital job partner to attract exceptional Native professionals and other employees. Departments continue upgrading processes, including the implementation of electronic medical records, which will go live in Medical in early 2010.
IHC holds its 19th annual Traditional Health Gathering, attracting hundreds of people of all ages to its popular mix of cultural and health-related activities.
Hundreds of people annually attend what has become a culturally healthy spring classic in Indian country: The Traditional Health Gathering
2009
2009
2009
IHC begins programs that promise to have beneficial impacts for years to come. An Elder Case Management program will increase health indicators for Native seniors. A Prevention and Early Intervention consortium will deliver an array of mental health prevention and early intervention services. CA-NARCH receives funding to continue its core program and student development project while initiating three research studies.
Based on the 2008 assessment survey and other tools, IHC develops a long-term strategic plan. A multidisciplinary assessment committee generates a business plan to achieve the strategic plan’s objectives.
IHC receives a $250,000 federal stimulus grant to build a solar-paneled parking structure around the Rincon clinic.
January 11, 2010
A historic day for IHC. After two and one-half years of teamwork and toil, IHC goes live using a Electronic Medical Record (EMR). IHC’s Board of Directors believes this is an important technological advancement which reflects the clinic’s unique status. “We maintain a strong connection to traditional medicine and cultural ways while pursuing a state-of-the-art healthcare delivery system."
40 years since its inception, IHC begins the use of Electronic Medical Records. A long way from the humble beginnings of our founders who fought so hard to bring basic services to the people. Our efforts to bring the best services to the consortium we serve is a continuation of their tireless efforts, dreams, and devotion to their people.
2013
2018
2020
2025
2025-2026
Eleven CA-NARCH students, accompanied by staff, attend the 2013 SACNAS conference in San Antonio.
IHC becomes accredited as AAAHC Patient-Centered Medical and Dental Homes, placing it at the pinnacle of healthcare facilities in the nation.
IHC marks 50 years of Empowering Native Wellness. COVID-19 forces a quick pivot to address the crisis as anniversary festivities are postponed.
IHC transitions EMR system to OCHIN EPIC and MyChart.
IHC, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, Community, and Native staff evaluate the Mission and Vision of IHC for the next 50 years. New Mission and Vision statements are created and are chosen from a selection and voting process that spans several months and is open to the entire IHC community.
