Indian Health Council, Inc. Awarded as 2025 Clinic of the Year by the California Rural Indian Health Board
- David S. Dawson
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
VALLEY CENTER, CA — Indian Health Council, Inc. (IHC) is proud to announce that it has been named the Clinic of the Year for 2025 by the California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc. (CRIHB). The award was presented at CRIHB’s Annual Awards Dinner held on October 23, 2025 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.
Each year, CRIHB recognizes outstanding programs and individuals who advance the health and well‑being of Native communities across California.
The Clinic of the Year award is in recognition of IHC’s leadership and continued dedication in providing quality health care and improving and expanding the services delivered to their Tribal community.
“CRIHB proudly recognizes the Indian Health Council for its visionary leadership, exceptional service delivery, and unwavering commitment to improving health equity for Native people. This award celebrates Indian Health Council’s outstanding achievements and honors its vital role in strengthening Tribal sovereignty, advancing community wellness, and preserving the cultural heritage of California Indian people,” excerpt from CRIHB’s awards banquet program.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said IHC Chief Executive Officer, Orvin Hanson. “Our integrated care approach is grounded in the belief that health encompasses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well‑being of our patients. This award reflects the dedication of our staff and the trust placed in us by the nine consortium tribes we serve.”
CRIHB’s Annual Awards Dinner is part of the board’s 56th Annual Awards celebrations. Nominations for the 2025 awards were solicited from member tribes and organizations earlier this year, with submissions due by June 30; the Executive Committee selected winners in early September. The awards span several categories—from youth leadership to lifetime achievements—and honor excellence in health advocacy, service and leadership.
In addition to IHC’s recognition, Chris Devers, a Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians member, was also awarded the Luna Wessel National Award. Mr. Devers is the former Tribal Chairman of the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians and currently serves on several Indian Health Service workgroups at the national level, including the Budget Formulation Workgroup, the Contract Support Cost Workgroup, and the IHS Purchased/Referred Care Workgroup. He has been involved in various initiatives related to tribal leadership, advocacy, cultural preservation, education, health, and energy development.
Indian Health Council has been a collaborative and trusted CRIHB partner in advancing key advocacy priorities at both the state and federal levels – including efforts to protect and strengthen the 340B Pharmacy Program, expand the Community Health Aide Program, and support critical healthcare legislation impacting Tribal communities.
Founded in 1970, IHC provides healthcare services to nine tribes in northern San Diego County and operates clinics in Valley Center and Santa Ysabel. The organization also participates in the California Native American Research Center for Health (CA‑NARCH), reflecting its commitment to research and innovation in Native health.
For more information about Indian Health Council and its services, please visit www.indianhealth.com or contact Orvin Hanson (760) 749-1410 ext. 5228.
About Indian Health Council, Inc.
Indian Health Council (IHC) is a non‑profit consortium of nine tribes in north San Diego County. IHC’s vision is – “Building a strong foundation through unity, resilience, and cultural empowerment to ensure the success of both current and future generations.”
About California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc.
Founded in 1969, CRIHB advocates for and works with Tribal Health Programs and tribal governments to improve the health of American Indians in California. CRIHB organizes training, technical assistance and policy advocacy and hosts an Annual Awards Dinner to recognize outstanding contributions to Native health. www.crihb.org