Choctaw Nation Celebrates Expansion of McAlester Health Clinic

MCALESTER, Okla. — The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) marked the completion of its McAlester Health Clinic expansion with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, highlighting a significant investment in access to high-quality, patient-centered care for Choctaw tribal members and the surrounding community.

The expansion enhances the clinic’s ability to meet growing healthcare needs by increasing clinical space, improving patient flow, and supporting additional services designed to reduce wait times and expand access to preventive and primary care.

“Providing quality healthcare close to home is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton. “This expansion reflects our commitment to strengthening the health of our people and ensuring families in this region have access to the care they deserve, now and for generations to come.”

The clinic added six specialty services, including gastroenterology, cardiology and orthopedics. The previous clinic building is now being renovated to attach to the expansion, providing a cohesive clinic for all patient needs. The renovations are expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.

“This expanded clinic allows our team to better serve patients with more space, improved workflows, and the capacity to grow alongside our community which is quickly becoming a major hub in Oklahoma,” said James Haley, clinic operations director of the Choctaw Nation Health Clinic in McAlester. “We are proud to offer an environment that supports both excellent care and a positive experience for every patient who walks through our doors.”

The facility also features more than 80 works of art from Choctaw creators. Artists featured include Jane Semple-Umsted, Norma Howard, Connie Phillips, Diana Folsom, and more. In addition to the mural by Rhiana Deck, the walls are decked with paintings, photographs from the reservation and original cultural pieces.