TIMELINE: First look at new Osage Nation Health Clinic in Pawhuska

News On 6 is getting a first look inside the Osage Nation’s brand-new health facility in Pawhuska.

This $42 million clinic is already being called a “generational investment.” For the Osage Nation, it’s a symbol of self-determination.

For years, tribal leaders and community members say they’ve dreamed of a health system that could fully serve the Osage people, and now, it’s finally here.

"Being a tribal self-governance facility allows us to do a little bit more and tailor programs to the desires of the tribal people here at the Osage Nation, which is what we've done," said CEO Mark Rogers.

The new facility replaces a decades-old IHS clinic and includes primary care, dental, optometry, behavioral health, physical therapy, and even a diabetic teaching kitchen.

"This will really be a health campus. Between the fitness center, outdoor walking trails, and our health center," said COO Kirk Shaw.

Tribal leaders say this facility is a major part of a larger network. In just the last year, the Osage Nation opened a counseling center, a residential treatment facility, and a transitional living center, with more expansion coming.

More than a hundred years after the Reign of Terror, COO Kirk Shaw says this is about more than healthcare — it’s about healing.

"To look at that just 150 years ago, and 120, 110 for the Reign of Terror to now, where we are, and we have a flourishing tribe and flourishing casino... it’s really exciting," said Shaw.

Leaders say the new clinic shows what’s possible when the tribe works together.

"This is a testament to teamwork and listening to what the tribe wants, and then executing in that direction," said Rogers.

The new health center will begin seeing patients on July 15th, right after the ribbon-cutting.

Timeline of the Osage Nation Health Facility

2016

1. The Osage Nation community and leadership decided to upgrade their health system due to population growth and outdated infrastructure.
2. Community meetings were held to gather input from tribal members, elders, and stakeholders.
3. A comprehensive strategic plan was developed with wide support.

2020 (Approx.)

1. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed progress for several years.
2. Leadership changes also paused the project temporarily.

Post-2020

1. CEO Mark Rogers was brought in to revive and lead the project.
2. Strategic planning resumed, based on prior community input.
3. Transition began from a direct-service IHS clinic to a tribal self-governance model, allowing for more flexibility and tailored programs.

Early Construction Phase

1. Construction contracts awarded through a competitive bid process.
2. Partnerships formed with firms like Connect Advisors, MAPHOLDs, Urban Architects, and IMEG.
3. Construction was financed via a loan through Bank of Oklahoma, backed by third-party healthcare revenue.

Recently

1. Facility construction progresses with focus on value engineering, reducing cost from projected $50M to $42 million.
2. Installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment and the Epic electronic health record system.
3. Staffing expands from 68 employees to approximately 230.

July 15, 2025

1. Grand opening and ribbon cutting.

Facility begins seeing patients in phased rollout:

1. Phase 1: Tribal members
2. Phase 2: Tribal employees and their families (non-Native)
3. Phase 3: Broader non-Native community

Plans in motion to open:

1. A new assisted living facility
2. An expansion clinic in Skiatook
3. Total projected staffing to reach 315 employees in the next 12–18 months.