The San Carlos Apache Tribe Health Center in Peridot, Arizona. Photo from IHS

The Indian Health Service opened a new facility in conjunction with the San Carlos Apache Tribe of Arizona.

The tribe will operate the San Carlos Apache Tribe Health Center in Peridot under a self-determination contract. The 179,000 square-foot facility will serve nearly 13,000 patients in the area.

"On behalf of the San Carlos Apaches, I thank our Creator God for answering our prayers and making our new hospital a reality," Chairman Terry Rambler said in a press release. "I want to thank all past and current tribal leaders for playing a part in this lengthy process of planning, designing, constructing and securing funds for our new hospital."

An aerial view of the San Carlos Apache Tribe Health Center in Peridot, Arizona. Photo from IHS

The hospital offers a wide range of services, from birthing to nursing care. Programs include physical therapy, telemedicine, podiatry, ultrasound, ambulatory procedures, cat scans and mammography.

“The project was designed utilizing the Improving Patient Care model, which changes the way health care is delivered by incorporating patient-centered, Indian health, medical home concepts,” IHS Acting Director Robert McSwain said. “This is a modern, technologically advanced facility and its opening marks a significant milestone in the history of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.”

The facility cost $116 million, according to the IHS. Staffing for 296 positions will run $31.5 million.