The River People Health Center (RPHC) is a state-of-the-art outpatient medical facility opening soon to serve the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and any Native American enrolled in a tribal community.

General contractor Okland/Arviso and sheet metal contractor Southland Industries completed the building on schedule at the end of December. According to Southland Project Manager Katherine Watson-Cruz, a team of about 30 sheet metal workers installed 260,000 pounds of sheet metal, all of which was overseen by field team supervisors Matt Fanning, Jimmy Baca and Dan Tash.

Trade partner Able Balance performed the necessary testing, adjusting and balancing that’s so integral to health care clinics, hospitals and outpatient care facilities. Proper air flow ensures steady ambient temperatures and the sterility of operating rooms.

Originally known as the Northeast Ambulatory Care Center, the River People Health Center is a three-story building that sits on the southwest corner of McDowell Road and Highway 87, commonly called the Beeline Highway, on the border of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. The striking structure consists of concrete over a steel deck on top of beams made of composite steel.

“The building is oriented so patients and their families see views of Red Mountain, South Mountain, Papago Buttes and Camelback Mountain, four peaks that provide a sense of comfort and healing,” said SRP-MIC Vice President Ricardo Leonard in a written statement for O’odham Action News. “The Health Center honors the culture of the Pima and Maricopa and the importance of the river, earth, and natural surroundings.”

RPHC is the newest arm of Phoenix Indian Medical Center’s healthcare delivery system. Patients may seek care in the realms of family medicine, dental care, pharmaceuticals, mental health assistance and physical therapy. The facility also includes a conference area where staff can conduct trainings.  The offices of the Health and Human Services administration share the third floor.

River People Health Center will be gradually opening its doors over the course of February and March.