Cherokee Tribal Council Investing $110 Million in Health Centers

The Cherokee Tribal Council will invest more than $110 million in new healthcare facilities, according to Smoky Mountain News. The two new care facilities will be located on the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee County. The largest project is a long-term care facility that will be located next to the Cherokee Indian Hospital and is projected to be completed in early 2025.

The first stage of construction will be a 24-bed memory care center and a dialysis facility coming in at a total of 154,000 square feet. The final project will be a 300,000-square-foot adult day care, assisted living apartments, and other independent living facilities.

Of the total $105 million worth of expenses for this project, about $28 million is approved for utilities and ground work. Permitting, planning and design will also require a substantial upfront outlay. The actual construction will account for about $60 million. Other expenses include $5 million for potential cost increase.

This plan has been under discussion for two years. The second project — a $5.4 million facility for the Cherokee County Clinic — was approved last month. This facility will be composed of two exam rooms, three dental exam rooms, a telehealth room, an exam and producer room along with a room dedicated to triage. This health center is projected to open in 2023.