The Poarch Band of Creek Indians today opened the doors of two new facilities that will provide health care services for the tribe and its employees and long-term care and housing for its senior citizens, respectively, according to a PCI press release.

The Buford L. Rolin Health Clinic, named after the tribe’s current chairman, and the Lavan Martin Assisted Living Facility, which honors the revered late tribal leader, serve as working monuments to the two men’s lifelong commitment to providing essential services to Poarch.

Rolin is nationally recognized for his decades of work in Indian health care. Martin worked tirelessly during his lifetime to secure tribal services for current and future generations.

“There has been the need to expand our services and build a new health clinic for several years,” said Tribal Administrator Edie Jackson. “We are thrilled to be able to open this state-of-the-art facility, especially one that honors our chairman, who has done so much for so many.

“It is a great comfort, too, that our new assisted living facility now gives our elders the opportunity to stay close to home, live in a premier facility, and be the beneficiaries of high-quality care.”

Today’s “ribbon cutting” ceremony included tribal members, employees, distinguished well-wishers from the community and many others.

“I am so proud to be able to walk through these doors today, “ Rolin said. “Lavan and I dreamed for many years about having these kinds of facilities for our Tribe. I know that he would be so happy to see that his hard work and commitment were remembered and honored this way.

“I feel so personally gratified that we are able to provide wonderful healthcare services and care for our elders right here at home.”

The 68,430-square-foot Tribal Health Clinic is a two-story building that will provide health services to tribal members and employees. Services to be provided include the Diabetes Program, Women-Infant-Children Program (WIC), Women’s Health, Primary Care Clinic including Specialty Care, Dental Clinic, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, Rehabilitation Services (Physical Therapy), Behavioral Health, Facility Management, Preventive Health Education and Public Health Nursing, Health Administration, Business Office and Health Information Management.

The Assisted Living Facility’s design includes four Assisted Living homes, an entrance canopy, courtyards, dining, a coffee shop, business center, quilting room and resident laundry.

There are 24 one-bedroom apartments, eight two-bedroom apartments and two guest rooms. The complex also serves elders who live nearby with a 100-seat dining room and recreational and entertainment venues.

For more on this story, see the Wednesday, March 6, edition of The Atmore Advance.