The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians have earned important accreditations for their healthcare organization, Pokagon Health Services, from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

The accreditations are for both medical and dental services, as well as a comprehensive designation for the facility. Pokagon Health Services earned the status as a Patient Centered Medical Home, which signifies they are a model of primary care that delivers the core functions of primary health care: comprehensive, patient-centered, coordinated care, accessible services, and quality and safety.

Pokagon Health Services opened in late 2014 in Dowagiac, and serves as a primary care provider for the Native American population in Allegan, Van Buren, Berrien and Cass counties in Michigan; and LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, Starke, Marshall and Kosciusko counties in Indiana.

The AAAHC assists ambulatory health care organizations in improving patient care. It sets standards, measures performance, and provides consultation and education. The accreditation gives unbiased, external verification that Pokagon Health Services is meeting or exceeding nationally identified benchmarks.

“Our commitment to caring for our tribal members is important across all avenues,” said John P. Warren, chairman of the Pokagon Band. “The health and well-being of our families is among our greatest priorities. When we opened this facility, it was with this in mind. It’s a great honor to be recognized with these designations.”

“Pokagon Heath Services is a progressive and well-run organization dedicated to the members of their tribe and surrounding community,” said Mona Sweeney, RN BSN, assistant director for accreditation services at AAAHC. “Their dedication to quality improvement and safety is evident in their attaining both Medical and Dental Home Accreditation. This distinction is an accomplishment attained by only 20 Indian Health Centers with AAAHC.”

“The staff here works hard to provide comprehensive, integrated, and holistic care to our patients,” said Matt Clay, director of Pokagon Health Services. “Sharing ideas and best practices with other experts and organizations such as AAAHC advances our ability to optimize patient care.”