The Cherokee Nation’s recent announcement that it is planning to build a new hospital in Tahlequah is the latest piece of good news for Native American and rural health care, something that should have a significant impact on two underserved groups of Oklahomans.
In December, tribal officials said they planned to spend $400 million to replace the 40-year-old W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah. The Cherokees will spend an additional $35 million to replace an aging health clinic in Salina.
Hastin...