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History

History

Picture taken on September 1966 in Washington D.C. Left to right: Helen McGee, Jessie Durant, Rosie Moose, Josephine Cromwell, Alta Rogers and Ethel Willis. The Tri-County Indian Health Project began in 1968 and became the Toiyabe Indian Health Project that we are today.

The Northern Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe people were the indigenous populations that inhabited the valley and mountain areas of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. For years, as long as the indigenous people can recall, they have lived and survived from the lands of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. These lands provided numerous animals and vegetation which the Native people used to sustain life in a peaceful, harmonious setting. Much has changed since those early days, but quality healthcare remains an important need, not only for the American Indians but for all who live in the Eastern Sierra region.

Healthcare services have progressed from the days when caravans and rides were set up to take local American Indians to the Indian Health Service hospital in Schurz, NV. Thanks in large part to the community leaders who started the Tri-County Indian Health Project in 1968, represented in the photo above, articles of incorporation were adopted in 1971 for the Toiyabe Indian Health Project, Inc.

Originally, Toiyabe was located in a small building on Pa Ha Lane on the Bishop Paiute Tribe’s Reservation. However , since that time, Toiyabe has grown in size and scope to today’s modern facilities, featuring services that we are proud to offer to all of our American Indian patients and clients, as well as the community in general.

The Tri-County Indian Health Project (later renamed the Toiyabe Indian Health Project) was established under leadership of nine Tribal Governments in the Eastern Sierra region.
The California State Legislature created the Indian Health Branch at the State level and committed State support for American Indian health needs.
The charter to establish the Tri-County Indian Health Project was officially signed.
Two major national laws were passed, directly affecting the delivery of healthcare to American Indian people: The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (PL93-638) expanded the right for tribal governments to contract directly with the federal government for services from a position of control over those services. It also allowed for contracts, grants, and personnel necessary for true community development. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (PL 94-437) provided additional funds for direct services to address the serious unmet health needs of American Indian people nationwide.
Toiyabe initiated a direct contract with the Indian Health Service for provide a variety of health needs.
Toiyabe expanded into a main facility on Tu Su Lane in Bishop, with improved areas for Dental, Medical, Administration, and Contract Care.
The Special Diabetes Program Initiative (SDPI) began, with Toiyabe receiving an initial award.
Toiyabe began offering Dialysis Services at the modular facility on the corner of Tu Su Lane and West Line Street.
The Lone Pine Clinic expanded its dental operatory.
Preventive Medicine Department separates from Community Health, with the SDPI and Healthy Heart Program Initiative.
The Dental Department treats its first orthodontic patient.
The Dialysis Center opens in its modern new facility at 44-B Tu Su Lane. Pharmacy acquired a robot medication dispenser to better serve increased patient demand.
Sirona Cerec machine purchased in Dental, allowing same-day crown and bridge prep appointments for Toiyabe patients at the Bishop Clinic.
Coleville Clinic reopens to serve patients in Northern Mono County.
Bishop Clinic moves to new building on See Vee Lane, with all departments in a state-of-the-art facility.