SIHC Mission

The Mission of SIHC is to provide, promote, and coordinate the health care needs of American Indians and Non-American Indian people in the program service area. In this endeavor, we will continually strive for excellence in our employees, programs, and services. We shall be innovative leaders and continually evolve to meet the needs and desires of the communities we serve in a manner that is consistent with American Indian values and traditions. The guiding principal and preeminent organization value is quality health care and patient satisfaction.

To carry out our mission, we are committed to providing comprehensive, coordinated services that are client friendly, affordable, and emphasize access to preventative and high quality care. We are dedicated to integrating the principles of quality improvement within each department of SIHC, through shared resources, education, training, personnel, and professional growth and development. SIHC leadership sets expectations, develops plans, and implements procedures to assess and improve the quality of performance organization-wide including governance, management, clinics, and support services.

SIHC is committed to be the model of quality health care by reinforcing the strengths of our cultural integrity, our community, and by enhancing the advancement and spiritual enrichment of our American Indian Community.

SIHC History

SIHC began as a satellite operation of the Indian Health Council in Pauma Valley. In the beginning, we operated out of trailers on the Sycuan reservation, offering outreach and referral services to southern San Diego tribes. In November, 1982, we incorporated as a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, and moved to the Barona reservation shortly thereafter. At Barona, we provided limited medical and dental services as an extension of the Barona House.

In late 1987, our Board of Directors acquired private land in Alpine, which was placed into "federal trust." That land is the site of our present location. To begin building a permanent facility, SIHC secured several grants through HUD (Housing & Urban Development). Our initial operation revenue came via the Indian Health Service - under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (Public Law 93 - 638).

SIHC has undergone tremendous growth over the years. Today, we serve a seven-member tribal consortium which includes Barona, Campo, Ewiiaapaayp, Jamul, La Posta, Manzanita, and Viejas. We are an accredited and Federally-Qualified Health Center operating out of a modern facility set on 10 acres of pristine countryside. With its Southwestern architectural motif, our spacious, handicap-accessible facility features ample parking, and easy access from major freeways and bus routes. SIHC has a diversified funding base and provides a full spectrum of programs and services supported by Federal, State, and local dollars.