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VINITA, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation recently held a grand opening ceremony for their new health clinic in Vinita.

"You know, the northern area has been lacking for years," said Chuck Hoskins Tribal Council member. "Now people won't have to go and loose a day's salary to take their child or themselves to the doctor. For many years people in this area had to drive at least 35 miles to get medical care, either to Claremore, Miami or Nowata now those days are over."

"I love this new clinic," said Wanda Sanders, long time Vinita resident. "I have been here all of my life and I hated having to drive to Claremore for services when I got sick. Now I won't have to be gone for more than 30 minutes with the new clinic here. This has been a long time coming."

Vinita resident Clint Sturdivant feels the same way.

"I have been going to Miami for years and now I won't have to go so far," Sturdivant said. "Chuck (Hoskins) has done a wonderful thing for this community and we are proud of it."

The Vinita Health Clinic is a branch of the Cherokee Nation Nowata Primary Clinic. It will house a nurse practitioner and a limited lab. Patients will be able to receive some of their prescriptions from this location. Patients need to make appointments to be seen, but appointments can be scheduled for the same day.

"This clinic will prove to be a great asset to the community," Hoskins said.

The clinic is located at 135 East Canadian in Vinita. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 918-323-0191.