Applicant: Sycuan Medical Dental Center
Eligible Entity Type: Indian Tribe (IHS/MOA Title I, ISDEAA Contract)
Funding Program: Tribal Management
Project Type: Health Management Structure
Project Period: Two-Years (2023-2025)
Project Director: Maurice Smith, SMDC Executive Director
The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation (SMDC) is a federally recognized tribe of Mission Indians from Southern California, located in an unincorporated area of San Diego County just east of El Cajon. The Sycuan Medical Dental Center is owned and operated by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, a sovereign Native American tribe. SMDC was established in 1972 as a medical dental center for the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation tribal members and community.
In May 2005, SMDC began contracting with California Area Office (CAO), Indian Health Service, as an Indian Health Service (IHS) / Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Title I Tribal Organization of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Public Law 93-638.
In 2021, IHS/CAO conducted a Performance Evaluation Assessment of the Sycuan Medical Dental Center (SMDC). The evaluative survey report identified the need to enhance and develop its management capability with respect to the Tribe’s health services. As a result of the IHS Summary Report, the Tribal Council took the recommendations seriously and shortly thereafter began the process of developing a Health Board charter (hereinafter the “Health Oversight Committee”) and Standing Committees as memorialized through a Charter.
Our over-arching project goal is to enhance and develop Sycuan Medical Dental Center’s management capability with respect to the Tribe's health services. This will be attained by accomplishing three (3) objectives by the end of the project period (2023 – 2025).
Objective 1 – Create a Governing Body & Standing Committees
Objective 2 – Policy and Procedure Development & Management System
Objective 3 – Electronic Health Record Update/Upgrade & Trainings
Budget Request:
Year 1 – $149,434
Year 2 – $78,537