BANNING, CA – Leaders from Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians recently gathered to break ground on a new 10-acre clinic on the Morongo Indian reservation.
Scheduled to open in late 2026 near Hathaway Street and Morongo Road, the state-of-the-art Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. (RSBCIHI) clinic will span nearly 61,000 sq. ft. Funded by RSBCIHI, the $55 million clinic will nearly triple the size of the existing Morongo Indian Health Clinic and will include larger medical exam rooms, a drive-thru pharmacy, an x-ray ward and expanded dental, optometry and behavioral health services.
“RSBCIHI began our journey in 1968 on the Morongo reservation, and we are excited to be returning with a new clinic that will strengthen Indian healthcare services across our two counties,” said Sherri Salgado, President of the RSBCIHI Board of Directors. “This important project furthers our mission to provide culturally sensitive healthcare services that respect the traditional customs of our Indian communities.”
Now the largest Indian health program in the state, RSBCIHI provides healthcare services to federally recognized Native Americans and Alaskan Natives across Riverside and San Bernardino counties through its network of eight Indian health clinics.
“This groundbreaking marks a historic step forward in ensuring that Native Americans across our two counties have access to high-quality healthcare and preventative services that promote health and wellness,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “By investing in healthcare, we are investing in the well-being of our people and building a healthier future for generations to come.”
The groundbreaking celebration began with a blessing by Morongo tribal elder Walter Holmes as dozens of Morongo and RSBCIHI officials gathered beside the rocky field where the clinic will be built by S+B James Construction.
“Our new clinic will allow greater access to healthcare services for our patients in a setting that is comfortable, culturally important, and designed to provide a comprehensive healthcare experience,” said Bill Thomsen, CEO for RSBCIHI. “Providing healthcare to Native Americans is an obligation of the federal government under treaty commitments. RSBCIHI is dedicated to fulfilling this responsibility and ensuring access to quality healthcare for Native communities.”