Poarch Creek Indians Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure Through Indian Health Services Projects
Share this:
The Poarch Creek Indians are proud to showcase the work of PCI Federal, which, through PCI Support Services, has recently completed several innovative building projects for Indian Health Services (IHS). IHS provides federal health services to American Indians, as an operating division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These efforts of IHS and the Poarch Creek Indians demonstrate a strong commitment to providing essential healthcare and infrastructure to Native communities, including those in the most remote and challenging areas.
As a member of the Poarch Creek Indians Tribe, Megan Thompson brought a deeply personal connection and cultural insight to her role as Project Manager for these efforts. Her heritage and lived experiences made her an integral part of the team, helping ensure that these healthcare projects not only met technical standards but also honored and respected the communities they serve.
Crownpoint Wellness Center – Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Project
At Crownpoint Indian Medical Center in New Mexico, PCI Support Services (PCISS) is leading the construction of a 5,300-square-foot modular wellness center designed to combat diabetes and promote community health. The facility includes a full gymnasium, ADA-compliant restrooms, office space for wellness checks, and a demonstration kitchen to teach healthy cooking. Despite challenges such as water access, utility routing, and construction in remote terrain, PCI Support Services has worked hand-in-hand with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority to ensure the project moves forward successfully.
“This project really opened my eyes to the challenges communities face in accessing something as basic as water availability or reliable utility services,” said Megan Thompson, Project Manager for PCI Support Services. “It makes the work we do feel that much more meaningful, because you know the end result is a facility that directly improves quality of life. These facilities aren’t just buildings, they are support facilities for the community and lifelines to critical needs of patients,” said Thompson
Gallup Indian Medical Center – Emergency Care Modular Facility
In Gallup, New Mexico, PCI Support Services designed and delivered a state-of-the-art, 16-bed modular emergency care building. The $10.1 million facility includes trauma rooms, a CT scan room, pharmacy, exam rooms, and advanced medical support spaces, all built to stringent FGI guidelines. The project required complex utility upgrades, precision installation between hospital structures, and a sophisticated $1.6 million HVAC system with HEPA filtration and UV systems to meet medical-grade standards. Despite working in a fully operational hospital environment, the PCISS team successfully executed the project with minimal disruption, delivering a modern facility that strengthens emergency care capacity in the region.
PCI Federal is also actively engaged with PCISS and Indian Health Services on the Lawton Indian Hospital Outbuilding project, further demonstrating its ability to meet the evolving needs of Native healthcare facilities. Through these projects, PCI Federal continues to build more than facilities, it builds opportunity, resilience, and healthier futures for Native communities.
“Being a Project Manager has been such a fulfilling journey,” Thompson added. “I’m proud that the skills I’ve developed allow me to give back in a way that supports the health and wellbeing of Native American communities across the country.”
Kam Johnson, Megan’s director at PCI Support Services, shared that working alongside Megan has been a learning experience in many ways. “Megan has taught me so much about the cultural side of our work,” Johnson shared. “I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the traditions and history that shape these projects. It’s made me a better leader and reminded me why our work matters.”
“Megan’s story is a perfect example of why we invest in our enterprises and our people,” said Josh Hancock, a President of PCI Federal, which oversees PCI Support Services. “She represents the future of the Tribe, which is strong and committed to making a difference. We are proud of her leadership and the positive impact PCI Federal is having through these critical projects.”
The work at Crownpoint, Gallup, and Lawton demonstrates how PCI Support Services combines technical expertise with cultural understanding, ensuring projects are delivered with excellence and long-lasting impact.