Tucson Indian Center
Tucson Indian Center is a community resource serving Tucsonans in need.
About Tucson Indian Center
Tucson Indian Center is a community resource serving Tucsonans in need, with a focus on the Urban Native American Community in the greater Tucson area. Operating as the American Indian Association of Tucson, the organization provides culturally competent, respectful, and compassionate health, wellness, and social services. Its stated mission is to enhance leadership, provide advocacy, deliver education, and strengthen the well-being of the people in the greater Tucson area, with an emphasis on preserving and strengthening tribal cultures.
The center's health services include primary care offerings such as vaccines and immunizations, health screenings, medication management and refills, on-site laboratory services, chronic condition management, physical exams for sports and school, specialty care referrals, disease prevention, and women's health exams. Video and audio telemedicine appointments are also available through the clinic. The Rodney W. Palimo Sr. Clinic provides these services as part of the center's broader effort to support community health.
Behavioral health services include individual therapy, family and group therapy, intake and comprehensive assessments, and individualized treatment planning. The center lists treatment and assessments related to substance abuse, depression, and anxiety, along with video and audio telemedicine appointments. Its outreach and referral work includes care packages and COVID-19 supplies, health education, welfare checks, case management, transportation, and assistance with AHCCCS and SNAP enrollment applications.
The Tucson Indian Center's history is connected to the long presence of Native peoples in the Tucson area. The organization's history describes the region as a traditional site for Indian settlements, including those of the Hohokam, Tohono O'odham, and Yaqui. Shortly after World War II, local Indians recognized a need for an organization of their own to provide health, housing, education, counseling, and recreation services. A Native American Club was organized in 1957, and in 1963 it became incorporated as the American Indian Association, doing business as the Tucson Indian Center.
The center identifies family, community engagement, respect, and voice as guiding principles, and lists integrity, accountability, cultural identity, and commitment among its core values. Its strategic goals include expanding physical space to increase community access and engagement, maintaining and expanding staff, programs, and services, increasing partnerships, and strengthening visibility and influence. People interested in learning more about available programs can attend an orientation session, where staff provide information about services, eligibility, and enrollment. Interested individuals may also contact the center for basic information and to make an appointment. The organization maintains a calendar and newsletter for program and event updates.