History
PTHA was established in the early 1970’s in response to a lack of consistent quality health care available to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and all other Native Americans residing in Pierce County.
In 1976, PTHA became the first Tribal ambulatory health clinic in the United States to enter into a “638 Self-Determination” contract with the Federal government’s Indian Health Service (IHS). Under this contract, PTHA assumed direct control over the administration and delivery of health care services to its Native American community.
PTHA outgrew the double-wide modular and built the Takopid Health Center in 1993. Soon after, in 1999, the Kwawachee building was built to provide outpatient mental health and traditional healing services. In 2013, Takopid added a 2-story, 10,000 square foot expansion to better meet the needs of patients.
Today, the Takopid Health Center provides medical, dental, laboratory, x-ray, pharmacy, and community health services. Kwawachee is home to our Behavioral Health services and Administration offices. PTHA continues to grow, and in 2025 will expand the Kwawachee building to move several departments in an effort to expand more patient services.
