MetaFund fills funding gaps for two new health clinics in southeast Oklahoma
For Immediate Release
March 12, 2025
IDABEL, OKLA. — In November 2022, it took an EF4 tornado just moments to demolish a four-year-old health center that had taken about a dozen years of fundraising to finance. Now, more than two years later, even with insurance, increased building costs called for additional funding to complete the rebuild. MetaFund, an Oklahoma City nonprofit with a focus on healthcare in underserved communities, has stepped in to help.
When winds of around 170 miles per hour swept through Kiamichi Family Medical Center (KFMC) in Idabel, there wasn’t much left of the facility that had opened in 2018. The federally qualified health center, with its 32 employees, had provided medical and behavioral care at little to no cost for patients in the medically underserved area.
While the facility was being rebuilt, KFMC was offered a building on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s satellite campus in Idabel to set up a temporary clinic. With a total building size of 8,000 square feet, space was tight, but at least the clinic has been able function. The two largest classrooms were remodeled to allow for four medical providers to see patients in 12 small exam rooms. Currently, 27 people work at the facility.
When the KFMC health center was built in 2018, it cost $190 per square foot. The cost to rebuild escalated to $250 per square foot and that didn’t factor in any expenses related to the building’s foundation which was deemed structurally sound and suitable for continued use.
While construction began, KFMC and its CEO, Amy Gilbreath, had to address the funding shortfall to complete the build. In early 2023, MetaFund was connected with KFMC as a possible funding resource. MetaFund was able to structure flexible New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) financing to fill the funding gap which will allow the center to be completed.
“In the wake of a devastating tornado and the relentless pressures of inflation, the unwavering support of MetaFund has been a beacon of hope for KFMC and our patients. Their commitment not only rebuilds communities but also restores faith in humanity's capacity to overcome adversity together,” said Gilbreath.
The health center is on track to be completed in August 2025. It will house approximately 35 employees and feature an 18,000 square foot building with room for six medical providers. Each provider will have three rooms for a total of 18 exam rooms. There will also be two procedure rooms, areas for lab draws and processing, x-rays and a patient waiting area.
Counseling services are provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at KFMC. The new building includes a more private area for behavioral health patients to wait and be seen by the LCSW. Space will also be provided in the center for nursing, business office and administrative staff. A conference room with a kitchenette will provide space for small training opportunities and board meetings. And finally, the employees will have a break-room.
KFMC also recently built a new clinic in Hugo. The steep increase in building expenses impacted that project as well. MetaFund, in partnership with US Bank, was also able to provide NMTC funding for that project. In total, $5 million in NMTC was allocated toward the Idabel health center and $3 million went toward the Hugo clinic.
“We are honored to have supported this vital project, helping Kiamichi Family Medical Center build two essential clinics that will provide accessible, high-quality care to those who need it most. Their incredible work ensures that families receive the care they need close to home, strengthening the community and improving lives for generations to come,” said Blake Trippet, Chief New Markets Officer for MetaFund.
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Media Contact:
Ed Long
405.922.7580
About Kiamichi Family Medical Center (KFMC)
Kiamichi Family Medical Center, Inc., is committed to providing affordable health care of the highest possible quality to its patients in southeast Oklahoma. To achieve this goal, KFMC participates in the National Health Disparities Collaborative, a federally sponsored partnership between Community Health Centers and health care-quality researchers across the country. For more information about KFMC, visit kiamichimed.org.
About MetaFund
MetaFund is an Oklahoma-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) working with other nonprofits, the private sector, and government toward a just world free of poverty. MetaFund invests in creative solutions for communities, with a primary focus on work, housing, and health. For more information about MetaFund, visit metafund.org.