Care that Embraces all of Us
Hunter Health provides the care that works for you — all-encompassing care that you need, when you need it.
- We connect you to the medical, dental, behavioral, vision and pharmacy services, all in one place.
- We provide the support you need to take control of your health and your whole wellbeing.
- We provide flexible solutions and healthcare education that is personal to you. It is our way of providing the greatest value throughout your care experience.
- We believe when everyone is treated with quality care, our communities become healthier and stronger together.
Our Mission: We exist to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community.
Healthcare at the Heart of Our Community
Founded in 1976 by Dr. Vernon Dyer, a Choctaw and Prairie Band Potawatomi OB/GYN physician, Hunter Health was founded out of an urgent need for culturally relevant healthcare services tailored to the Urban Native American community of Wichita. Initially operating from a room at the Mid-America All-Indian Center, our rapid growth spurred a move to a more expansive location at Central and Grove by 1978.
Evolving with Indian Health Service Funding:
By 1980, our clinic was able to expand its services with federal funding that set Hunter Health apart as the first program of its kind in Kansas. In recognition of this, and to emphasize our dedication to the Native American community, the clinic took on the name “Hunter Health” in 1985, in honor of Jay and Vera Hunter — revered Native American elders and educators.
Serving All of Wichita:
With an ambition to embrace every resident of our community, by 1985 we also became the first federally funded Community Health Center in the state. Our commitment to serving everyone, regardless of background or status, remains steadfast. This dedication led to our recognition as Kansas’ first federally funded Healthcare for the Homeless Center in 1987.
Expanding Our Reach:
Our growth didn’t stop there. By 1998, we had extended our services to Brookside United Methodist Church in Plainview, Kansas, and by 2001, to Inter-Faith Ministries of Wichita, now HumanKind Ministries. To further serve our patients, Brookside and HumanKind clinics were inaugurated in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Innovation and Growth in the 21st Century:
The recent years have been pivotal. We integrated a comprehensive care model in 2017, ensuring holistic treatment for our patients. As part of our continuous evolution, 2019 saw the reintroduction of optometry services, followed by the launch of radiology in 2020. We have also focused on enhancing our infrastructure with renovations to Brookside Clinic in 2021 and HumanKind Clinic in 2022. And the growth does not stop there. Construction on a new parking lot and an overall expansion concluded during the summer of 2024 at our Central Clinic.
Our Commitment:
Hunter Health stands as more than just a healthcare center. We are a living testament to a legacy of our Native American heritage, community, and an unwavering dedication to the health and wellbeing of everyone.
Putting You First
Our Patient-Centered Medical Home model puts you at the center of a circle of care. It is how we can better look at health holistically and ensure that we’re all on the same team — yours. Learn more about how we do that here.
