Suquamish Tribe to Acquire Kitsap OBGYN

The Suquamish Tribe will acquire Kitsap OBGYN in January 2026, a move both organizations say will expand access to women’s health services amid a growing regional shortage.

Kitsap OBGYN, which has operated for more than four decades, will join the tribe’s network of medical services. Providers say the change will help stabilize and strengthen obstetric and gynecological care for patients across Kitsap County.

“Kitsap County is often referred to as an ‘OBGYN desert’ with more demand than there are available providers,” said Dr. Amity Marriott of Kitsap OBGYN. “I have seen estimates that one in four expectant mothers in Kitsap travel to King or Pierce counties for care. By becoming part of the Suquamish Tribe’s medical offerings, we are able to operate more efficiently and effectively, allowing us to focus on our patients.”

The transition follows the tribe’s expansion into primary care in 2023 with the opening of the Healing House clinic, which serves both tribal and non-tribal members in North Kitsap.

“When the tribe opened our Healing House in 2023, we filled a void for both tribal and non-tribal members seeking primary care in North Kitsap,” said Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman. “Expanding our scope of services to include specialized care for women allows us to make progress toward our goal of improving the health of our tribal community, while also providing resources that will benefit the greater region.”

Both organizations are preparing operational details for the transition, including credentialing the tribe with the same insurance providers currently accepted by Kitsap OBGYN. The practice will keep its name, a nod to Chief Kitsap, a prominent 19th-century leader of the Suquamish people.

“We will continue to offer compassionate and personalized medical care for women,” Marriott said. “The only difference will be that we will be offering this level of care with the support of the Suquamish Tribe. We are honored that the tribe recognizes the importance of our work and is helping us maintain our high standard of excellence.”

According to the release, services will remain open to both tribal and non-tribal patients. Clinics in Poulsbo and Silverdale will continue deliveries and surgeries at St. Michael Medical Center, as well as surgical procedures at Pacific Surgery Center. Kitsap OBGYN’s staff will join the more than 450 employees of the Suquamish Tribal Government.