Clinic announces expansion plans

MISSION, Ore. – Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center announced July 21 its plan to expand and improve the clinic’s facilities. The expansion will accommodate increasing clinic services, staff and patients.

“Yellowhawk continues to deliver the quality healthcare and resources our community deserves – upgrading and expanding our building will be beneficial to patients, as well as staff,” said Aaron Hines, Yellowhawk CEO.

According to Hines, Yellowhawk has gained more than 40 employees since opening their current space in 2018 and the clinic continues to add to its team and increase services.

“We have rapidly outgrown our functional footprint and have been working diligently to be creative, strategic and flexible with our limited space. The expansion is crucial for the well-being of patients, staff and the growth of services,” Hines said.

The plans enlarge the medical wing by adding extra space for exam rooms which will increase both the number of available appointments and services offered. An added storage wing will allow for spaces currently being used as storage to be repurposed to their original function, such as office space or talking rooms. Another much anticipated addition will be a dedicated Elders entrance. This new entrance will be located at the back of the clinic with improved parking to allow Elders easier, faster access to the medical department.

“We are committed to improving improve access for our Elders is a priority of the Health Commission and Management Team,” said Hines. In addition to expanding the facility, Yellowhawk is moving forward in partnership with Interpath Laboratory and Spright, the drone division of Air Methods, to launch a first-of-itskind drone delivery network that can transfer lab specimens. The proposed cessing throughout the day, providing not only faster service, but a greener solution of transport by replacing the traditional courier service.

“We look forward to these improvements that will add value to our community,” said Shana Alexander, Medical Administrator.

Construction on the expansion specific date was not available at press

Speed zone changes affect rez traffic

Staff Report

PENDLETON, Ore. – Travelers using Highway 331 on the reservation need to be aware of recent speed zone changes implemented by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

“I feel it is important for CTUIR residents and employees to know that there have been some speed zone modifications made by ODOT on Highway 331, south of Mission Road to I-84,” said Tony Barnett, Umatilla Tribal Police’s Lead Criminal Investigator.

Barnett cautions drivers to be aware that Mission Road south to Milepost 3 (shortly before the crest of the hill) is now 40 mph.

Between Milepost 3 and Wildhorse Blvd the zone changes to a 50 mph zone.

Between Wildhorse Blvd and the I-84 interchange the zone has been reduced to 35 mph. This 35 mph zone continues south past Wildhorse Resort & Casino and the travel plaza and over the I-84 interchange. Once past the interchange, the speed limit increases to 55 mph southbound on South Market Road.

North of Mission Road remains