COVER PHOTO: Alexis Sullivan, District 3 Sacaton and Isa Whitman, District 5 Bapchule
GILA RIVER HEALTH
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
Dear Members of the Gila River Indian Community,
We are grateful for the visionaries who laid the foundation for Gila River Health Care (GRHC) many years ago. Their courage and foresight inspire us as we carry on their legacy. With humility, we honor their wisdom and dedication, and commit to uphold their mission.
We are pleased to share the 2024 Multi-Year Community Report, that reflects the work done from 2019 to 2023. Despite challenges, including the pandemic, our community endured, persisted, and even thrived.
During the COVID crisis, Gila River Health Care faced unprecedented challenges. Like other healthcare systems, GRHC endured unprecedented strain as we grappled with surging patient numbers, shortages of critical supplies, and the emotional toll on healthcare workers as they witnessed the suffering firsthand.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty, Gila River Health Care displayed remarkable ingenuity and solidarity, swiftly implementing innovative solutions and collaborative approaches to mitigate the crisis. From telemedicine to makeshift clinics, offering testing and vaccines via community outreach
Today, we face the future with resilience, guided by the lessons of the past five years. With the spirit of our founders, we remain dedicated to improving the health of the Gila River Indian Community.
With deep respect and gratitude,
Board of Directors
Gila River Health Care
COMMUNITY GATHERING
Gila River Health Care embraced the annual Mul-Chu-Tha celebration with Community pride and privilege. The annual event fosters unity and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to promoting health and wellness. With the themes, TeamCommunityUnity and REZ-ILIENT, Gila River Health Care underscores its commitment to collaboration, community empowerment, and resilience in the face of challenges. 2023 Mul-Chu-Tha
Connecting With Our People
Honoring, respecting culture, and sovereignty in a meaningful way
Both the Gila River Indian Community and its healthcare system may have felt the weariness of pandemic trials, yet they emerged resilient and optimistically forged ahead together.
TWO OF OUR OWN! EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Paul Molina
• District 7 Maricopa Colony
• PR & Marketing, Digital Media Manager
• Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
• 10 Years of Service
Ryan Yucupisio
• District 1 Blackwater
• Life Center, Peer Fitness Leader
• Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
• 6 Years of Service
COVID RESPONSE
We Saved Lives
Throughout the pandemic, we played a vital role in saving lives by implementing a comprehensive approach to COVID-related care. As soon as the virus emerged, Gila River Health Care took swift action.
• Engaged in sustained community outreach and education efforts
• Provided acute care in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Department
• Established a COVID Hotline staffed with providers 24/7
• Created a post-COVID multi-specialty clinic to address long COVID
• Collaborated with Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) tribal departments and entities to host COVID vaccine events and outreach
Today, we continually strive for excellence by adopting and developing best-inclass initiatives and continue to provide safe environments in all patient care areas. Our commitment extends beyond treatment and includes ongoing research and patient education.
COVID RESPONSE
FORTIFYING HOSPITAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Gila River Health Care’s “Incident Management Team” (IMT) powered through the COVID crisis. The IMT was the backbone of Gila River Health Care’s (GRHC) emergency readiness and greatly helped to empower us to excel in planning, responding, and bouncing back from the many unforeseen and expected crisis during the pandemic.
EMPOWERING RESPONSE
During the pandemic, Gila River Health Care played a significant role on the Gila River Indian Community Governor’s COVID Task Force, aimed at guiding the Community through the pandemic. Additionally, as a healthcare system, Gila River Health Care formed its own internal Incident Management Team consisting of about 50 dedicated employees. The IMT held 15 meetings each week, including Saturday briefings, to address pandemic challenges. Throughout this time, our employees demonstrated unwavering dedication from February 2020 until August 2023, balancing the demands of daily operations.
We Saved Lives
CLINICAL RESPONSE
Primary Care Departments
We ensured patient safety by implementing screening measures, and strict protocols across all locations. Telehealth services were introduced and drive-up immunizations and COVID testing offered.
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
In response to the crisis, the Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center was transformed into an Alternate Care Site, equipped with 50 patient exam rooms converted into inpatient negative pressure areas specifically designed to treat COVID patients.
Emergency Department
Throughout the pandemic, our Emergency Department worked tirelessly to meet the health needs of our Community. We provided comprehensive care, especially for critical patients, even when transfers to other hospitals were not possible.
The Caring House
To keep residents safe, strict visitor and quarantine rules were implemented. The Cruiser Program was introduced allowing residents to choose a place to “cruise” to and visit family from a safe, closed vehicle. The Cruiser Program gave residents the opportunity to reunite with family members they had not seen in months, a heartwarming and much-needed experience.
COVID RESPONSE
COVID PARTNERSHIPS
Collaborative partnerships became increasingly vital during the pandemic. Community departments and entities helped to provide all of the resources, expertise, or reach needed to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the pandemic.
Pandemic Preparedness: Communication Was Key
From vaccine events to safety protocols, accurate emergency communications empowered Community members to make informed decisions during the pandemic.
The COVID Elder Newsletter served as a crucial communication tool, especially for homebound elders, and it was directly delivered to post office boxes. This effort underscored our dedication to supporting and safeguarding our elders, ensuring they received consistent and accurate information.
Gila River Health Care initiated the Ask Your Provider virtual broadcast during the pandemic to link Community members with medical experts. The segments covered critical topics like COVID, testing, vaccines, RSV, and general medical queries. Gila River Health Care providers and experts from GRIC departments hosted the segments which were broadcast on Gila River Broadcasting television and live streamed on social media offering valuable insights.
OVER 23 MILLION VIEWS OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CONTENT
During the pandemic, an average of 6 million people per year viewed our emergency information, which is 50% more than pre-pandemic years.
PATIENT COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
Dr. Ryan Southworth • Medical Director (Host of Ask Your Provider), TV broadcast • Emergency Medical Services/Paramedicine • Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
3 Years of Service
We Saved Lives
Public Health Nursing (PHN) / Outreach to Homes
During the pandemic, Community Health Representatives (CHRs) served as a direct point of contact for elders who were afraid to visit clinics. CHRs offered nursing care such as vitals, education, counseling, and medication delivery. COVID testing and immunizations were provided by the PHN nurses. The PHN team monitored positive cases of COVID with phone calls and home visits, and worked with district service centers to disinfect homes and offer personal care products.
The National Guard and Gila River Health Care joined forces to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to the Gila River Indian Community, ensuring health and safety for all its members.
TESTIMONIAL PATIENT
Check out what our patients are saying about their experience.
Linda Andrews
- District 4 Stotonic
MAJOR INITIATIVES
COVID Vaccine Outreach
• Major Vaccine Events (Sacaton Boys & Girls Club, Rawhide, Wild Horse Pass Motor Sports Park, and Lone Butte Casino
• GRHC Community Outreach Mobile Unit, GRIC Service Centers, Schools, Headstart Program, Division of Rehabilitation Services
MULTI-YEAR REPORT: A FIVE YEAR REFLECTION (2019 - 2023)
We Saved Lives
Gila River Health Care’s systematic and operational response to prevent, control, and mitigate the effects of the coronavirus.
HIGHLIGHTS
EMS - Mobile Integrated Health (MIH)
Established in March of 2023, the Mobile Integrated Health Program focuses on providing in-home medical care to residents of the Gila River Indian Community. The program provides comprehensive care coordination and empowers patients to take control of their wellbeing.
ONE OF OUR OWN!
Kurt Rainbolt
• District 3 Sacaton
• Director of Emergency Medical Services
• Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
• 30 Years of Service
School Health Services
Nurses from the School Health Services team support students by managing health conditions and offering health education that contribute to student wellness and academic success.
ONE OF OUR OWN!
Candy Braby
• District 6 Komatke
• School Health Service, Director
• 16 Years of Service
MAJOR INITIATIVES
Mobile Integrated Health Program received the prestigious Quality Award for Community Health from the Arizona Healthcare and Hospital Association in November 2023.
This recognition acknowledges our dedication to providing exceptional healthcare services to the Community.
HIGHLIGHTS
SIGNIFICANT STRIDES IN 2023
Dialysis
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid’s (CMS) End Stage Renal Disease - Quality Incentive Program (QIP) rated Dialysis West at 96% & Dialysis East at 86%, which aligns with CMS mission of achieving optimal health for patients. The department also opened a third shift at the West Dialysis Center to improve patient access to GRHC dialysis units.
Optometry
Tracking newly diagnosed diabetic patients with the goal of completing diabetic eye exam within three months of diagnosis and to improve optometry referral rate. Kicked off the “Eye Can See What’s Healthy For Me!” campaign in collaboration with School Health Services and the Life Center to incentivize school children to wear their glasses to help improve vision and school performance.
Dental
Resumed dental screening and fluoride treatments as part of the Community outreach. Periodontal Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) training and certificates completed for five Dental Assistants. Periodontal EFDAs can perform mild dental cleanings with ultrasonic scalers under the supervision of a dentist or hygienist.
Life Center
Life Center coordinated with Gila River Tribal Recreation and Wellness departments along with the Genesis program, schools and district services centers to deliver workshops on nutrition, fitness, A1C screening, and diabetes prevention.
Willetta Felder
We are everywhere you are
Outstanding Community Health Representatives of the Year
At the Annual Community Health Representative Summit, Public Health Nursing’s Community Health Representatives were recognized for their efforts to build a healthier Community. They were honored for their ability to apply best practices and cultural integration into the care provided to members of the Gila River Indian Community during 2019 – 2023.
Isaac Valencia
• District 4 Santan
• Facilities, Grounds Keeper
• Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
• 1 Year of Service
Cheryl Walker
• District 6 Komatke
• Health Information Management Technician
• Komatke Health Center
• 14 Years of Service
Micah Marrietta
Alfreda Wise
Ashley Thompson
District 3 Sacaton District 6 Komatke District 3 Sacaton
MULTI-YEAR REPORT: A FIVE YEAR REFLECTION (2019 - 2023)
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
SIGNIFICANT STRIDES
Medical Imaging:
The department added new arterial ultrasound studies and echocardiography services at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital.
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Center - Primary Care Department: Opened renal and cardiology specialty clinics.
Women’s Health Care: New service offered at all locations to help patients with feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety during pregnancy and after childbirth. Nurses provide support over the phone and monitor medications to make sure patients keep their appointments with Women’s Health Care and Behavioral Health Services.
Patient-Centered
Care Team:
As your Patient-Centered Care Team, we build relationships by listening to our patients. Through this approach to care, we strive to understand their needs and demonstrate deep respect for their culture, values, and preferences. Additionally, improving access to care is a priority, and we look for every opportunity to:
• Ensure shorter wait times when you have an urgent need
• Extend in-person hours
• Provide 24-7 access to the patient’s care team
The Caring House
The Caring House’s most notable achievement was their performance on the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Health Inspection/ Recertification survey. The Caring House’s survey goal is to achieve less than five deficiencies with a scope and severity less than level D, which was accomplished.
ONE OF OUR OWN!
Victoria Allison
• District 4 Santan
• Board of Directors
• 23 Years of Service
SPOTLIGHT
Making significant strides to serve our patients
ENHANCING ACCESS AND CARE SERVICES
Physical Therapy Expansion
The Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital Physical Therapy Department remodeled the existing 6,025 square feet and added 4,025 square feet. The expansion increased patient treatment space by 40%. The newly renovated patient treatment areas include:
• New therapy pool
• Four additional patient treatment areas plus two private rooms
• Zero Gravity Gait and Balance System: The system provides dynamic “moving” body weight support as patients practice various daily tasks such as walking, balancing and stair climbing. This system treats a wide range of patient diagnoses from stroke, amputation, and orthopedic injuries.
MAJOR INITIATIVES
We endeavored to enhance patient access to care and expanded our services, incorporating new specialty offerings to meet patient needs.
• Telehealth services
• Infectious Disease and Pulmonary Clinic
• Post-COVID Clinic
• On-site heart ultrasound services
• Resumed Saturday Surgical Specialty Clinics
• Established a 24/7 COVID Hotline with provider consultations
Sonja Mendoza
• District 4 Santan
• Customer Service, Representative
• Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
• 1 Year of Service
MULTI-YEAR REPORT: A FIVE YEAR REFLECTION (2019 - 2023)
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
GILA RIVER HEALTH CARE
Prioritizing for our future
THE ELEV8 INITIATIVE
Gila River Health Care’s Elev8 Initiative is committed to strengthening its healthcare system.
• Fostering the interests of K-12 students in healthcare careers
• Supporting healthcare professionals in their careers
• Cultivating Community health and wellness
Partners:
Through our grant funding partnership with the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health (AIHAHEC) and other collaborations, Gila River Health Care implemented the first Tribal Area Health Education Center in the state of Arizona. This funding helped establish Gila River Health Care’s ELEV8 Initiative, which aligns with AIH-AHEC’s mission to mentor youth to pursue healthcare careers through health education, summer programs, and clinical rotations.
ELEV8 Summer Scrubs Program
In collaboration with American Indian Health – Area Health Education Center, Gila River Health Care established the Summer Scrubs Program in 2023. Students experienced diverse educational opportunities through clinical and non-clinical rotations and internships. The overarching goal of this initiative is to bolster the healthcare workforce within Arizona’s Tribal facilities and communities.
TWO OF OUR OWN!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Frances Antone
• District 1 Blackwater
• Physician Assistant Certified, Pediatrics
• Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
• 19 Years of Service
Melanie Webb
• District 3 Sacaton
• Customer Service, Representative
• Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
• 2 Years of Service
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
Healthcare Heroes in the Making - Kids’ Career Showcase
This inaugural event in 2023, marked the beginning of an annual tradition that underscores our dedication to nurturing student interest in healthcare careers, encompassing both clinical and non-clinical roles.
The ELEV8 Initiative Nursing Conference
The conference offered 75 Gila River Health Care nurses invaluable insights, including strategies to interpret health equity by addressing potential barriers to care for patients. Additionally, attendees learned how to integrate and effectively communicate information from interdisciplinary teams in patient care, as well as how to identify resources and pathways for lifelong learning and educational pursuits.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Cadet Program
The First Responders Vocational Program is a multi-focused program managed by Gila River Indian Community’s First Responder Departments (Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service), and overseen by GRIC Employment and Training. This year-round program targets GRIC youth ages 16 to 24 years old and focuses on educational training and career preparation in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services.
Top Left to Right - Keenan Jackson, District 5 Casa Blanca; Alexander Kyyitan, District 3 Sacaton; Junior Escalante, District 3 Sacaton; Elijah Soke, District 3 Sacaton; Isaiah Soke, District 3 Sacaton; Vincent Alvidrez, District 7 Maricopa Colony; Jaylon Cooper, District 3 Sacaton.
Bottom Left to Right - Carlitos Makil, District 4 Stotonic; Kiana Thomas, District 3 Sacaton; Sayuri Jackson, District 3 Sacaton; Aiyana Jackson, District 4 Stotonic; Vince Cook, District 3 Sacaton.
Prioritizing for our Future
Cultural Community Training: Treating Every Patient with Dignity and Respect
Cultural competency is the key to understanding, connecting and providing exceptional care. We take great pride and ensure every employee experiences the Cultural Community Training. Cultural sensitivity, diversity awareness education, and behavioral/corporate change initiatives are incorporated into every employee job description.
Robert Pablo
• District 3 Sacaton
• Board of Directors
• 22 Years of Service
Joyce Soto
• District 2 Hashan Kehk
• Customer Service, Representative
• Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
• 16 Years of Service
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES (BHS) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Mobile Classroom: In the spring of 2023, BHS introduced a mobile classroom to expand prevention services to include:
• Trainings
• Community education sessions
• Drive-thru events
• Event support with community collaborations
The activities focused on promoting substance use prevention, suicide prevention efforts, behavioral health services, crisis line information and harm reduction events to distribute Narcan. This introductory phase include an average of 4 monthly activities which served a total 659 participants over the course of nine months.
The BHS Prevention Program continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Gila River Indian Community with promotions of mental health and preventing substance abuse. Their dedicated efforts to provide vital support, education, and resources to the community are conducted through direct community outreach throughout the year for better well-being and quality of life.
ONE OF OUR OWN!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Sierra De La Rosa
• District 5 Casa Blanca
• Office Manager
• BHS - Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
• 2 Years of Service
Culture is healing
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES SCHOOL COUNSELING
Since its inception in 2019, the BHS School Counselor Program has evolved into a robust initiative. In 2023, it became firmly established in six out of seven Community Elementary and Middle Schools. In recent years, the program’s increased presence has resulted in a notable increase in referrals and counseling encounters with students.
MAJOR INITIATIVES
Behavioral Health Services Integrated Wellness
Jiivik Siiki
• District 2 Hashan Kehk
• Traditional Counselor
• BHS - Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital • 3 Years of Service
We recognize the importance of providing care for the mind, body, spirit, and environment of every child. The Behavioral Health Integrated Wellness program was established to fully integrate behavioral health practitioners and medical providers into a cohesive team. This team provides comprehensive services to children and their parents and includes routine screenings to identify, treat and track mental health concerns.
WE ARE GROWING
SEED FARM PAVILION EXPANSION
In 2021, the Seed Farm Pavilion expansion added a two-level, 39,550 square feet building to the Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital campus. Podiatry and Women’s Health Clinic added treatment rooms, expanded patient waiting areas, and enhanced imaging and lab services.
Planting seeds for our future
Gila River Health Care has honored Community tradition and history by using O’otham language to name its newest buildings, conference rooms and outdoor amphitheater.
New Beginnings (Vechij Shon) Building
MAJOR INITIATIVES
New Beginnings (Vechij Shon) Building
In 2021, Gila River Health Care opened Vechij Shon, Services include: Outpatient counseling, traditional counseling, crisis, psychiatry, case management and prevention.
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WE ARE GROWING
PEDIATRIC CLINIC
In October 2023, the Pediatrics Department moved into 5,000 square feet of newly dedicated clinic space within the Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital. This new clinic has twelve treatment rooms specifically designed for pediatric patients, with quick access to emergency services and medical imaging if needed.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) STATIONHOUSE IN DISTRICT 7
The newly constructed 4,000 square feet EMS stationhouse consists of five bedrooms, two ambulance bays, a kitchen and offices. This stationhouse allows expedited response to Gila River Indian Community Members residing within District 7.
Planting seeds for our future
FOOD SERVICES
The Food Services Department took extraordinary steps to provide nourishment beyond the hospital walls. Recognizing the challenges faced by the elderly homebound they implemented a thoughtful initiative during the pandemic delivering meals to ensure no one went hungry. Additionally, leveraging digital platforms, they seamlessly transitioned to digital payment methods and curbside meal pick-up, ensuring convenience and accessibility for all.
In 2023, Grab & Go healthy meal options were offered at Komatke Health Care and new menu options have undergone a transformation, with a focus on health and variety at all locations. The Food Services Department now offers nutrient-rich meals, traditional menu options and specialty catering from all three locations.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Lenora Yucupicio-Mora
• District 1 Blackwater
• Director, Food Services
• Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
• 20 Years of Service
IHS Funding vs Operating Expenses
COVID Expenses Over The Years
Healthcare is our business, but caring for your health is our mission.
When we learned in November 2019 that a highly contagious, deadly virus had emerged in a small region in China, few could have predicted that it would affect the entire world. By January 2020, the virus was rapidly spreading outside of China, and the US reported its first cases in elder care facilities. The number of people contracting the virus and quickly dying was startling. We immediately recognized the danger and mobilized. It was not a matter of if the virus would come to Gila River Indian Community, but when. When proved to be March 2020, and we were prepared.
Our fight required a coordinated strategy, personal sacrifice, courage, discipline, stamina, humility, and compassion. As leaders, we wish to recognize our staff - those who worked on the front lines testing, vaccinating, and treating patients. Those who ensured our facilities were safe and clean. Those who fought for the resources to make sure we had the masks, laboratory equipment, vaccines, and life-saving medications. Those who went door-to-door to take care of patients who were home bound. Those who transported our patients. Those who staffed our hotlines 24/7. Those who made sure that the public was informed every step of the way. Not all heroes wear capes. We are forever grateful for, and deeply proud of, their efforts. Together we saved lives.
While the global pandemic overwhelmed most hospitals and elder care facilities, that did not happen here. Any life lost is one too many. However, as we cared for thousands of patients with COVID at Gila River Health Care, the virus did not spread on our campuses. It was safe to reside at The Caring House, to work here, and to receive your care here. Together we saved lives.
To all the patients we served, we thank you for your courage, patience, and support during these trying years – you were truly rez-ilient – and we are grateful for the trust you placed in us during a time when it was difficult to do so. We delivered more care in these last 5 years than we had in the prior 25 years. Together we saved lives
Gila River Health Care is a large and complex organization. We are approaching 2,500 staff; provide hundreds of thousands of visits, nearly a million medication prescriptions, and transport nearly 150,000 patients to and from their health care visits each year. We provide care on our campuses, in the Community’s schools, come to your homes, offer mobile clinics throughout the Community, and safely transport you. We are everywhere you are. Few healthcare systems can say that.
As we begin our 30th year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Community. We strive to improve. We are growing to meet the Community’s needs. Healthcare is our business, but caring for your health is our mission. Together, we will continue to save lives.
