Health Update August 2026

3 Healthy Summer Recipes

These recipes are refreshing, high in fiber, and ideal for summer.

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Your August Health & Wellness Update Public Health Nursing Wellness Fair Upcoming Holiday Closures Stay Healthy and Safe This August Behavioral Health Services Event-Standing Together

August is National Wellness Month!

In this issue:

• National Immunization Awareness Month August 2026 / Issue 19 Welcome to Health Update, Gila River Health Care's monthly community newsletter! Published by the Public Relations & Marketing Department, Health Update keeps patients, families, and community members informed with timely health information, organizational news, upcoming events, wellness tips, and stories that matter most to our community. Our goal is to share valuable resources and important updates that help you stay connected with Gila River Health Care and the services available to you.

If your department has an upcoming event, program, health initiative, or other important information you'd like featured in a future issue, please contact the Public Relations & Marketing Department.

Email: runner@grhc.org

- Stay Up to Date on Recommended Vaccines - Vaccines Protect Every Stage of Life - Immunizations: A Simple Step Toward Better Health

• National Breastfeeding Month

- Supporting Breastfeeding Families - Resources for New Parents - Breastfeeding Support Throughout Your Journey

• National Health Center Week (typically observed in early August) - Celebrating Community Health - Quality Care Close to Home - Thank You for Trusting Us with Your Care

• Children's Eye Health and Safety Month - Help Protect Your Child's Vision - Back-to-School Eye Health Tips - Healthy Eyes for Learning Success

- 3 Healthy Summer Recipes August is National Wellness Month

National Wellness Month encourages everyone to prioritize self-care and healthy habits. Wellness includes physical, mental, and emotional health, and small daily choices make a difference.

Eat nutritious foods, stay active, get enough sleep, manage stress, and maintain social connections to support well-being. Let this observance remind you that wellness is ongoing, and simple daily steps can

National Immunization Awareness Month National Immunization Awareness Month, observed each August, highlights the importance of staying up to date with recommended vaccines. Immunizations protect people of all ages from serious, preventable diseases. Use this month to review vaccination records, schedule needed immunizations, and consult your healthcare provider about appropriate vaccines for your age, health, and lifestyle. Staying current helps protect both individual and community health.

For more information on immunization schedules, contact your provider today.

National Breastfeeding Month/World Breastfeeding Week Each August, we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, a great time to highlight the health and societal benefits of breastfeeding. It focuses on supporting families with their feeding choices, creating welcoming environments where breastfeeding feels normal, and ensuring everyone has access to lactation support.

By encouraging each other and sharing information, we can help parents and babies start healthy and support long-term wellness. Let’s work together to raise awareness, remove hurdles to healthy feeding, support families, and share this message with others today.

World Breastfeeding Week, observed in early August, highlights the vital role of breastfeeding in lifelong health and development. Supported by global health organizations, this week focuses on the essential support women and babies need from healthcare systems during breastfeeding.

Mothers need access to skilled counseling, supportive environments, and accurate information to breastfeed as long as they choose. Investing in these areas makes meaningful support possible.

Breastfeeding not only benefits health but also saves costs, boosts cognitive development, and strengthens economies. Support breastfeeding now to help create lasting positive outcomes.

National Health Center Week National Health Center Week recognizes the essential role of community health centers in providing accessible, high-quality care. Health centers serve millions annually with preventive care, chronic disease management, behavioral health, dental care, and other vital services. This observance honors the dedication of healthcare professionals and staff who improve health outcomes and expand access to care. We appreciate the trust patients place in local healthcare providers.

Vechij Shon (New Beginnings)

Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center

Seed Farm Pavillion

Children's Eye Health and Safety Month Children's Eye Health and Safety Month promotes protecting children's vision. Good eye health supports learning, development, and daily activities, especially as students return to school.

Parents and caregivers should schedule regular eye exams, ensure children use protective eyewear during activities, and watch for signs of vision problems such as squinting, headaches, or difficulty reading. Early action can improve academic success and quality of life.

GRHC Optometry, Life Center, School Health Services Eyeglasses Wearing Contest

Congratulations to the top three schools. Mr. Barthell’s first grade class at Casa Blanca Elementary School placed first. Mrs. Thomas’ second grade class at Gila Crossing Community School placed second, and Ms. Moreno’s Kindergarten class at Sacaton Elementary School placed third. Thank you for participating in our Third Annual Eyeglass Contest, and best wishes for the new school year.

Cool off this summer with three fresh, flavorful recipes that are as nutritious as they are delicious. These healthy summer recipes are full of fresh ingredients, provide lasting energy, and make it easy to enjoy nutritious meals all season long.

Summer Tepary Bean Salad

This plant-based salad can be prepared in advance for meal prep or gatherings.

Ingredients • • • • • • •

2 cups cooked Tan Tepary Beans 1–2 pints of cherry tomatoes, halved 1–3 mixed bell peppers, diced 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen) 2 cucumbers, diced 1–2 cups of chopped and cooked Nopales cactus Dressing: Red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh or dried herbs, and chili flakes

Instructions • • • • • •

Rinse and soak the Tepary beans for 4–8 hours.

Place beans in a large pot with 8 cups of water, season with salt, pepper, and onions, and boil for 2–4 hours until soft.

If using fresh nopales, ensure the spines are cleaned off before cooking.

Combine the cooked beans with tomatoes, peppers, corn, cucumbers, and nopales in a large bowl.

Whisk together the dressing ingredients and toss with the salad.

Serve chilled, with tortilla chips if desired.

Chicken and Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce This low-carb, high-protein meal is easy to assemble for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients • • • •

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and sliced) 8 lettuce leaves 1 large cucumber and 1 large carrot (julienned) Peanut Sauce: 1/4 cup reduced-fat peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, garlic, and ginger

Instructions • • • • •

Whisk the peanut sauce ingredients together in a small bowl, adding water until the desired consistency is reached.

Lay out the lettuce leaves and place a slice of chicken on each.

Top with the julienned cucumber and carrots.

Drizzle the peanut sauce over the top and garnish with cilantro, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds.

Serve immediately.

Turkey Veggie Wrap

This cool, refreshing, high-fiber meal requires minimal preparation.

Ingredients • • • • • •

2 (6") whole wheat tortillas 2 tablespoons hummus 3 ounces deli turkey meat 2 small tomatoes, sliced 1/4 English cucumber and 1 bell pepper, cut into long strips Lime juice, salt, and pepper

Instructions • • • • •

Lay the tortillas flat and spread 1 tablespoon of hummus on each.

Divide the turkey and vegetables evenly between the two wraps.

Season with salt and pepper, then squeeze fresh lime juice over the fillings.

Roll the tortillas tightly, cut in half, and serve immediately with extra vegetables on the side.

Serve immediately.

Human Resources Department

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HEROES CARRY NARCAN SHIRT

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INTERACTIVE RESOURCE BOOTHS

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GUEST SPEAKERS, TRADITIONAL BLESSING, CLOSING SONG

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OPIOID AND OVERDOSE PREVENTION EDUCATION

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FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED

GILA RIVER HEALTH CARE RESOURCES F R E Q U E N T L Y Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital Main Number: (520) 562-3321 Behavioral Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 7100 Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1177 / 4017 Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1209 Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1232 Infusion Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1219 Inpatient Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1218 Laboratory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1220 Life Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 7940 Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 7365 Patient Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1204 Pharmacy Refill Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1270 Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1230 Podiatry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1258 Primary Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1495 Purchased Referred Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6025 Women’s Health Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1400

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E X T E N S I O N S

Komatke Health Center Main Number: (520) 550-6000 Behavioral Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6008 Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6609 Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6015 Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6044 Laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6016 Life Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6470 Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6012 Patient Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6006 Pharmacy Refill Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1303 Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6213 Podiatry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6520 Primary Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6000 Purchased Referred Care . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 5000 Women’s Health Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 6110

Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center Main Number: (520) 796-2600

Behavioral Health Services Main Number: (602) 528-7100

Audiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2965 Behavioral Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2620 Customer Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2619 Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2682 Imaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2655 Infusion Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1219 Inpatient Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 1218 Laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2651 Life Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2657 Optometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2690 Patient Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2737 Physical Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2715 Podiatry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2664 Primary Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2697 Purchased Referred Care . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 5000 Women’s Health Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ext. 2693

Gila River Indian Community Crisis Line . . . . (800) 259-3449 National Suicide Lifeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 988

Gila River Indian Community District Service Centers District 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 215-2110 District 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 562-3450 District 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 562-3334 District 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 418-3661 District 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 315-3441 District 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 550-3805 District 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 430-4780

Public Health Nursing (PHN) Main Office West-Komatke Health Center, Shegoi Building Main Line: (520) 550-6042 PHN Office Serving District 1 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 215-2110 PHN Office Serving District 2 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 562-3450 PHN Office Serving District 3 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 562-3321 PHN Office Serving District 4 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 418-2845 PHN Office Serving District 5 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 315-3826 / 3242 PHN Office Serving District 6 & 7 Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (520) 550-6042