Health Update by Gila River Health Care Newsletter - September 2025 Issue
VISION
To be the premier Native American healthcare delivery system empowered to serve the lifelong needs of our people.
PROMISE
We promise to treat you with dignity and respect.
MISSION
To provide high quality health care and improve the health of the Gila River Indian Community and other federally recognized tribes.
VALUES
• Accountability • Commitment
• Patients & Families • Culture
• Quality • Self-Governance
• Trust
GILA RIVER HEALTH CARE
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital since 1988
Komatke Health Center since 2009
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center since 2018
HEALTH UPDATES AND EDUCATION
• Suicide Prevention Month
• Suicide Prevention Storytelling
• Healthy Aging Month
• Food Safety Month
• New Behavioral Health Services Department Service Guide
• Pharmacy Lobby Etiquette
• Join us for the 30th Anniversary Celebration of GRHC’s Tribal Self-governance.
SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICES
• September Suicide Prevention Awareness
UPCOMING EVENTS
PATIENT NOTICE: Laboratory Order Process Update
• Guided Painting with Paul Molina
• Culture as Prevention
• Y2L Teen Workshop
In an effort to improve the quality of our patient care, we are changing the process of accepting external (nonGila River Health Care) laboratory orders.
Collection and processing of external laboratory orders are available during the hours below:
• Bracelet Making Family Night
External orders for laboratory services will be completed after a patient care visit with one of our providers.
Please present your laboratory order to the Patient Registration desk, and we will be happy to assist you through our new, quick process.
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:15 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
• Behavioral Health Services In-Person Education Sessions
Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Komatke Health Center
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
• Yes to Life! Glow in the Dark Bingo!
If you have any additional questions, please contact us (520) 562-3321 Ext.1220.
• Join us for Teen Movie Night
View our Health Update Newsletter for the month of March. SEPTEMBER
Saturday & Sunday - Closed
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
• Glow in the Dark Tie Dye Family Night
• Yes to Life Community Night
Saturday & Sunday - Closed
National Nutrition Month
• 20 Simple Nutrition Tips
• Life Center for Wellness
Scan QR code to view!
• Healthy Recipes
• Recent significant losses HOW TO HELP:
GRHC FITNESS
• Fitness Center
• Be direct and show you care "I don't want you
• Ask questions and be willing to listen
GRHC RESOURCES
• Don't discount or minimize the person's
• Frequently Called Extensions
• Tell others your concern - don't keep it a
• Stay with your friend until you get help (remove means - guns, pills, etc.)
Access our monthly calendar online at GRHC.ORG/BHS. Call us for more information at (520) 610-2394 or email us BHSprevention@GRHC.ORG
• Call for help (crisis line, doctor or trained professional)
NINTH EDITION
SUICIDE PREVENTION
STORYTELLING
To break the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health, storytelling is a powerful tool to normalize these conversations.
FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION
September is recognized as Food Safety Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of safe food handling and preparation to prevent illness. Life Center Building 11 | (520) 562-7940
Patient Reminder: Pharmacy Lobby Etiquette
Help maintain a safe, respectful, and private environment for everyone.
Health Updates and Education
SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time to unite communities, professionals, and advocates around suicide prevention. Raising awareness supports suicide prevention programs, professional education, resources for communities, and advances research and innovation. Suicide prevention is important year-round, and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month highlights the need to continue providing support for those in crisis, their loved ones, and the professionals who serve them. If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out to your local crisis line, text or call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for more details.
https://suicidology.org/september/
SUICIDE PREVENTION STORYTELLING
To break the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health, storytelling is a powerful tool to normalize these conversations.
WE CAN ALL HELP PREVENT SUICIDE
The following recommendations are provided by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a service established in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Together, they aim to shift the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, emphasizing actions that promote healing, offer support, and inspire hope.
Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
BE THERE KEEP THEM SAFE
Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
HELP THEM STAY CONNECTED
Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
FOLLOW UP
Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost interventions and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at www.988lifeline.org
MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS
Resources highlight crisis and suicide prevention resources specifically tailored for military personnel, veterans, and first responders, connecting them with support networks that understand their unique experiences.
RESOURCES
Veterans Crisis Line
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Find more information about the Veterans Crisis Line at www. veteranscrisisline.net. Press the button below to call directly or dial 800-273-8255 and press 1.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Offers support to military survivors who have lost a loved one to suicide. Provides grief counseling, peer support, and resources
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP)
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is the nation’s leading veterans service organization, dedicated to the total wellbeing of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans and their families.
NAMI Frontline Wellness: Public Safety Professionals
A NAMI program offering peer support, resilience-building tools, confidential and professional assistance, family resources, and wellness strategies tailored for public safety and health care professionals.
SAMHSA: First Responders and Disaster Responders Resource Portal
First responders face an increased risk of experiencing some mental health and substance use issues and conditions.
YOUTH AND STUDENTS
Resources for suicide prevention and crisis resources designed for youth, teens, and college students.
The Jed Foundation (JED)
The Jed Foundation (JED)’s mission is to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow.
The Jason Foundation
The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.
HEALTH UPDATES AND EDUCATION
September is Healthy Aging Month
Healthy Aging Month is recognized as a time to celebrate life and the positive aspects of growing older.
As we age, we become aware that our physical and mental health, as well as dietary and social needs, change over time. However, that doesn’t mean you’ve lost control. You can take charge of your well-being, by taking steps to age with a healthy body and a healthy mind.
1. Get Moving
• It is important to consult your doctor before exercising. Start slow, know your limitations and modify activities if needed.
• Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
• Beginning physical activity can be as easy as walking for ten to fifteen minutes for three to four days per week and increasing as you go.
• Maintaining regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
• Make your physical activity FUN and something you enjoy doing!
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
• Eat proper portion sizes.
• Overeating can lead to obesity and increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
• Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and have them make up half of your plate.
• Avoid excess processed foods.
• Stay hydrated- adults should drink between 10-16 cups of water per day, depended on gender, living environment, and activity level.
3. Stay Social
• Try something new by attending online or socially distant in-person classes that interest you.
• Use technology like Zoom or Facetime to stay in touch with friends and family.
4. Balance your body and mind
• Keep a positive attitude.
• Keep your mind active by reading or doing puzzles.
• Keep your body active through stretches and yoga.
5. Be proactive
• Receive regular checkups, physicals and medical tests when needed as many diseases can be prevented when caught early.
• Don’t forget appointments with the dentist and optometrist too.
• Take vitamins, supplements and medications as prescribed.
Wash hands and surfaces often
• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and handling pets.
• Wash your cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item.
• Consider using paper towels to clean up kitchen surfaces. If you use cloth towels, launder them often in the hot cycle.
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Scrub firm produce with a clean produce brush.
• With canned goods, remember to clean lids before opening.
Separate raw meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods during shopping, storage, and preparation. Use different cutting boards for fresh produce and raw proteins, and never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw items unless it has been thoroughly washed with hot, soapy water. Also, avoid reusing marinades from raw foods unless they’ve been boiled first.
Cook foods to their safe minimum internal temperature using a food thermometer, since color and texture are not reliable indicators of safety. Eggs should be cooked until the yolk and white are firm, and only thoroughly cooked or heated egg recipes should be used. In the microwave, cover, stir, and rotate food for even cooking, allowing standing time before checking the temperature. When reheating, bring sauces, soups, and gravy to a boil to ensure safety.
Keep foods safe by refrigerating promptly at 40°F or below and freezing at 0°F or below. Perishables like meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood should be refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours of cooking or purchase—or within 1 hour if above 90°F. Never thaw food at room temperature; instead, thaw in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave, cooking immediately after using water or microwave methods. Always marinate in the refrigerator, and divide large portions of leftovers into shallow containers for faster cooling.
Dear Gila River Health Care Patients, To help maintain a safe, respectful, and private environment for everyone, we kindly ask that patients follow the guidelines below while waiting in the pharmacy lobby:
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US MAINTAIN A WELCOMING AND HIPAA-COMPLIANT SPACE FOR ALL OUR PATIENTS!
NO CELL PHONE USE:
Please refrain from using cell phones at the pharmacy counter. This helps minimize distractions, protect patient information, and support a smooth and focused interaction.
RESPECT PRIVACY:
We ask that patients remain in the designated waiting area until called by pharmacy staff. This helps ensure comfort and privacy for all individuals being served.
PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS:
If you need to discuss personal health information, please feel free to request a private consultation room. Our pharmacy technicians are happy to assist you.
A Life Center initiative to promote that “Food is medicine” and “Healthy families are happy families“
Welcome to Welcome to
Limited availability for 25 people
Food Farm-acy class highlighted the idea that “Food is Medicine” and “Healthy Families are Happy Families.” Participants enjoyed interactive games that promoted healthy information for diabetics, along with simple, easy-to-make recipes that could be prepared at home. The session also provided fresh produce, tips from health experts, and valuable resources to support ongoing health and wellness.
Ask your Life Center provider about joining this program.
Event occurs every other Friday for 6 months and offers:
Welcome to Welcome to
Life Center Building 11 | (520) 562-7940
LIFE CENTER: FOOD FARM-ACY
The Life Center initiative promotes the concept that “Food is Medicine” and “Healthy Families are Happy Families.”
This event takes place every other Friday for six months and offers Life Center patients:
• Free healthy produce locally grown in Arizona
• Tips from health experts
• Cooking demonstrations
• New recipes
• Resources to support health and wellness
SACATON GROCERY STORE COLLABORATION
Exciting news about our new grocery store in Sacaton! We had a great meeting with their directors, and they are eager to collaborate with us.
Our first initiative will be to label certain healthy food items with GRHC-approved stickers, making it easier for the community to identify and select them.
Join Us
October 18th & 25th 2025
To Celebrating 30 Years of Tribal Self-Governance and Excellence in Health Care!
Gila River Health Care proudly invites you to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Tribal Self-Governance at one of our events
Saturday, October 18, 2025
10 AM - 1 PM
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital Sacaton, AZ
*Meals available to the first 600 attendees*
Saturday, October 25, 2025
10 AM - 1 PM Komatke Health Center Laveen, AZ
*Meals available to the first 300 attendees*
Mark your calendars and help us celebrate 30 years of commitment, growth, and community care.
Painting
Guided Painting
Huhugam Heritage Center
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Gila River Health Care BHS Prevention Program, in collaboration with Huhugam Heritage Center, presents two unique events centered around culture as a strategy for substance use prevention
Friday
September 12, 2025:
Presenter: Andrew Pedro
Topic: Environmental Stewardship through O’odham Himdag
Wednesday
September 24, 2025
Presenter: Leland Thomas
Topic: Connection to the Land
Contact: Ariana Gonzales
agonzales2@grhc.org or 520-610-5406
Funded by AHCCCS through Behavioral Health Services
TO LIFE! YES TO LIFE! TEEN WORKSHOP TEEN WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 ,2025
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 ,2025 DISTRICT 7 SERVICE CENTER
BUILDING 10:00AM - 2:00PM 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Gila River Health Care’s BHS Prevention Program, in collaboration with the Huhugam Heritage Center, invites you to two upcoming cultural events focused on substance use prevention through traditional teachings. Join us on September 12, 2025, for a session on Connection to the Land, and again on September 24, 2025, for Environmental Stewardship through O’odham Himdag. Both events run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and highlight the power of culture in supporting wellness and community health.
Yes to Life! Teen Workshop
Behavioral Health Services invites teens to connect, learn, and grow through fun, handson sessions around self-care, mental health, and supporting others. Join us on September 18, 2025, at the District 3 Multipurpose Building (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM). Lunch will be provided, and participants will receive giveaways for taking part.
September
In-Person Education
6:00PM - 7:00PM 3
Bring a friend!
Receive a certificate of attendance! Attend a session to receive supplies!
Contact Ariana Gonzales agonzales2@grhc.org or 520-610-5406
Provided By Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Services In-Person Education Sessions
Join us this September for community workshops covering Stress & Self-Care, Meth Awareness, Suicide Prevention, and QPR Training. Sessions will be held on September 18 (District 7 Service Center) from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Participants will receive supplies, a certificate of attendance, and are encouraged to bring a friend.
Yes to Life! Glow in the Dark Bingo! Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the District 6 Service Center - Learning Center from 5:00pm7:00pm. Join us in raising awareness for sucide prevention and mental health. One Bingo winner per-person. More information contact recreation at: (520) 610-7975 or (520) 562-3805 Ext. 2948
August 18, 2025 (6pm-7pm) Online
Summmer Community Trainings
Join us and learn about Suicide Prevention and Mental Health! These trainings are free and all adults are welcome!
Summer Community Trainings – Learn about suicide prevention and mental health through Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). This two-day, in-person training runs from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM and is open to all adults free of charge. Upcoming dates include October 22–23, 2025, at the Red Tail Hawk Building. For more information, contact Anna Pacheco at (520) 610-4919 or apacheco@grhc.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
A CAREER IN HEALTHCARE
Gila River Health Care offers a robust Career Portal where individuals can explore job openings and apply online. To apply, you’ll need to log in or create a new account; if nothing matches what you want now, you can submit a General Application so your information is on file for future opportunities.
GRHC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making hiring decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without discrimination on the basis of religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or other protected classes.
They also give priority to hiring members of the Gila River or Ak-Chin Indian Communities, or other American Indians and Alaska Natives, in compliance with relevant law. Applicants must pass a substance test as a condition of employment.
If no position is currently open, GRHC will keep your application for six months and consider it for future roles.
www.grhc.org/careers/
GILA RIVER HEALTH RESOURCES
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
Main Number: (520) 562-3321
Behavioral Health
Ext . 7100
Customer Service Ext 1177 / 4017
Dental Ext 1209
Imaging
Infusion Clinic
Ext . 1232
Ext . 1219
Inpatient Clinic Ext 1218
Laboratory
Life Center
Ext . 1220
Ext . 7940
Optometry Ext 7365
Patient Registration Ext 1204
Pharmacy Refill Line
Physical Therapy
Ext . 1270
Ext . 1230
Podiatry Ext 1258
Primary Care Ext 1495
Purchased Referred Care
Women’s Health Clinic
1303 Physical Therapy Ext 6213
Podiatry
Primary Care
Ext . 6025
Ext . 1400
PATIENT NOTICE:
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
Laboratory Order Process Update
Main Number: (520) 796-2600
Audiology
Behavioral Health
In an effort to improve the quality of our patient care, we are changing the process of accepting external (nonGila River Health Care) laboratory orders.
2965
External orders for laboratory services will be completed after a patient care visit with one of our providers.
Ext
2620
Customer Service Ext 2619
Please present your laboratory order to the Patient Registration desk, and we will be happy to assist you through our new, quick process.
Dental Ext 2682
Imaging
Infusion Clinic
Inpatient Clinic
If you have any additional questions, please contact us (520) 562-3321 Ext.1220.
Ext
Ext
2655
1219
View our Health Update Newsletter for the month of March.
HEALTH UPDATES AND EDUCATION
• Health updates and Education
• National Nutrition Month
• 20 Simple Nutrition Tips
• Life Center for Wellness
Care
Referred Care
Health Clinic
Ext 6520
Collection and processing of external laboratory orders are available during the hours below:
Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:15 pm Friday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Komatke Health Center
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
Saturday & Sunday - Closed
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:15 pm
Saturday & Sunday - Closed
Scan QR code to view!
• Recent significant losses
HOW TO HELP:
• Be direct and show you care "I don't want you to kill yourself"
PHN Office Serving District 2 Community .
PHN Office Serving District 1 Community (520) 215-2110
• Ask questions and be willing to listen
PHN Office Serving District 3 Community .
• Don't discount or minimize the person's feelings
PHN Office Serving District 4 Community .
• Tell others your concern - don't keep it a secret
(520) 562-3450
(520) 562-3321
(520) 418-2845
PHN Office Serving District 5 Community (520) 315-3826 / 3242
Access our monthly calendar online at GRHC.ORG/BHS.
PHN Office Serving Ak-Chin Community
Call us for more information at (520) 610-2394 or email us BHSprevention@GRHC.ORG In this edition
• Stay with your friend until you get help (remove means - guns, pills, etc.)
PHN Office Serving District 6 & 7 Community (520) 550-6042
• Call for help (crisis line, doctor or trained professional)
