Dear UIHS Family and Friends,
Summer is in full swing—and what a season of energy, growth, and connection it’s been! As we gather with loved ones, spend time on the rivers and beaches, and take part in ceremony and tradition, I want to celebrate all that we’ve shared together these past few months—and offer a glimpse at what’s ahead.
One of our biggest moments was the Grand Opening of the Valley East site in Arcata! This beautiful new clinic location is a testament to what we can build when we work together with vision, heart, and community. With capacity for thousands of visits annually, Valley East will bring culturally grounded, high-quality care to even more of our relatives. A huge shout-out to the Facilities, Medical, IT, and Admin teams who moved mountains to make it happen.
We were also honored by visits from Acting IHS Director Ben Smith from Washington D.C. and California Area Director for IHS, Beverly Miller. These visits help elevate Tribal voices and highlight the realities we face delivering healthcare in rural Native communities. We toured our clinics, shared our priorities, and reminded our federal partners that we are strong, creative, and rooted in solutions.
Early summer also brought the joy of community-building events—like the 42nd Annual Traditional Indian Health Gathering by the California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB) which UIHS was honored to host. The gathering celebrated the integration of traditional practices with contemporary healthcare approaches and brought together tribal elders, healers, health professionals, and community members to honor and strengthen Indigenous healing traditions.
And of course, our Annual Membership Meeting earlier in the year was a highlight! From department updates to delicious food and laughter, this gathering reflected the unity and momentum we’re building together. Whether you came to share your voice, learn more about our plans, or just enjoy time with your neighbors—we’re so grateful you were there. We were also honored to have Congressman Jared Huffman join us and to present him the Friends Are Good Medicine award for all his work
supporting tribal causes and health.
As we have rolled into summer, I’ve also seen the small, powerful moments that make UIHS such a special place: staff walking together on lunch breaks, fresh produce coming out of the community gardens, and departments getting creative with wellness challenges and cultural crafts. Whether you’re tending the land, supporting a client, or sharing a smile in the hallway—each act matters.
As we enjoy the rest of this vibrant season, here are a few tips to stay well:
Hydrate often, especially during warmer days.
Wear sunscreen and protect your skin.
Take breaks and breathe—especially during construction or busy clinic days.
Join one of our wellness events or simply spend time outside with your family.
And while we’re soaking up the sunshine, we’re also preparing for what’s next. Fall will bring new beginnings—ongoing construction as we grow into our expansion facilities, the launch of the EPIC software for easier-to-use electronic health records, more community training opportunities, and the next steps in our Strategic Plan focused on Workforce, Infrastructure, Communication, and Access (WICA). It’s also back-to-school time, and we’ll be here to support families through that transition with care, vaccinations, and wellness resources.
Thank you for all you bring to this village. Your dedication, kindness, and culture are what make UIHS strong. Let’s carry this summer’s spirit with us into the fall, grounded in purpose and community.
With deep appreciation,
Elizabeth Lara-O’Rourke
Chief Executive Officer
United Indian Health Services