Partner Tribes
The Indian tribes that founded UIHS have lived in Humboldt and Del Norte counties for hundreds of years. Abandoned by the state, they were left without health care for many years. First incorporated in 1970, UIHS is a tribally owned and governed Indian Health Care Service with a main facility-Potawot-and five sites in outlying areas. In its 42-year history, it has grown from a staff of less than a dozen people to a comprehensive health care of more than 200 employees. It is governed by a Board of Directors that includes Indian community representatives from five different regions and Tribal Government representatives from each of the primary tribes and rancherias.