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August Newsletter

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ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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PEOPLE OPS NEWSLETTER HR@GPTCHB.ORG

UPCOMING EVENTS NEO August 10th & 24th New Employee Orientation, takes place biweekly. Annual Evaluation Process August 1st - 15th The 2026 Annual Evaluation Process is now open in ADP!

HUD 184 Housing Program August 11th 12PM - 1PM Granite Bank will share about housing loans at Elderberry HUD 184 Housing Program August 18th 12PM - 1PM Granite Bank will share about housing loans at OHC in room 4/5 Nutrition Class August 20th 1PM - 2:30PM At OHC in room ⅔ to discuss goal setting, My Plate, label reading and more

RECOGNITION DAYS Professional Development Month August Financial Awareness Day August 14th National Relaxation Day August 15th Women’s Equality Day August 26th Send any recognition dates for 2026/2027 to Andraya Bledsoe.

National Wellness Month

Prioritize Your WellBeing This August. National Wellness Month, observed every August, promotes self-care, healthy habits, and overall wellbeing. Established in 2018 by Live Love Spa, it serves as a reminder that taking care of ourselves is essential—not optional. Wellness extends beyond physical health. It also includes our mental, emotional, social, and financial well-being. National Wellness Month encourages us to focus on simple, sustainable habits that support a healthier and more balanced life, both at work and at home. Throughout August, we invite everyone to make wellness a priority by practicing self-care, managing stress, and building healthy routines that help us thrive. Small, intentional actions can make a meaningful difference in our overall well-being.

Here are a few ways to participate:

Taking a walk during breaks Drinking more water daily Practicing gratitude each day Prioritizing a good night's sleep Connecting with a coworker or loved one Making time for activities that help you recharge Spending time outdoors and enjoying fresh air Preparing a healthy meal or snack Checking in on your mental and emotional well-being Setting aside time for a favorite hobby Taking a few deep breaths during stressful moments Remember: A little self-care goes a long way. Small, healthy choices made consistently can help you feel your best and thrive both personally and professionally.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Nourish and Flourish

Food for Thought with Registered Dietitian, Cynthia Gates. How Much Water Should you Drink? For the average healthy adult, a common recommendation is eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, which equals 64 ounces. However, hydration needs vary based on factors such as activity level, age, health status, and climate. Here are some general guidelines:

Meet Cynthia Gates, our Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist in Primary Care. Through personalized nutrition guidance and practical wellness strategies, she helps relatives create sustainable habits that support healthier lives. Best Tips for Staying Hydrated This Summer Staying hydrated during the warm summer months is important. This is necessary as it will keep your body and mind functioning at its best. Why our Bodies Need Water Water is critical to overall health. Every cell, tissue and organ in the human body relies on it to function properly. Staying hydrated helps your body: Flushes waste from the body Supports a healthy immune system Lubricates and cushions joints Promotes healthy digestion Improves memory, alertness, mood, and sleep quality Regulates body temperature

Men: Approximately 13 cups (100 ounces) of total beverages per day, including water. Women: Approximately 9 cups (74 ounces) of total beverages per day, including water. Easy rule of thumb: Drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, aim for about 100 ounces of water daily. Other beverages, such as tea, milk, and coffee, also contribute to your daily fluid intake. However, plain water is the best choice because it is calorie-free and helps keep your body hydrated without added sugars or ingredients. Try to make water your primary beverage and aim for most of your daily fluid intake to come from water. Fun Facts About Hydration Did you know? Approximately 20% of your daily fluid intake comes from food, while the remaining 80% comes from beverages. Many fruits and vegetables have a high-water content and can help you stay hydrated. Water makes up approximately 50% to 70% of your body weight, so even mild dehydration can affect both your physical and mental performance. Some estimates suggest that

50% to 75% of Americans may experience chronic dehydration, often without realizing it. Try Adding These Delicious, Hydrating Foods to Your Diet: Cucumbers Celery Tomatoes Watermelon Strawberries Grapefruit Remember: Staying hydrated isn't just about drinking water—eating water-rich foods can also help you meet your daily hydration goals, especially during the hot summer months.

Mní wičhóni is the Lakota expression that encapsulates their belief that water is a sacred part of nature and therefore all existence: “Water is Life.”


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Nourish and Flourish

Fresh Picks from our Dietitian. Wellness starts in the Kitchen

Watermelon Salad

Protein Energy Balls

Healthy eating can be simple and delicious. Try these easy, nutritious recipes from Cynthia Gates to help fuel your day and support your wellness goals.

Ingredients: 8 cups cubed ripe seedless watermelon, chilled 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 ounces crumbled feta cheese 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil Instructions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Serve immediately. If making ahead, refrigerate the cubed watermelon separately; it releases a large amount of water after it is cut. Then assemble the salad right before serving. Leftovers store for up to 2 days.

Ingredients: 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats 1 cup creamy peanut butter ⅓ – ½ cup honey ¼ cup chia seeds ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Featured Recipes Watermelon Salad Protein Energy Balls

Instructions: 1. Combine all ingredients -I like to add a splash of vanilla and a pinch of sea salt too 2. Use a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon and round them into balls. 3. Place pan in the refrigerator or freezer until hard. 4. Then store in a zip-top bag or covered container for up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Wellness Tip:

Remember: Wellness isn't about perfection, it's about consistency. Small choices, like staying hydrated, choosing nutritious foods, taking a walk, or getting enough rest, can add up to make a big impact on your overall well-being. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate the healthy habits you're building every day.


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Staff Suggestion Box Updates

Submit Your Staff Suggestions

Thank you to everyone who shared suggestions. We are committed to closing the loop by keeping you informed on how your feedback is being reviewed and addressed. Executive Leadership has been taking the time to review staff suggestions and identify opportunities for improvement across the organization.

Have an idea? We want to hear it!

You Said, Leadership Responded

Below, you'll find responses from leadership to some of the feedback received.

Your Suggestions

1. I would like to propose that prior military service be recognized when determining Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual rates. Military service develops leadership, dedication, technical skills, and a commitment to public service that can provide significant value to the organization. Many employers recognize military experience by crediting years of military service toward PTO accrual eligibility. Granting year-for-year military service credit for PTO accrual purposes would demonstrate support for veterans, help attract and retain qualified employees, and acknowledge the experience and sacrifices made by those who served our country.

Drop Your Suggestions!

Big ideas, small ideas, creative ideas, or practical improvements, every suggestion matters. The Staff Suggestion Box is your opportunity to share thoughts on how we can make GPTLHB an even better place to work. While we may not be able to implement every suggestion, each one is carefully reviewed. When possible, we'll explore ways to bring ideas to life, and when we can't, we'll do our best to share the reasoning behind the decision. Your voice helps shape our workplace, so don't be shy, drop your ideas in the box and help us make great things happen together!

Leadership Response & Next Steps

1. Military Service PTO Accrual Thank you for submitting your request to recognize prior military service when determining PTO accrual rates. After careful review, the request has been denied. Our current PTO accrual structure is based exclusively on an employee’s length of service with Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board and is applied consistently across the organization. While certain federal employment systems, including some Indian Health Service (IHS) direct-hire positions, allow qualifying military service to be credited toward leave accrual calculations, those federal provisions do not apply to GPTLHB employees. We sincerely value the dedication, leadership, and experience that veterans bring to our workforce and appreciate your willingness to share this recommendation. Although we are unable to grant the request at this time, we are grateful for your service and for your commitment to making GPTLHB a stronger organization. Thank you for bringing this suggestion forward for consideration.

If you have a suggestion you'd like to share, please submit it through the Smartsheet System.

Use the link below: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/3184 0bdd09a54c149be453a6efb304ab


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Staff Highlight Initiative

ROXANN WILEY WILEY POSITION

Medical Record Coder Coding Remote HEALTH CARE FAV QUOTE

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ― Mahatma Gandhi GPTLHB

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I enjoy learning about the culture of the organization and knowing that we are helping the relatives is very important. It has been a positive experience to witness the growth of Oyate. I appreciate how the organization invests in their employees and community.

What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? I enjoy learning and am able to learn something new every day. Every day is different from the last. Healthcare is everchanging and never boring. HOBBY

What's your favorite hobby or pastime? I follow my grandchildren in Volleyball, Softball, Football, Archery and Theater. I enjoy camping, gardening, and reading.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Staff Highlight Initiative

MATTHEW

KINGSBURY KINGSBURY POSITION

EVS Tech EVS Oyate Health Center

FAV QUOTE

That which is in me is greater than that which is in you.

BUCKET LIST

What's one thing on your bucket list that you haven't done yet? Christmas in Ireland.

UNWIND

GPTLHB

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? Working with my teamates.

What's your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? Sauna.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Staff Highlight Initiative

CHRISTY STEINER STEINER POSITION

Position Department Oyate Health Center

PETS

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! FAV QUOTE

“God’s timing is perfect, let your faith be bigger than your fear.”

GPTLHB

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I enjoy the supportive team orientated atmosphere of the pharmacy. As a new employee it has been great to have team members willing to help, listen, and guide me through the orientation process.

I have two dogs. Gracie is a goldendoodle and Murphy is a standard poodle. Gracie is loyal, loving, and protective. She likes to bring us things. She is very helpful in bringing us the remote control or cell phone when we drop them, our shoes, and she will take things back and forth from one person to another. She knows all our names. Murphy is a clown and naughty. He is always being silly, plays non-stop, and has an addiction to Yoggie gummies. Unfortunately, this gummy addiction has led to two medication overdoses and an acute liver injury. Nothing is safe as he can reach up to 5 feet. But don’t worry he has fully recovered and mom now puts all tempting things away. He likes to play tug of war and keep away with Gracie. She on the other hand thinks he’s a pest.

BUCKET LIST

What's one thing on your bucket list that you haven't done yet? I haven’t traveled outside the country except to Canada. I hope soon I will be able to experience all the wonders of the world beyond the Dakotas and Wyoming.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026 Privacy and Compliance

Stepping Away? Lock Before You Walk! Need to step away from your workstation? Protect patient privacy and sensitive information by locking your computer before you leave. Leaving your workstation unlocked, even for a few minutes can put sensitive information at risk. An unattended computer may allow unauthorized individuals to: Access patient health information (PHI) View confidential employee or business records Modify or delete important data Send emails or messages under your name Create security and compliance risks for the organization Lead to potential privacy breaches and loss of patient trust 3 Easy Ways to Lock Your Screen?

PAGE 08 Training and Development

Coming up in Training & Development July Highlights: July seems to have flown by but we are on a great start of our next six months of formal trainings! We are excited to continue learning and growing together. Starting in August, we will have an additional in-person Leadership Development training at Elderberry. Department Trainings: We have wrapped up the "Generations in the Workforce" and "Resiliency" departmental trainings for the quarter. August is National Professional Development Month Cassie from the Training & Development Department had the opportunity to travel to Alaska with the Organizational Development team and learned so much from Southcentral Foundation's (SCF) Training Department. There are new projects currently in the works and we couldn't be more excited to share them with you.

customizable to your department. Please reach out to Mary VonGoedert to schedule your trainings! Our value of July was Generosity/Wowacantognake. The trainings offered were: Leadership Development: Empathetic Leadership with Cassie Hall & Sarah Four Horns People Ops Fundamentals Recognition, Appreciation, and Meaningful Engagement with Elle Swan & Mary VonGoedert Core Connection Tool Sharing & Responding to Story with Allison Joachim Cultural Connections Traditional Giveaways and Knowledge with Delaney Apple Growing & Healing Together Structural Teams and SharePoints with PJ Beaudry New Employee Orientation During July we welcomed 17 new hires!

Investing in professional development is an investment in our people, our teams, and our future.

A locked screen helps keep patient information secure and supports our commitment to privacy and confidentiality.

Important Reminder If you have general privacy questions? Contact Debbie Matson on Teams or at Ext. 2511.

Take time to invest in your growth! Whether it's attending a training, learning a new skill, or exploring a new idea, professional development helps strengthen both you and our organization. What’s Ahead In August we are focusing on our value Wowalitake - Fortitude. We are also excited to announce the full launch of "Customer Service" and "The Gratitude Challenge". Each of these trainings are

Welcome, July New Hires


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

PAGE 09 Employee Wellness Corner

Snapshots of the Month

July in Pictures

Setting Healthy Work Boundaries

Healthy work boundaries help protect your time, energy, and well-being. Boundaries aren't about doing less; they're about creating clear expectations that allow you to work more effectively and sustainably. Try these simple strategies:

Connecting Kids to Coverage participated in a community outreach event at OHC.

Sexual Assualt Awareness 5k Color Run & 1 Mile Walk.

Set clear work hours and avoid regularly checking emails or messages after your workday ends. Prioritize your tasks and focus on what is most important before taking on additional responsibilities. Take your breaks to recharge and return with renewed focus. Remember: Establishing healthy boundaries supports productivity, reduces stress, and helps prevent burnout. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's an important part of doing your best work.

Ribbon Making Class at Elderberry provided a space to create you own skirt. Matierials were provided for this wellness activity.

T-shirts were provided to the Color Run participants on July 12th for the community event.

Ribbon Skirt making was a wellness initiative offered to staff during the month of July.

Dental Buddies reconnect! Becki was a buddy to Alyssa when she came on as a new hire.

“A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away." – Eudora Welty

Wellness Tip: This week, identify one boundary you can strengthen and commit to it for the next five workdays. Small changes can make a big difference.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Staff Highlight Initiative

MEKENZIE

BORDEAUX BORDEAUX POSITION

Dental Assistant Dental Oyate Health Center

FAV QUOTE

“Seeing the good things happening in your life depends on your ability to notice them.”

GPTLHB

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I like making sure our relatives are receiving the best care and the working environment of the entire facility is very welcoming.

HOBBY

What's your favorite hobby or pastime? Playing volleyball (sand or indoor), snowboarding, and camping.

BUCKET LIST

What's one thing on your bucket list that you haven't done yet? Backpacking through Europe and skydiving.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Staff Highlight Initiative

TERRA LLOYD LLOYD POSITION

RN Case Manager Team Sage Oyate Health Center UNWIND FAV QUOTE

It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine. - Eeyore

What's your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? I unwind by spending time outside. Hiking, camping, and boating are at the top of my list but really anything that involves friends and sunshine makes me happy.

GPTLHB HEALTH CARE

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I enjoy that everyday I have the opportunity to meet someone new whether it be a coworker and/or relative.

What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? I worked as a social worker for several years and then went on to pursue a master’s degree in counseling. While in graduate school I was working at the prison in Springfield SD and a coworker there inspired me to switch gears and become a nurse.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Staff Highlight Initiative

ERIC STEARNS STEARNS POSITION

System Administrator IT Central Office PETS

FAV QUOTE

Just keep swimming.

GPTLHB

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I love working in healthcare IT and everyone is so nice.

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! We have 5 cats and 2 dogs. Over the years we have fostered over 50 kittens.

BUCKET LIST

What's one thing on your bucket list that you haven't done yet? Visit Ireland.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026 Benefits Buzz

Now Available: Roth 403(b) Retirement Savings Option

PAGE 13 Benefits Buzz

Benefits Connect

The Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board 403(b) Retirement Plan now offers a Roth (after-tax) contribution option, giving employees more flexibility in how they save for retirement. Employees can now choose to contribute to: A Traditional (Pre-Tax) 403(b) A Roth (After-Tax) 403(b) Or a combination of both

What’s the difference? Traditional 403(b): Contributions reduce your taxable income today, with taxes paid upon withdrawal in retirement. Roth 403(b): Contributions are made after taxes, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are generally taxfree. No action is required if you are already enrolled and do not wish to participate in the Roth option. Don’t Miss the Match The Health Board continues to match 100% of employee contributions up to 6% of eligible compensation, regardless of whether contributions are made to a Traditional, Roth, or combined account. Employees contributing less than 6% may be missing out on employer-paid retirement savings. Enroll or Make Changes To enroll, update contributions, or add Roth contributions, complete the 403(b) Enrollment Form and submit it through the Organization Development Support Request: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/05164af32a7644ef85 e630944b1e42a4 For questions about plan eligibility, enrollment, or contribution changes, contact the Benefits Department. For investment or retirement planning guidance, contact Josef Ghaussy, Hub International, at 402-964-5694 or josef.ghaussy@hubinternational.com The Benefits Department cannot provide investment, tax, or financial planning advice.

Benefits Connect is your opportunity to stop by, ask questions, and get guidance from the Benefits team. Whether you need help understanding your medical, dental, vision, retirement, or other employee benefits, we're here to help. These walk-in sessions are designed for quick questions and support. (For more complex issues requiring more than 5–10 minutes, we'll be happy to help schedule a one-on-one appointment.) OHC: Wednesdays 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Elderberry: Every other Wednesday 2:00 PM–3:00 PM No appointment necessary, just stop by! Benefits Team: Mariah Frost Benefits Specialist

Cameron Lafferty Benefits Administrator


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Staff Highlight Initiative

GRACEE

SCHOMMER SCHOMMER POSITION

Patient Services Representative Patient Services Oyate Health Center MUSIC FAV QUOTE

“Where there’s a will, There’s a way”

What's your favorite music genre or band? Country and/or Rap.

GPTLHB

PETS

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB?

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them!

I enjoy my coworkers and the relatives. I see a lot of people every week and enjoy being able to help or be a friend to them.

I have a dog! He’s name is Apollo, he’s a Shiba Inu. A Japanese hunting dog who keeps me on feet 24/7 and loves to play!


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Staff Highlight Initiative

MELISSA LOEN LOEN POSITION

Claims Technician Purchased Referred Care Oyate Health Center MUSIC FAV QUOTE

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

What's your favorite music genre or band? I listen to everything, and I mean everything, but lately my favorite has been heavy rock.

GPTLHB

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I like how there are great people, meaningful work, and just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting.

PETS

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us about them! I currently have one kitty cat and 6 chickens.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Lakota Culture: Teachings for the Future

Lakota Culture: Teachings for the Future

Learning Lakota is more than learning words, it’s celebrating culture, building connections, and honoring a language that carries identity and strength.

Cultural Advisor Delaney Apple participated in Training & Development's July trainings, helping facilitate Cultural Connections: Traditional Giveaways and Knowledge. Through sharing cultural teachings and traditions, the training provided employees with valuable insights and opportunities to strengthen cultural awareness and understanding in the workplace.

Strengthening Kinships

Homework Phrases for the Month of August: Have compassion for our children. Wakȟáŋyeža kiŋ úŋšiwičhala pe - Female Wakȟáŋyeža kiŋ úŋšiwičhala po- Male I am Lakota so I feel courageous. Malákȟota čhá blihémič’iye kštó - Female Malákȟota čhá blihémič’iye yeló - Male You did well. Taŋyáŋ ečhánuŋ kštó - Female Taŋyáŋ ečhánuŋ yeló - Male Pe, We, Ksto, he - Female Dialect Po, Wo, Yelo, hwo - Male Dialect

Learning Together

Cultural Advisor Delaney Apple encourages staff to participate in the following: Mondays & Tuesdays: Craft Night 5:30-8:30pm at Lakota Homes Oyate Center Tuesdays: Lakota Language Class 12-1:00pm (Oglala Conference Room) or via Zoom.

Lakota Values in Action

Delaney Apple shared: Many of us strive to maintain balance in our lifetime. We can only stand up to face the challenges we encounter, meet them head on. With these teachings and values many of us will overcome those obstacles and turn them to life lessons. Woksape - Wisdom Woohitika - Bravery Wowacintanka - Fortitude Wacantognaka - Generosity


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Food Truck Forecast

Joke with Us - Laughter is Medicine

Food Truck Calendar Update August 2026

Want to Hear a Joke?

Rolling Through During August

August 3 Travelin' Tom's Coffee | 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Funny News

Q: Why do cow milking stools only have three legs?

August 4 Mini Melts | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. August 5 Mini Melts | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. August 7 Culichi Roll | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Creative Bean Coffee | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. August 13 Patas Azules | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Patas Azules will arrive approximately two hours before service for prep and setup. Pre-orders are encouraged at least two hours in advance to help reduce wait times and ensure smooth service. August 14 Travelin' Tom's Coffee | 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Mini Melts | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Patas Azules | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Patas Azules will arrive approximately two hours before service for prep and setup. Pre-orders are encouraged at least two hours in advance to help reduce wait times and ensure smooth service. August 20 Sips Drink Spot | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Mini Melts | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. August 21 Tacos Los Carnales | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. August 26 Patas Azules | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Patas Azules will arrive approximately two hours before service for prep and setup. Pre-orders are encouraged at least two hours in advance to help reduce wait times and ensure smooth service. August 28 Travelin' Tom's Coffee | 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Chill Your Roll | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Sips Drink Spot | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Be sure to stop by, support these local businesses, and enjoy a variety of food, treats, and beverages throughout the month!

A: Because the cow's got the udder! Check-in-spiration

Check-in Station

Looking for a simple and engaging teambuilding activity? Try Spin to Appreciate! 1. Select a volunteer to go first. 2. Spin a digital wheel with team members' names. 3. The volunteer shares one positive thing they appreciate about the person whose name is selected. 4. The person who received the compliment then becomes the next speaker. 5. Spin the wheel again, and they share something they appreciate about the next person selected. 6. Continue until everyone has had a chance to participate.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Staff Highlight Initiative

CHRIS

MONTILEAUX MONTILEAUX POSITION

Motor Vehicle Operator MVO Oyate Health Center

FAV QUOTE

When life knocks you down. Don’t bounce back, bounce forward.

GPTLHB

UNWIND

What's your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? To spend time with family, being able to cook a nice meal. Cooking is one of my favorite pastimes. Just getting outside Smoking or BBQ slow cooking food is a great unwind for me. HOBBY

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB?

What's your favorite hobby or pastime?

Being able to continue to provide support to my community and be an active roll for so many of my relatives.

Favorite hobby would have to be camping in the hills, to just disconnect from TV/cell phone usage.


ISSUE 06 / AUGUST 2026

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Staff Highlight Initiative

LACEY

FEW FEW TAILS TAILS POSITION

Registered Nurse Primary Care/Urgent Care Oyate Health Center

FAV QUOTE

I’m alive, something in me knows where I’m going.

GPTLHB

What do you like most about working for GPTLHB? I enjoy seeking community here with that I see and learn new things every day. I was given a warm welcome by my colleagues and coworkers. This motivates me to keep moving forward.

INSPIRED

What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? I decided to pursue a career in healthcare when I was visiting Mayo Clinic Hospital for the first time in fifth grade. I saw how impactful nurses were to me and my family there, and it inspired me to be where I am today. I wanted to show all the indigenous youth and my people that you can do anything you put your mind to. Education is power.

MUSIC

What's your favorite music genre or band? My favorite music genres are indie pop, indie rock, or alternative. My number one band is Peach Pit.


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SO THE PEOPLE MAY LIVE 2026 Annual Evaluations Now Open in ADP The 2026 Annual Evaluation Process is officially underway in ADP. Annual evaluations provide an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments, discuss performance, identify growth opportunities, and set goals for the coming year. Employees: Complete your selfevaluation in ADP by August 15, 2026. Be sure to highlight key accomplishments, goal progress, professional development, and contributions that support our mission, vision, values, and core competencies.

employee self-evaluations are submitted and complete all evaluations by August 30, 2026.

Key Dates August 15: Employee selfevaluations due August 21: Collaborator feedback due (if assigned) August 30: Supervisor evaluations due September 5-11: Evaluation review and acknowledgment period September 25: Eligible bonuses processed with payroll October 9: Approved step increases take effect

Please review the evaluation SOP and FAQs for detailed instructions. For technical issues or questions, contact People Operations. Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing excellence in tribal health through culturally guided service, innovation, and advocacy.

Supervisors: Begin evaluations as

Connecting with People Ops Team

Best Practices

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to the HR department at hr@gptchb.org or submit a Smartsheet request.

A Message from People Operations This month, we encourage everyone to take time to prioritize their well-being. Whether it's staying active, practicing mindfulness, connecting with loved ones, or simply taking a moment to recharge, every step toward wellness matters. Thank you for all you do each day. We look forward to sharing wellness tips, resources, and activities throughout the month as we support healthier, happier workplaces together!

As always, we’re sending our HR approved love!

Connecting with People Ops Team

Phone Directory Extensions Elle Swan - 2568

Jessica Olson - 2579 Cameron Lafferty - 2564 Mariah Frost - 4009 Andraya Bledsoe - 2280 Tricia McGuire - 2566 Sharla Salway - 2349 Michael Alcanter - 2562 Farrah Beard-Mincks - 2621 Erika Buchholz - 2384 Delaney Apple - 2670 Cassandra Vanasse - 2219 Gen Ribitsch - 2286 Adam Hosch - 2633 Gabrielle Knife - 4048


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